Fast Times at Fairmont High

By: Vernor Vinge

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

In a near future where wireless mind links and wearable computers blur the line between artificial reality and "real" reality, it's final exam time at San Diego's Fairmont Junior High. Juan Orozco and his friends have a killer idea for their off-line project. But can a bunch of 13-year-olds really figure out the secret of what's going on at Torrey Pines Park?©2003 Fictionwise Classic (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

Hugo Award, Best Novella, 2002

Nice short story

Still trying to decide if I liked it .. I probably need to review the last 15 minutes

Cute story

This short story provides a miniature preview of the story in Rainbows End ... but I recommend you skip it and go directly to the good stuff!

I did enjoy this title

On the premise of some high schools living in a somewhat more technological advanced worlwide web I find the author plot and characters show some imaginative ideas and original enough story written in an agile easy to read style

Predictable and boring

I totally failed to see why this book/novella is so highly thought of and recommended. The entire story is essentially Juan coming to realize what is clear to everyone else - including the reader - from the very beginning. Vinge's vision of the future was nothing special; kids are really smart and get to use neat technology, whoopty do. Even though the story is relatively short, I found it difficult to stay interested though I did, finally, manage my way through it.