To Hold Up the Sky

To Hold Up the Sky is a collection of eleven science fiction short stories from acclaimed Chinese author Liu Cixin. Two stories in the collection received the prestigious Galaxy Award. The stories span vast reaches of time and space, exploring humanity's place in the cosmos and our encounters with advanced civilizations. Each narrative stands alone but shares Liu's characteristic focus on the intersection of scientific advancement and human civilization. The stories draw from both Eastern and Western science fiction traditions while maintaining a distinctive perspective rooted in Chinese culture and history. Multiple translators contributed to bringing these works to English-speaking audiences. The collection examines fundamental questions about time, progress, and humanity's ultimate destiny among the stars, presenting scenarios where individual human choices carry cosmic significance. The works balance scientific precision with deep philosophical inquiry about civilization's place in an infinite universe.

Readers rate this collection of short stories lower than Liu's novels, with 3.9/5 on Goodreads (4.5K ratings) and 4.3/5 on Amazon (450 ratings). Readers appreciate: - The variety of scientific concepts and imaginative scenarios - Stories that examine humanity's place in the universe - The standalone format making it accessible to new Liu readers - "The Village Teacher" and "Cloud of Poems" as standout stories Common criticisms: - Uneven quality between stories - Less emotional depth compared to Three Body Problem - Some translations feel mechanical - Several stories end abruptly Many readers note the stories reflect Liu's early writing period, with simpler plots than his later work. A frequent comment is that the collection works better when read slowly, one story at a time, rather than straight through. Specific critique from Goodreads user Chen: "The ideas shine but the characters often feel like vehicles for the concepts rather than people."

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang Collection of science fiction stories that blend mathematics, physics, and cultural questions about humanity's place in the universe.

The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin First contact narrative explores humanity's response to an impending alien invasion through the lens of quantum mechanics and Chinese history.

Exhalation by Ted Chiang Short stories examine consciousness, time, and technology through precise scientific concepts and philosophical inquiries.

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa Tale of loss and memory on an unnamed island presents themes of disappearance and control through a scientific lens.

Ball Lightning by Liu Cixin Scientific investigation of a mysterious natural phenomenon leads to discoveries about quantum physics and warfare.

🌟 The collection was published in English in 2020, but some stories date back to the 1980s, showing the evolution of Chinese sci-fi over decades. 🌟 Liu Cixin worked as a computer engineer at a power plant while writing his early works, which influenced his technical accuracy in storytelling. 🌟 The book's title "To Hold Up the Sky" references the ancient Chinese myth of Nüwa, who repaired the pillars of heaven to prevent the sky from falling. 🌟 Several stories in the collection were translated by different people, including Ken Liu, who also translated Liu's famous "The Three-Body Problem." 🌟 Liu Cixin became the first Asian author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, paving the way for greater recognition of Chinese science fiction globally.