LOW PORT

For this unexpectedly rewarding SF/fantasy anthology, editors Lee and Miller (the Liaden Universe Adventures) take an offbeat if not especially compelling premise, focusing on writing that features characters who remain in the background of most fiction—street musicians, customs agents, bar owners, social workers, etc. The 20 contributors, mostly newcomers, all suggest that everyone is worth more than a fast glance and that everyone sometimes has a chance to make serious choices. Some preach sentimentally about these truths. But others offer memorable, thought-provoking stories, with settings ranging from alternate worlds (Laura J. Underwood's "The Gift") to urban homelessness (Ru Emerson's "Find a Pin"), from ancient Japan (Alan Smale's "Sailing to the Temple") to interstellar space (eluki bes shahar's "Riis Run"). There's a surprising amount of humor, and, nestled among usually upbeat tales, one lovely piece of blackhearted cynicism, Joe Murphy's "Zappa for Bardog." If the writers' names are largely unfamiliar, here's a good place to sample their work, to see what they can do when a fresh idea intrigues them. (Sept.)