{"product_id":"guacamole-by-david-gerrold-short-story-collection","title":"Guacamole by David Gerrold - Short Story Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Guacamole by David Gerrold the reviewer finds a compact, thoughtful collection that rewards readers who appreciate character-driven speculative fiction. The book brings together eleven stories that examine identity, belonging, and queer experience with a mix of tender humor and unsettling imagination. Readers seeking a selection of varied short fiction will find strong emotional throughlines and a memorable extra: the hardcover edition includes a first publication of the play Uncle Daddy Will Not Be Invited, which adds value for collectors and readers who want something beyond the usual story sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVaried stories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eleven distinct pieces give readers a range of tones from tender to dark, letting the collection avoid monotony and maintain momentum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThematic focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book centers on pride and identity, offering perspectives that reshape familiar scenes and invite readers to see characters differently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor voice:\u003c\/strong\u003e David Gerrold's narrative presence ties disparate tales together with clear, human prose that emphasizes character over gadgetry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial hardcover inclusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e The hardcover edition includes the first publication of the play Uncle Daddy Will Not Be Invited, which is a bonus for collectors and completists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcise length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short-story form makes the collection approachable for readers who want complete experiences in single sittings or to sample different styles across an evening or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuacamole is best for readers of literary and genre-blending short fiction, especially those drawn to LGBTQ+ perspectives and character-focused science fiction. Fans of David Gerrold who appreciate a voice that can be affectionate, ironic, and sometimes unsettling will find much to enjoy here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for lengthy worldbuilding or epic science fiction may want to look elsewhere, since this collection prioritizes human moments and theme-driven narratives over expansive technical extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong, consistent authorial voice that anchors a variety of story types and tones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThematic cohesion around pride and identity gives the collection emotional resonance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe hardcover inclusion of a previously unpublished play provides extra value for collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe short-story format means readers seeking long, immersive novels may find the pieces brief and episodic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuacamole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDavid Gerrold\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEleven short stories plus hardcover-exclusive play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNotable stories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDancer In The Dark; The Case Of The Green Carnation; Riding Janis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThemes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePride, identity, speculative and queer perspectives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat note\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardcover edition contains first publication of Uncle Daddy Will Not Be Invited\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuacamole is a compact, rewarding collection for readers who prefer character-led speculative stories and thematic cohesion around pride and belonging. The addition of a first-published play in the hardcover makes it a smart buy for collectors and fans, and the stories provide satisfying, varied reads without demanding a long commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this collection include any exclusive material?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hardcover edition includes the first publication of the play Uncle Daddy Will Not Be Invited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat genres does Guacamole cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe collection blends literary short fiction with speculative and science fiction elements, and has strong LGBTQ+ thematic content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book suitable for new readers of David Gerrold?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the collection is a good introduction to his style because each story stands alone and showcases his voice and recurring themes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Gerrold","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48124562440411,"sku":"1939888913","price":46.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61ZpfifcgFL._SL1360.jpg?v=1768461713","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/guacamole-by-david-gerrold-short-story-collection","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}