“Heavy-Set” by Ray Bradbury #26

His given name maybe Leonard, but nobody but his mom calls him that. Most everyone calls him him Heavy-Set, or perhaps Atlas, Hercules, or Samson. He surfs, can lift 100 pound barbells over his head without trouble, and can pound punching bags for hours at a time. Most any woman would like to have a date with him, but you can’t make a thirty year-old man still living with his mom do anything he doesn’t want to do.

This isn’t a bad story per-se, but I couldn’t help but be a bit depressed after reading it. Bradbury gives us a glimpse of a man who can do so much, yet does not allow himself to enjoy time with his friends. It is like he has poured so much of himself into his hobby of exercise that very little of himself remains beyond that. It is down right sad, but it does help us see what a single activity can do to someone when it is their only means of dealing with things. Heavy-Set’s quietness while exercising is almost chilling. There is no telling what is going on in that mind of his. You can read this in Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales.

Content Advisory: None

“The Toynbee Convector” by Ray Bradbury #17

It has been 100 years since the first and only man, Craig Bennett Stiles, ever traveled through time. Upon his return he was an instant celebrity, telling the world of the wonderful future that was in store. We could look forward to rebuilt cities, stoppage of wars, colonization of the moon, the curing of cancer, and more! There is only one thing, after his initial announcements 100 years ago, Mr. Stiles became a recluse, and never granted anymore interviews to anyone. That is, until today. On this historic day, Mr. Stiles from the past will appear in the sky. At that time, the Stiles from the past and present will see each other again simultaneously. Only Roger Shumway has been granted the incredible privilege of interviewing the present day Mr. Stiles as the appointed time approaches.

Ray Bradbury has written this work with a lot of energy and excitement, giving the reader the sensation of what it could feel like to see a time traveler from the past appear once again. I couldn’t help but feel the reporter Shumway’s excitement practically leaping off the page. It almost felt childlike to me, which was quite enjoyable. You can find it in Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales.

Content Advisory: None

Links of Interest:

"Arnold J. Toynbee" at Wikipedia.com