My Hugo Votes: Best Short Story 2014
Tough field! My nominated winner, John Chu, is certainly worth a click of your time.
(1) [Hugo winner] “The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere” - John Chu
The undoubted winner. Lovely and emotional story of a man struggling to come out to his family. The primary conceit of water falling when someone lies is gently dealt with.
(2) Selkie Stories Are for Losers” - Sofia Samatar
Another one focussing on families and relationships, though this one is rather sadder. Not sure I like the way the story is broken up.
(3) “If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love” - Rachel Swirsky
Well, that was different. Not sure if she quite pulls it off. It's technically clever; like Kij Johnson but a bit better.
(4) “The Ink Readers of Doi Saket” - Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Second appearance by the Dutch author after last year's debut. Enjoyable, witty and touching, with some lovely images, e.g., the sister drowning in fabric. But has he done his research? I have a friend from Thailand and I'm not even sure I want to ask her what she thinks. [Edit: Apologies to the author for doubting him, he is familiar with the area.]
Note: this category has only four nominees due to a 5% requirement under the society's constitution. At least that's one more than last year but it's an unfortunate problem for this category.
(1) [Hugo winner] “The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere” - John Chu
The undoubted winner. Lovely and emotional story of a man struggling to come out to his family. The primary conceit of water falling when someone lies is gently dealt with.
(2) Selkie Stories Are for Losers” - Sofia Samatar
Another one focussing on families and relationships, though this one is rather sadder. Not sure I like the way the story is broken up.
(3) “If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love” - Rachel Swirsky
Well, that was different. Not sure if she quite pulls it off. It's technically clever; like Kij Johnson but a bit better.
(4) “The Ink Readers of Doi Saket” - Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Second appearance by the Dutch author after last year's debut. Enjoyable, witty and touching, with some lovely images, e.g., the sister drowning in fabric. But has he done his research? I have a friend from Thailand and I'm not even sure I want to ask her what she thinks. [Edit: Apologies to the author for doubting him, he is familiar with the area.]
Note: this category has only four nominees due to a 5% requirement under the society's constitution. At least that's one more than last year but it's an unfortunate problem for this category.