Third From the Sun

Overall the anthology is not an example of Matheson's finest writing but most are enjoyable to read with many of them featuring a writer as the main character, and usually he's not having a very good time. Two of the stories are standouts. (1) Born of Man and Woman: Seemed to me like a Frankenstein sketch from the monster's point of view. Short but effectively creepy thanks to Matheson's uncanny command of economy of words. (2) Third from the Sun: One of the least interesting in the anthology. Of course its all about the last line in this story. (3) Lover When You're Near Me: One of the standouts in the collection. Creepy sci-fi story that benefits from some deliberate pacing and very strange creation in the form of the Gnee. (4) SRL show more AD: If Mars needs women, I guess Venus needs men. Amusing but not memorable. (5) Mad House: Disturbing look at anger made manifest in one's environment quite literally. The frustrations of the want-to-be writer echo the madness reminds me of the Stephen King's The Shining and I wonder if King read this before writing his novel. The roots of the middle-class suburban madness to me echoes some of themes in Matheson's later Stir of Echoes. (6) F : I found this one rather silly. (7) To Fit the Crime: Funny 4 pager if anything is worth reading for some great insults as a writer goes to a pretty dire afterlife. (8) Dress Like Silk: Another moody piece about someone childlike locked in a room after doing something very unchildlike. With two stories like this in the collection it just seems like a rough drafts working their way to some idea that never materializes. (9) Disappearing Act: The other standout in this book. Creepy as hell and a fine example of Matheson's brand of horror. Just an example, Matheson starts the whole story about a man's life fading from existence with his mistress disappearing; a fine touch as it creates tension as the main character is looking for someone he probably shouldn't be looking for in the first place. (10) The Wedding: Another silly one. (11) Shipshape Home: A Twilight Zone style thriller which is bonkers to read but it works because of Matheson's little touches. show less