Description: "The creators seamlessly tackle relevant issues such as colonization, misogyny, transphobia, and white entitlement in this eclectic celebration of infinite possibility and the ever-present human spirit." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
What does the future hold? Ten speculative short stories by leading young-adult authors imagine what the world could be through the lens of technologies emerging today. When the modification industry transforms how humans look, sound, and interact, a nonbinary teen braves the "reinvention room" to accept a gift from the dead. In an accidental city in space, a young apprentice holds neighborhoods together with braided carbon filaments until distraction and inspiration arrive in the wake of a visitor. Entitlement-fueled drug use alters the landscape of white privilege, robots remember the Earth, and corporate "walkers" stroll for unknown subscribers--until one hacks the system. In tales buzzing with possibility, hope, innovation, anger, and tenderness, Tasting Light offers a dazzling challenge to connect with open minds, hearts, and senses in a fast-changing world. With stories by:William Alexander
K. Ancrum
Elizabeth Bear
A. R. Capetta
Charlotte Nicole Davis
Nasugraq Rainey Hopson
A.S. King
E.C. Myers
Junauda Petrus-Nasah
Wendy Xu
Review Quotes: A diverse anthology showing hopeful futures imagined through the lens of technology. . . . celebrates queerness, a variety of gender identities, and the freedom to be oneself, delving into how technology can influence and transform reality as well as be used for the greater good--or to oppress. . . . A top-notch hard science fiction collection.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) The 10 short stories in this luminous collection are set in the future in different locations. . . At once unsettling and moving, this crystalline collection will find or create a connection with its readers.
--Booklist This collection of innovative YA hard science fiction short stories thoughtfully reimagines a gender-diverse future from an array of perspectives. . . . Each story is unique, brilliant, and brimming with hope.
--Buzzfeed It's been a while since we had a full YA collection of only science fiction, but who better to bring it back than Capetta and Roush. They've put together a fine array of stories blending queerness and technology.
--Tor.com Tasting Light explores everyday coming-of-age issues but throws in speculative curveballs. . . a great intro to a really diverse group of young adult authors!
--Seven Days