Category Archives: A Reader's History of Science Fiction

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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S2E20: Newbery Medal Winners

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I take one more look at children’s science fiction by surveying the winners of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Book recommendation: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera Other books discussed:A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Mrs. Frisby … Continue reading →

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S2E19: Multiverse Fiction

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I explore sci-fi works that focus on the idea of the multiverse. Prospective book recommendation (I’m putting it on my own list): The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter PBS Space Time on the many worlds … Continue reading →

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S2E18: Catch-Up Episode #7: Sci-Fi Action Movies

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I give an overview of recent action movies in the sci-fi genre. Movie recommendation: Everything Everywhere All at Once Other movies discussed:TenetFree GuyThe Matrix: Resurrections Check out this episode!

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S2E17: Science Fiction in Video Games

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I bring back my cohost Greg for a conversion about how science fiction has shaped video games, and vice versa. Classic game recommendation: Chrono Trigger Ahoy finds the “first” video game. Check out this episode!

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S2E16: Catch-Up Episode #6: Children’s Sci-Fi Movies

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

I catch up on the sci-fi movies for kids that have come out in the pandemic era. Movie recommendation: The Mitchells vs. the Machines Background on Lightyear here and here. Other films discussed:Sonic the HedgehogOver the MoonFlora and UlyssesSpace Jam: A … Continue reading →

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