These 18 darkly complex short stories and novellas touch upon human nature and perception, metaphysics and epistemology, and gender and sexuality, foreshadowing a world in which biological tendencies bring about the downfall of humankind. Revisions from the author's notes are included, allowing a deeper view into her world and a better understanding of her work. The Nebula Award-winning short story Love Is the Plan, the Plan Is Death , the Hugo Award-winning novella The Girl Who Was Plugged In , and the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novella Houston, Houston, Do You Read? are included.