Bears Discover Fire and Other Stories
by Terry Bissonshort stories speculative fiction
Reviewed on: 15th July 2025.
Did not finish (DNF) a couple of these stories.
You know how when you slap or flap meat, it makes a noise? They talk by flapping their meat at each other. They can even sing by squirting air through their meat.
Bears Discover Fire — Bears discover fire. It’s pretty self-explanatory; why are you confused?
The Two Janets — Janet keeps in touch with family and friends, as famous authors move into her hometown.
They’re Made Out of Meat — Aliens are deeply disturbed by human physiology.
Over Flat Mountain — A truck driver and a hitchhiker share a ride while climbing a weird mountain.
Press Ann — A sentient ATM messes with users and passersby.
The Coon Suit — A distant observant to a hunting gathering finds himself unfortunately involved.
George — First time parents are challenged by their newborn’s peculiar deformity.
Next — An unlawful couple applies for an unlawful wedding license.
Necronauts — A painter is recruited to portray his expeditions to the afterlife.
Are There Any Questions? — A developer explains his business to convert trash into real estate.
Two Guys from the Future — A struggling artist learns about her impeding fame.
The Toxic Donut — The world’s pollutants are yearly removed and processed by… well…
Canción Auténtica de Old Earth — Future human descendants visit Earth and its last stranding exibition.
Partial People — A PSA warns and reminds all “normal” whole people to ignore the partial people.
Carl’s Lawn & Garden — Gardeners go through their workday helping people maintain their highly valued grass.
The Message — Marine biologists finally conclude a years’ long project to understand dolphins.
England Underway — DNF
By Permit Only — A secretary navigates work and home dynamics
The Shadow Knows — DNF