TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : Excellent Good Fair Poor : AUDIOCASSETTES

“Thunder and Roses” by Theodore Sturgeon and “Rockabye Baby” by S. C. Sykes. Listen for Pleasure/Analog. These two short stories from an Analog magazine series are curiously paired: Sturgeon’s was published in 1947, Sykes’ in 1985. Though written by a master of his craft, Sturgeon’s apocalyptic story seems dated--not the message, just the plot. And reader Bob Sessions delivers it a bit too gosh-golly. Sykes’ “Rockabye Baby” is a good “what if” tale that takes place in Southern California. Concerning a quadriplegic and a life-changing choice he must make, this story comes across as more engrossing and contemporary. And Sessions’ reading is more suitable here. Information: (800) 843-8404.