Book Review - Callahan's Crosstime Saloon, Time Travelers Strictly Cash and Callahan's Secret

Callahan's Crosstime Saloon (1977), Time Travelers Strictly Cash (1981), Callahan's Secret (1986) by Spider Robinson - There isn't a bar like Mike Callahan's place.  But there ought to be.  And if there is I would politely request directions.

In the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke's "Tales From the White Hart" and L. Sprague DeCamp and Fletcher Pratt's "Tales From Gavagan's Bar" Spider Robinson (wait, you don't know Spider Robinson?  I'm astounded how often I get that reaction.  You must go immediately to where ever it is that you get books and check out all the Spider Robinson you can find.  He is a writer of great thought and skill.  Come back when you're done).

Where was I?

Ah yes, Spider Robinson creates a wonderful bar where just about any thing can, has and does happen.  From Punday to talking dogs to aliens and time travel and the end of the world.  In between Mike runs a merry place guided by Callahan's Law (also known as the Law of Conservation of Pain and Joy): "Shared pain is lessened; shared joy, increased....".  Like any great bar it has its own set of rules and its own way of doing things.  Robinson does a fabulous job of weaving science fiction, humor and humanity into the stories.  The books have gained a dedicated following over the years.

There are a total of 10 books that are part of the canon for Callahan's.  These three lead off and in my opinion are the best of the bunch.  Robinson makes it clear in "Callahan's Secret" that he doesn't want to write any more Callahan stories.  He goes on at great length in the Foreward about it being the last of the Callahan's books.  In fact he goes so far as to invoke the name of Reichenbach Falls.  And then at the end makes sure that there can't be any more stories from Callahan's.  Except there are.  Three years after Secret comes the next one "Callahan's Lady".  He cranks out several more books through 2003 when it looks like he's done again only to jump back with a book of the collected writings from the wall at Callahan's.  He should have known when the Falls were conjured that this wasn't going to go away.

In the end these three should be on your list of books to be read.  Even if you're not a science fiction fan I think you'll enjoy these.  Spider is quick to note that he's never been a hard science fiction author and that makes his work much more accessible to the general audience.

Pull up a seat, drop a dollar on the bar and offer a toast.  Stop by Callahan's.

Rating *****  Put It In Your Library