Jeff Vandermeer's first major story collection encompassing the first 15 years of his writing life, that genre and literary borders are illusory. When confronting "Secret Life," forget all you know about the rules of fantasy and story construction, and embrace the spontaneity of these highly imaginative fantasies.

One thing "Secret Life" is not is boring! It is bold and groundbreaking. It is a brief glimpse into the future of fantasy fiction. And it is one of this year's hallmark books, inside or out of genre. Shining out like diamonds in coal are the shorts 'Secret Life', the book's namesake. You will never look at your office building, or your co-workers, quite the same again. 'Secret Life' gives new meaning to corporate competitiveness.

'Flight Is For Those Who Have Not Yet Crossed Over' is a beautifully done piece about a prison guard in Mexico, and a political prisoner who touches his life. 'The Bone Carver's Tale' has to be one of my favorites, a poignant tale of talent and love and misconceptions. 'Balzac's War' and 'A Heart For Lucretia' are ethereal tales of strangeness and undying love. 'The Mansions Of The Moon' is great, showing VanderMeer's amazing ability to create strange worlds that live and breathe with odd life.

Overall, 'Secret Life' seems to me to be best left to fans of VanderMeer, anyone starting out with him should first read 'Cities Of Saints And Madmen' and 'Veniss Underground', which display his writing talent at its very best. Enjoy!

These imaginatively fecund stories breath, live, and crawl around the brain like living organisms. Give Jeff Vandermeer's "Secret Life" a chance to open your mind to the possibilities of fiction. ( )