Category Archives: A Reader's History of Science Fiction

S3E5: Modern Sci-Fi Television

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I review the recent history and current status of science fiction on television during the streaming era. TV recommendation: The Orville Check out this episode!

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S3E4: Larry Niven Interview

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I interview the legendary Larry Niven, author of Ringworld, The Mote in God’s Eye, Lucifer’s Hammer, Footfall, and many more. Niven’s book recommendations from his catalog: The Seascape Tattoo (fantasy, with Steven Barnes) Fleet of Worlds Series (with Edward Lerner) The … Continue reading →

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S3E3: Cameron Kunzelman Discusses Sci-Fi Video Games

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Alex R. Howe

I interview Dr. Cameron Kunzelman of Georgia State University about science fiction in video games. Dr. Kunzelman’s game recommendations:BioshockHaloMass Effect Recommended reference book: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Fiction-Video-Games-Tringham/dp/148220388X Link to the Jacob Geller video in which Dr. Kunzelman appears: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPiL3-CYzWk Check out this episode!

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S3E2: Robert Silverberg Interview

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Alex R. Howe

Robert Silverberg is the last major author whose career stretches all the way back to the Golden Age of Science Fiction. He is an extremely prolific writer and a long-time friend of Isaac Asimov. Hear his story in this interview. … Continue reading →

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S3E1: Jim Harris Discusses the Classics of Sci-Fi

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Alex R. Howe

In the first episode of Season 3, I interview Jim Harris, the creator of the Classics of Science Fiction book recommendation aggregator, which I have referenced several times in the past. The database and list-builderJim’s websiteScan of the original list … Continue reading →

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S2E25: Lisa Yaszek Interview

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In the series finale, I interview Dr. Lisa Yaszek, a sci-fi historian from Georgia Tech, about where we can expect science fiction to go in the future. Dr. Yaszek’s recommendations:Wormwood Trilogy by Tade ThompsonThe Matrix Sunspot Jungle, ed. Bill Campbell … Continue reading →

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S2E24: Catch-Up Episode #9: Classics Lightning Round

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

Okay, not exactly all classics and not exactly lightning either, but in this episode, I discuss four books that I wanted to talk about in Season 1, but never got around to. Book recommendation: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Other … Continue reading →

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S2E23: Space Opera

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I discuss the precise nature of space opera, its origins, and its path through the history of sci-fi up to the current resurgence it’s had in recent years. Book recommendation: The Long Way to a Small, Angry … Continue reading →

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S2E22: Catch-Up Episode #8: Space Sci-Fi

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

Not quite as space-themed as I intended, but these are the latest stories about aliens and comets and such. Movie recommendation: Dune (2021) Other works discussed:GreenlandDon’t Look UpMoonfall (anti-recommended)The Tomorrow WarThe Firefly tie-in novels Check out this episode!

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S2E21: Donna Barba Higuera Interview

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I interview Donna Barba Higuera, author of the Newbery winning sci-fi novel, The Last Cuentista (which I’ve previously recommended). Donna’s book recommendation: Reclaim the Stars, edited by Zoraida Córdova Donna’s website Check out this episode!

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