Embrace the faults that make us human Pay special attention to the question mark. Be prepared to rethink all you know, as you discover intriguing near-future science fiction, delicate sonnets and time-warping pantoums, intricate family drama, heroic humor and sly social commentary, and heart-rending, inspiring, and thought-provoking free verse. Our interactions with our fellow humans-and the other life-forms on our planet-are rife with error, correction, and retries. Scientists know an experiment with a null result-a promising test that shows no reaction-isn't a failure, it's a discovery. Can we find a way to come to terms with our human imperfections; better yet, how do we embrace them? Isn't it our faults that make us who we are, and our loved ones the unique people we treasure? What can we learn from the jolts our landscape and our culture give us from time to time? Thirty-three authors sharpened their pens, pencils, voice recorders, and word-processors to answer these questions through personal stories, fictional imaginings, and poetry both lyrical and startling. Rather than perfect lives and perfect people, these authors deliver a world you'll recognize, with challenges, inspiration, and hope for the future. Featuring works by Raymond Louis Acevedo, Tom Adams, Sue Barizon, Eva Barrows, Marianne Brems, Bich-Khoi Do, Patricia Doyne, Victoria Dunn, Michael J. Feeney, Darlene Frank, Miriam Kurtzig Freedman, Jane Goold-Caulfield, David Harris, Grete Rachel Howland, Claudia Hyslop, Nirmy Kang, Reena Kapoor, Carol Ann Lapeyrouse, Pushpinder Lubana, Megan E. McDonald, Elise Frances Miller, Nina Milu, Pat Obuchowski, Erin O'Doherty, Jeanne Powell, Miera Rao, Cheryl Ray, Carol Reade, George Rodriguez, Dave M. Strom, Harlan Suits, Alisha Willis, and Mickie Winkler. Edited by Vanessa MacLaren-Wray and Kate Adams.