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New Dreams For Old by Mike Resnick
01/05/2007 . Source: Sue Davies 
pub: Pyr/Prometheus Books. 417 page enlarged paperback. Price: $15.00 (US). ISBN: 1-59102-441-2. Buy New Dreams For Old in the USA - or Buy New Dreams For Old in the UK  check out website: www.pyrsf.com
Such is the power of the short story that even at a page or two's length, the content can stay with us for a long time. It has to make an impression fast and even better make a laundry mark in the reader's brain. Then whenever they come across anything remotely to do with the subject they will recall, hopefully with pleasure at least, the gist of the story.
This collection of stories proved to be more memorable than the average cover would imply. Even now looking at the titles make me recall the hook of many of them. Each story has a specially written introduction with Mike Resnick's thoughts on the origin of the story and some reasons for it. At the front there is a list of where the stories were previously published.
Mike Resnick has picked over items that he has mused over and no doubt maybe even cause him sleepless nights. The stories range across the galaxy and across our own particular anxieties. In some, he uses a re-occurring character called Justin Mallory. This detective exists in a parallel New York where the office cat is full-sized and talks back and there is a backdrop of myth and magic. 'The Amorous Broom' is one such story that shows the complications that can ensue when an enchanted broom gets the hots for Justin.
The lighter tales are more than compensated for by the deeply thought out ones that brought a lump to my throat. For example, 'Down Memory Lane' deals with the heart-breaking response to dementia in your life-long partner and 'Travels With My Cat' looks at the impossibility of a relationship with someone who exists only in the past. 'For I Have Touched The Sky' is a poignant examination of how the human spirit will create change whether others want it or not. A young girl who has the glimpse of another life beats her wings against the confinement of her own existence.
All of the stories have a point to make and they do not waste words in saying them. Some of them are moving and other simply make you stop and think. I enjoyed them very much.
Sue Davies
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