The Unreal and the Real: The Selected Short Stories of Ursula K. Le Guin Hardcover – October 18, 2016

We like this book is part of curriculum.

Every serious sci-fi and fantasy fan is aware of Ursula Le Guin's fiction. It has had a profound effect on the genre. Her novels like the 'Earthsea' cycle are classics, and a lot of her imaginative work was in short story form. These are ones she considers her best.These stories serve as an excellent introduction for newcomers to her work. Many blur the line between "serious" literature and science-fiction. While the settings are fictional, the stories deal with very human issues.I've admired her work for a long time, and believe others will be feeling the same way when they read this. Every story is beautifully written, unique and worth reading.

I read the kindle version (which is a great buy) and had no problems with the ebook. While many of the stories are outstanding classics some are painful to get thru -- though I admit I am not a real fan of short stories so that may have colored my judgement. There is some overlap with (two stories) with her recent novella collection. All in all I enjoyed the kindle version of this collection though I do think the collection was of mixed quality. Due to the ebook price and the selection including some very very good stories it is well worth reading and buying.

LeGuin is one of the GREAT science fiction/speculative fiction/fantasy writers. Some of the work is not for all readers but it is worth buying to read or reread spell binding work. Enjoy the work of a truly astounding creator.

An amazing grouping of stories, in both parts. Even though they are all short stories and separate, they flow well together when reading them back to back.So many fantastic pieces I had never read before!This is definitely a fantastic book to loan out to those hardly familiar with or not at all familiar with Ursula's writing.

I am an avid LeGuin fan and enjoy all her work formats: novels, novellas, shorts, essays. I would unfortunately describe this book as the "whiny / moody / display of technical skill" collection. Despite being - as always - dazzled by the writing prowess including a few things most other authors wouldn't dare to try, the stories just didn't resonate with me. I didn't care much for anyone in them. I'm not sorry I bought the book but I'm not going to urge anyone else to buy it.

A variety of stories in various styles and milleus, chosen by Mrs LeGuin as a representation of her work. I highly recommend this collection as a sampling of her voice and breadth, and an example of what a person can accomplish in a lifetime.

Ursula K Le Guin is a unique author. Best known for her fantasy and science fiction, her works encompass many other genres from contemporary mainstream to historical fiction to unclassifiable. In each of these stories, her distinctive vision and voice come through. No one writes like her.