The beauty of the stories is in the themes. These are not the far out fantasies found in many science fiction stories, but ideas that have been tossed about lately as being possible - places existing in alternate universes but still abutting each other, for example. Yet the stories take on an existence of their own after we accept one of Card’s theories about the existence of matter. Another theme these stories explore is that of the difference in time lapse, as illustrated in the story "Dust."

Each of the stories, with the possible exception of the literary piece "50 WPM," is just right for a one-sitting read. Then Card does an interesting and useful thing: he explains how he came by the story and, in some cases, describes what changes he plans for the piece - be that leave it as it is, or turn it into a novel. His notes on the Mormon stories are as interesting and entertaining as the stories themselves. Any science fiction fan would do well to get a copy of this book.