Heidi Schureck’s Reviews > The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2019 > Status Update

“When Robot and Crow Saved East St. Louis” by Annalee Newitz is just the wholesome story I needed to start my day. The setting is eerily similar to present day where the CDC has been defunded and an epidemic has broken out. In a WALL-E fashion, the protagonist steals your heart. If you’re a bird lover, this book will delight you as crows play a vital role.

LaShawn M. Wanar’s short story “Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Memphis Minnie” had me laughing and crying. The characters drew me in immediately. This story makes me think about government tyranny during public health crises. Woof! Relatable! The way Wanar highlights famous Black musicians was extra enjoyable. Would recommend!

My favorite short story (so far) has been ‘Variations on a Theme from Turandot’ by Ada Hoffmann. What a way to rewrite the famous opera! It reclaims the two soprano’s autonomy in such a magical way. Hoffman had me balling!