I did not realize these had been published as five separate short stories over a course of five years. Now, I feel that I ‘should’ go back and read these again and see how White’s writing progressed over the five years these stories were written.

IT'saAn interesting take on the complexity possible among intelligent life forms. This time they range from very tiny to covering most of a planet. I found it thought provoking and enjoyable. ( )

White, James. Major Operation. Sector General No. 3. Del Ray, 1971.
James White’s Sector General stories were perfectly adapted to the long short story format, just long enough to make them the feature story of whatever magazine first published them. Readers quickly became familiar with the main characters of the multispecies hospital out on the galactic rim and to the crew of its starship ambulance. Major Operation is a group of five such short stories. All the stories feature medical sleuthing and MacGyvering among diverse alien species--from odd alien presences to continent-sized critters in need of surgery that threaten the medical team with its involuntary responses. White’s charming inventiveness always engages. If you like one book in this series, you will like them all, dated though they are ins some respects. ( )

A planet patient. Tools that are shaped by thought. Interesting story.

A planet patient. Tools that are shaped by thought. Interesting story. ( )

Another of White’s fun collections following Dr. Conway on Sector General – and off! This book reads like a 5-Part TV series with each series containing a small part of the larger story as well as a smaller story that resolves during the episode. Originally published as a serial story in a magazine, this book combines all of them into one cohesive unit. And it’s a fun read! A little darker then White’s normal story (more direct talk of death) but worth reading. Strange and deadly creatures, a sick planet, and a mystery that might kill everyone before it gets solved!
As always, White is perfect for anyone tired of the traditional science fiction. There a few solid medical science fiction novels around and this is a perfect edition to the collection. Worth reading! ( )