Speaking of cheating, some of you Orson Scott Card loyalists may feel a bit like you are cheating if you enjoy the rest of the book, but remember you are doing so with Uncle Orson's blessing. He wants you to read these stories, otherwise why would he go to the trouble of picking out the best of the best from his magazine (which carries the same name as the book, by the way). For those who are new to the world of Orson Scott Card, you will need to go back and read Ender's Game to fully appreciate "Cheater," "Mazer in Prison," "A Young Man With Prospects" and "Pretty Boy," all of which could be considered prequels to the series.

While you are waiting for your copy of Ender's Game to come in, I suggest starting with one of the most clever and amusing stories in the book: "Tabloid Reporter to the Stars." Next try "Fat Farm" in comic form for a bit of sadistic humor. Then flip to "Taint of Treason," which proves emotionally charged and powerful in a minimal number of pages.

While all the stories fit under the broad classification of science fiction or fantasy, they are surprisingly dissimilar in subject matter. Even though I only mention a few by name here, each story is interesting in a different respect. Commentaries written by the authors which follow each story provide additional insight to the reader and are a wonderful bonus feature. Overall, Intergalactic Medicine Show is a great introduction to some up and coming writers, interspersed with enjoyable interludes with old friends from the Enderverse.