Not One of Us
Edited by Neil Clarke. Cover art by Jacques Leyreloup.
They Are Strangers from Far Lands...
Science fiction writers have been using aliens as a metaphor for the other for over one hundred years. Superman has otherworldly origins, and his struggles to blend in on our planet are a clear metaphor for immigration. Earth’s adopted son is just one example of this “Alien Among Us” narrative.
There are stories of assimilation, or the failure to do so. Stories of resistance to the forces of naturalization. Stories told from the alien viewpoint. Stories that use aliens as a manifestation of the fears and worries of specific places and eras. Stories that transcend location and time, speaking to universal issues of group identity and its relationship to the Other.
Nearly thirty authors in this reprint anthology grapple both the best and worst aspects of human nature, and they do so in utterly compelling and entertaining ways. Not One of Us is a collection of stories that aren’t afraid to tackle thorny and often controversial issues of race, nationalism, religion, political ideology, and other ways in which humanity divides itself.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Touring with the Alien by Carolyn Ives Gilman
- Laws of Survival by Nancy Kress
- At Play in the Fields by Steve Rasnic Tem
- Ants of Flanders by Robert Reed
- Taking Care of God by Liu Cixin
- Water Scorpions by Rich Larson
- The Three Resurrections of Jessica Churchill by Kelly Robson
- Men are Trouble by James Patrick Kelly
- They Shall Salt the Earth with Seeds of Glass by Alaya Dawn Johnson
- Bits by Naomi Kritzer
- And Never Mind the Watching Ones by Keffy R. M. Kehrli
- Dark Heaven by Gregory Benford
- Nine-Tenths of the Law by Molly Tanzer
- Five Stages of Grief After the Alien Invasion by Caroline M. Yoachim
- Time of the Snake by A.M. Dellamonica
- The Fear Gun by Judith Berman
- Tendeléo’s Story by Ian McDonald
- The Choice by Paul McAuley
- Passage of Earth by Michael Swanwick
- Reborn by Ken Liu
- Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang
- Permissions
- About the Editor
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Neil Clarke
Neil Clarke is an influential name in the world of speculative fiction, known for his sharp editorial eye and his unwavering commitment to bringing groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy stories to readers around the globe. As the editor of Clarkesworld Magazine, Clarke has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern landscape of genre literature, curating narratives that push boundaries while remaining deeply human. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards, solidifying his place as one of the most respected editors in the field.
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