Topher: The author effectively captures the wonder, terror, and joy that can fill the heart and mind of a young child. By suddenly shifting the reader's perspective at the end, the reader comes to share those responses.
M. Robert Gibson: This two-fisted, red-blooded tale of adventure pays tribute to classic pulp fiction of yesteryear. The main character's clever ruse proves that one need not be merely a mighty-thewed barbarian to conquer evil.
therapist: Through the use of a fantasy premise the author provides an allegory of suffering and compassion. The open-ended conclusion forces us to ask ourselves how we would respond in such a situation.
chrispenycate: This introspective account of the all-too-common experience of debility takes an uncompromising look at the reality of the body's frailty. The theme of reflection, in more than one sense of the word, invites readers to consider their own susceptibility to physical limitations.
Ian Fortytwo: In this grim story of seemingly insurmountable odds against survival, suspense blends with a sense of the ephemeral nature of life. The narrator's final reaction to his fate conveys the astonishment we sometimes feel at our own existence.
Perpetual Man: The author playfully considers the fact that a pedant's expertise is often outdone by an outsider's unprejudiced eye. Besides raising a smile, this fable gently leads the reader to a state of becoming modesty.
The Judge: With tongue firmly in cheek, the author creates a combination of ancient myth and modern fantasy which is sure to amuse. As an added bonus, this droll tale perfectly captures the mixture of naiveite and hidden wisdom often found in the very young.
Ursa major: By bringing divinity down to Earth, this wry story allows us to imagine the trial and tribulations of a less-than-omnipotent deity. The conclusion raises the intriguing question of what exactly the limitations of such a being might be.
Marvin: The author conveys the full intensity of a nearly universal source of fear in this dark comedy. By only slightly exaggerating what we imagine happens in such a situation, this story comes to seem all too real.
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Votes go to
Jo Zebedee
Cat's Cradle
Daysman
