How Long to Read The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories

How Long Does it Take to Read The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 5 minutes to read The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories by Cris Jolliff

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Sci-fi stories... do we love them because we love science, because we love fiction, or simply because we love what the human imagination-in the "hardness" of science and the "softness" of fiction-can produce? Whatever the origins of our love for science-fiction, we love well spun tales of technological wonders and imposing aliens. These stories have all the "gee-whiz" technologies, futuristic scenarios, and "it-could-never-happen" situations that make sci-fi so fascinating... and just plain fun. Our collection begins with Cris Jolliff's "The Last Astronauts," the story of space station workers who are abandoned to the emptiness of space when the human population of Earth appears to have been annihilated by a super-virus. With little hope of either rescue or resupply from Earth, the six person crew is confronted with harsh existential questions and daunting technological challenges. Bill Freas picks on a similar frightful space travel theme in "Flying Solo." Freas's lead character engages in space flight as recreation, only to find that his journey is being directed by a group of mechanistic sadists. This traveler's brush with death at the edge of Earth's atmosphere prompts him to rethink his past relationships and present priorities. Renee, the lead character in Melba Pena's "The Morning After," also experiences terror, but a terror brought on by an encounter with a shadowy figure in a post-apocalyptic future. Pena's story invites the reader to think about how one would react to a lone eerie presence on a world otherwise devoid of life. What would win out? Gratitude for the companionship or fear over the unknown? William Walz, an accomplished author in many genres, adopts the pen of a sci-fi writer in "Whipping Boy" and gives us a machine's eye view of human nature. Billy, a robotic whipping boy, muses about the human condition before taking steps of his own to remedy the human propensity for violence, anger and aggression. Finally, Linell Jeppsen's "Gag Gift" relays the story of a hunter who became the hunted, of a lady whose eyes have seen more than her mind can understand. Her experiences have outstripped her capacity to comprehend or cope. Unfortunately, even in her muddled mental state, she can still remember. As always, each of these stories has won the highly competitive Phyllis Scott contest for short stories. We offer these stories to the reading public with pride in the authors and admiration for their talent. Phyllis Scott, series editor

How long is The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories?

The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories by Cris Jolliff is 124 pages long, and a total of 31,496 words.

This makes it 42% the length of the average book. It also has 38% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours and 52 minutes to read The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories aloud.

What Reading Level is The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories?

The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories?

The Last Astronauts and Other Short Sci-Fi Stories by Cris Jolliff is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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