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'Exhalation: Stories' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking science fiction stories that delve into philosophical questions like free will, consciousness, and the impact of technology on humanity. Chiang's writing style is described as calm, clear, and deeply engaging, allowing the meaning of the stories to shine through the scientific concepts explored. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from time travel to the nature of existence, all tied together by universal questions about humanity and the universe.

The book features a mix of speculative technologies and philosophical undertones, expertly formulated to create compact yet suggestive narratives. Chiang's storytelling is praised for its cleverness without sacrificing the human element of the stories, making readers care about both the characters and the speculative concepts presented. Each story in the collection offers a unique and immersive experience that challenges readers to think deeply about the complex issues explored.

If you liked Exhalation: Stories, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
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    'Stories of Your Life and Others' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking and inventive science fiction short stories. The stories explore unique concepts and alternate realities, delving into deep philosophical and scientific ideas while also incorporating elements of spirituality and human emotions. The writing style is described as precise, analytical, and dispassionate, yet it manages to create engaging and relatable characters who navigate through the complex worlds crafted by the author. Chiang's stories are known for their originality, creativity, and the way they challenge readers to think beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre.

    Were the tower to be laid down across the plain of Shinar, it would be two days’ journey to walk from one end to the other. While the tower stands, it takes a full month and a half to climb from its b...

  2. #2

    The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
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    'The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories' by Ken Liu is a collection of short stories that range from fantasy to science fiction to historical fiction. The stories explore themes of technology, human emotions, Asian immigrant experiences, and cultural histories. Ken Liu's writing style is described as enchanting, thought-provoking, and emotionally affecting, with a talent for weaving traditional Chinese beliefs and cultural elements into his narratives.

    There is no definitive census of all the intelligent species in the universe. Not only are there perennial arguments about what qualifies as intelligence, but each moment and everywhere, civilizations...

  3. #3

    The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
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    'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury is a collection of short stories that delve into futuristic scenarios, exploring themes of human nature, technology, and society. The stories are interconnected through the framing device of an illustrated man covered in tattoos, where each tattoo comes to life and tells a unique story. Bradbury's writing style is described as nostalgic yet visionary, using colorful words and vivid imagery to transport readers to different worlds and provoke thought on the potential future of mankind.

    IT was a warm afternoon in early September when I first met the Illustrated Man. Walking along an asphalt road, I was or the final leg of a two weeks’ walking tour of Wisconsin. Late in the afternoon ...

  4. #4

    The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
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    The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury is a collection of loosely connected short stories chronicling humanity's contact with Mars, the decline of Martian civilization, and humanity's self-destruction on Earth. The book explores themes of colonization, human nature, and the impact of exploration on both Mars and Earth. Bradbury's writing style is described as poetic, imaginative, and emotionally evocative, creating a vivid and thought-provoking portrayal of near-space colonization.

    One minute it was Ohio winter, with doors closed, windows locked, the panes blind with frost, icicles fringing every roof, children skiing on slopes, housewives lumbering like great black bears in the...

  5. #5

    Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges
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    Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into imaginative and thought-provoking realms, exploring concepts such as missing encyclopedia entries, expansive imaginary worlds, and the blurring of reality and fiction. Borges' writing style is described as powerful, dense, and philosophical, with stories that challenge readers to think deeply about literature, language, and the nature of knowledge. The book is a labyrinth of intricate narratives, surreal settings, and metafictional elements that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

    I owe the discovery of Uqbar to the conjunction of a mirror and an encyclopedia. The unnerving mirror hung at the end of a corridor in a villa on Calle Goana, in Ramos Mejía; the misleading encycloped...

  6. #6

    Tenth of December by George Saunders
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    'Tenth of December' by George Saunders is a collection of short stories that delve into the human experience, exploring themes of morality, social commentary, and the complexities of everyday life. The stories range from futuristic settings to contemporary scenarios, each offering a unique perspective on the human condition. Saunders' writing style is described as original, imaginative, and full of heart, with a touch of fantasy and science fiction elements that add depth and complexity to the narratives.

    The characters in 'Tenth of December' are faced with moral dilemmas, ethical decisions, and societal pressures, all while navigating through a world that is both darkly comical and deeply thought-provoking. Saunders' storytelling genius shines through as he weaves together tales of compassion, humor, and introspection, leaving a lasting impact on readers with his inventive plots and engaging prose.

    Say the staircase was marble. Say she descended and all heads turned. Where was {special one}? Approaching now, bowing slightly, he exclaimed, How can so much grace be contained in one small package? ...

  7. #7

    Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
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    'Her Body and Other Parties' by Carmen Maria Machado is a collection of dark and compelling short stories that delve into themes of horror, body autonomy, feminism, and sexuality. The stories range from eerie retellings of urban legends to surreal summaries of Law and Order SVU episodes, all with a focus on the struggles faced by women and LGBTQ people. Machado's writing style is described as colorful, compelling, and powerful, with each story offering a unique perspective on the female experience.

    In the beginning, I know I want him before he does. This isn’t how things are done, but this is how I am going to do them. I am at a neighbor’s party with my parents, and I am seventeen. I drink half ...

  8. #8

    Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler
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    'Bloodchild' by Octavia E. Butler is a short story that delves into complex themes such as sexuality, race, human and alien interaction, and codependency. The plot explores a future where humans and aliens have a unique relationship pattern, offering a thought-provoking narrative that leaves readers feeling uneasy yet intrigued. Butler's writing style in 'Bloodchild' is described as deep, unsettling, and exploring psychological elements in the context of human and alien dynamics.

    My last night of childhood began with a visit home. T’Gatoi’s sister had given us two sterile eggs. T’Gatoi gave one to my mother, brother, and sisters. She insisted that I eat the other one alone. It...

  9. #9

    Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
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    'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Indian immigrants and their experiences living in different countries. The stories capture the essence of cultural encounters, relationships, and the struggles of fitting in while holding onto one's identity. Lahiri's writing style beautifully portrays the everyday joys and heartbreaks of ordinary people, creating vivid and relatable characters that resonate with readers.

    The book explores themes of diaspora, cultural disconnect, and the complexities of human nature through the simplicity of characters' lives. Lahiri's storytelling weaves together tales of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, offering glimpses into the hopes, sorrows, and love in the lives of immigrants from India in the USA and in India itself. The stories are poignant, touching on themes of alienation, grief, and the search for connection in a foreign land.

    THE NOTICE INFORMED THEM that it was a temporary matter: for five days their electricity would be cut off for one hour, beginning at eight P.M. A line had gone down in the last snowstorm, and the repa...

  10. #10

    Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    'Welcome to the Monkey House' by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a collection of short stories that delve into various themes such as war, dystopian societies, love, and societal issues. The stories are a mix of science fiction, satire, and small-town tales, all written with Vonnegut's signature dark humor and social commentary. Readers will encounter stories that range from exploring the aftermath of World War II to satirizing the concept of egalitarianism and the pursuit of utopia at the cost of humanity's soul.

    HERE IT IS, a retrospective exhibition of the shorter works of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.—and Vonnegut is still very much with us, and I am still very much Vonnegut. Somewhere in Germany is a stream called th...

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