Exit Strategy: A Science Fiction Short Story Collection About Technology, Absurdity, and Making Life Tolerable

Why are we here, and why is it awful so much of the time? How to make it all tolerable? These stories shine a light on what is possible. In "Exit Strategy," a multi-dimensional gateway gives Amanda the chance to break free of her soul-crushing routine. In "Thirsty Pete," a post-adolescent gamer accidentally solves the 2060 water crisis and rescues humanity - almost. In "What Went Wrong," the pleasures of surfing and Chekov and badminton help thwart an alien invasion. Turns out human existence needn't utterly suck. Life is hard, and technology is either making it a whole lot better, or very much worse. In "ReBoot," a government-issued ability to reset the clock helps Emily navigate her relationship when Jack suggests his mother should move in with them. In "Did I Do Something Wrong?" Vince Bagum's past misdeeds catch up him when his robot valet puts out a hit on him. The "Dept. of Worry" offers a technology fix for anxiety, with unexpected consequences. In "Just 35 Percent," a minor empathy upgrade sends an automated insurance adjuster off the rails. With warmth, humor, and profound understanding, these stories shift the lens, offering readers new ways to view their place in the world. If you like Hitchhiker's Guide and Black Mirror, you'll enjoy this book.