It's a fun time to be a science fiction writer since Techno Geniuses come up with crazy new stuff every day for you to play with, plot-wise. You don't have to be Jules Verne.

Still, Stephen Baker has taken a somewhat familiar concept - humans implanted with computer chips - and spun off a helluva story in "The Boost." Ralf, a software prodigy, determines that the Chinese have co-opted "Boosts," the nickname for the brain-chip system now active in most humans. But China KNOWS he knows and, forcibly removing his chip and leaving him isolated and off-network, Ralf goes on the lam with only a mysterious colleague to help him survive in a cerebral and technological wilderness.

On Wednesday, Baker is guest of honor at an author luncheon in Mystic's Bank Square Books. It should be an intriguing discussion - and no computer chips will be inserted into your brain. Promise.

- RICK KOSTER

Stephen Baker, noon Wednesday, Bank Square Books, 53 W. Main Street, Mystic; author luncheon; RSVP to attend free, $10 for lunch and $30 includes lunch and signed copy of the book; (860) 536-3795.