Paperback, 224 pages
English language
Published Dec. 15, 1999 by Tor Science Fiction.
A one-of-a-kind bar with a colorful batch of regulars who tell stories, exchange terrible puns, and meet strangers—human and alien alike—who are drawn to this 'saloon' where "shared pain is lessened, shared joy is increased."
A one-of-a-kind bar with a colorful batch of regulars who tell stories, exchange terrible puns, and meet strangers—human and alien alike—who are drawn to this 'saloon' where "shared pain is lessened, shared joy is increased."
Tried picking this up again and just did not enjoy it... :( Sad, because it came with such high recommendations.
It makes sense that a well-lit Irish bar (tucked away in a quiet corner of Long Island) where the varied clientele (and the more-than-meets-the-eye barkeep) are quick to offer empathy and absolution is a great stage for some science-fiction-esque short stories. There's something about the way the narrator praises Callahan's Place, its patrons, and the events that occur there that makes you feel the same way as he. A small list of things bugged me as I read (most notably the datedness that comes from 60's pop culture references), but I quickly forgot about them once they'd passed. Rarely have I found such a light, easy read to be so memorable.
It makes sense that a well-lit Irish bar (tucked away in a quiet corner of Long Island) where the varied clientele (and the more-than-meets-the-eye barkeep) are quick to offer empathy and absolution is a great stage for some science-fiction-esque short stories. There's something about the way the narrator praises Callahan's Place, its patrons, and the events that occur there that makes you feel the same way as he. A small list of things bugged me as I read (most notably the datedness that comes from 60's pop culture references), but I quickly forgot about them once they'd passed. Rarely have I found such a light, easy read to be so memorable.
