Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century

It’s rare that I find a book of short stories that really works for me, but when an advance copy of this collection showed up with local author Kim Fu’s name on it, I had a good feeling. I was lucky enough to attend two different readings where Fu performed new work: first, at Hugo House, and again, here at Phinney Books. I was struck by her voice and imagination, both of which translate beautifully to the page. Each of the twelve stories is well-written, wonderfully surreal, and distinct. I felt particularly moved by the stories that explore the consequences of possible near-future technologies—"Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867," "Time Cubes," and "Twenty Hours" (think: Black Mirror, but infused with more hope and curiosity than cynicism and dread)—and the ones that read like modern creature myths: "June Bugs" and "Bridezilla." It’s hard to pick a favorite, and that makes it all the easier to recommend.