David Brin is currently among my favorite authors. Up until now, I’ve read only his novels, including The Postman, Earth, and the excellent Startide Rising, which is in the process of being turned into a film. The River of Time is a collection of his short stories, chock-full of interesting ideas, theories, and characters. It made me consider whether I like the novel or the short story better as a form. My conclusion was wishy-washy enough to be worthy of Charlie Brown: I like ’em both! In the same way that I enjoy a huge Thanksgiving dinner, but I’m also glad that Cool Ranch Doritos exist, I’m glad we’ve got both the big works and the more bite-size peeks into the minds of authors.

Anyway, back to the book. It’s good. If you like Brin, read it.