This month (our November issue) we begin another mind-stretching serial by Robert J. Sawyer, with a cover by George Krauter. In Wake, the term “mind-stretching,” often heard in connection with science fiction, applies a bit more literally than usual, with several minds stretching themselves—and each other—in literally unprecedented ways. All minds operate under limitations, which can be overcome by a variety of means; but probably all of those approaches have one thing in common. And the possibilities extend very far out, in ways both exhilarating and terrifying. . . .
We also have stories by Paul Levinson, Carl Frederick, Richard A. Lovett, Alan Dean Foster, and Stephen L. Burns. The fact article, “The 3D Train Wreck,” comes from our own book reviewer of thirty years, Thomas A. Easton, wearing his other hat as practicing scientist. The title notwithstanding, it has nothing to do with trains, but everything to do with the social and economic disruption likely to result as “3D printing” becomes an important means of making all kinds of things. But that kind of train wreck, at least in the long run, is not necessarily a bad thing. . . .
