I will take this opportunity to once again reiterate that Bradbury is at his best when keeps his stories tightly focused. These incisive imaginings are incredible, and he rises to the challenge of offering us a world that is familiar-yet-strange. It's impossible not to feel feel the heavier air at the bottom of the uncanny valley every other page or so.

I remember reading "There Will Come Soft Rains" in high school, and having now read the rest of the Chronicles, it remains one of my favorites. Add to that "The Earth Men," "Usher II," "The Off Season" and "—And the Moon Be Still as Bright" ("We Earth Men have a talent for ruining big, beautiful things") to get my top five favorites. However, all of these stories are great, as is the thread twining them all together.