Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman
Publication Date: November 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Based on a limited (yet large) provided selection of stories from collection
Overall Verdict: A collection of imaginative stories that fans of Shusterman will appreciate.
4/5 Stars
Book Summary: A compilation of new and previous work of Shusterman together in one collection. These short stories stretch the imagination and have a wide range of focuses that fall within the realm of science-fiction, fantasy and horror.
My Analysis: First off I have to talk about the book cover. As an adult I can see the artistic vision behind it in incorporating elements from the stories. However, working with teens for as long as I have, there is a zero percent chance they would pick this one up because of that cover. They absolutely judge by the cover and I could even recommend it and they can see who the author is (he’s a popular one for us) and they would still be hesitant. As far as the stories go I was able to read the provided selection of shorts in the ARC, and it was still pretty extensive. From what I have gathered these are stories that are both new and previously written. They all definitely have that Shusterman flavor. Some I enjoyed far more than others, and I tended to be more intrigued by the sci-fi stories more than anything else. One in particular was fantastic, and I hear they may be adapting it to a film. All of the shorts varied in length, but all had the elements necessary for the reader. The writing was extremely imaginative and thought-provoking. If you are a fan of Shusterman’s other work there is a good chance you will like this collection too.
The Shelf Life 