Bonus Episode: More Alternate History
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
Release Date: 04/01/2022
S2E25: Lisa Yaszek Interview
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
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: by Tade Thompson , ed. Bill Campbell Other works discussed: by Nnedi Okorafor "" by Nanobah Becker by Kameron Hurley series by Aliette de Bodard series by Charlie Jane Anders
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S2E24: Catch-Up Episode #9: Classics Lightning Round
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
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: by Daniel Keyes Other books discussed: by Brian Aldiss by Cormac McCarthy by L. Ron Hubbard
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S2E23: Space Opera
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
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: by Becky Chambers
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Episode 23 Delayed
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
I'm having computer problems which resulted in me not being able to record today, so I'm postponing Season 2, Episode 23 by one week to April 24. Episode 24 will probably go up on May 1 as scheduled, but that is not certain yet. Subscribe to the feed if you haven't already to get automatic updates.
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S2E22: Catch-Up Episode #8: Space Sci-Fi
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
Not quite as space-themed as I intended, but these are the latest stories about aliens and comets and such. Movie recommendation: Other works discussed: (anti-recommended)
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S2E21: Donna Barba Higuera Interview
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
In this episode, I interview , author of the Newbery winning sci-fi novel, (which I've previously recommended). Donna's book recommendation: , edited by Zoraida Córdova
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S2E20: Newbery Medal Winners
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
In this episode, I take one more look at children's science fiction by surveying the winners of the prestigious . Book recommendation: by Donna Barba Higuera Other books discussed: by Madeleine L'Engle by Robert C. O'Brien by Lois Lowry by Rebecca Stead by Kate DiCamillo
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S2E19: Multiverse Fiction
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
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): by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter Other works discussed: by Robert Heinlein DC Comics Marvel Comics
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S2E18: Catch-Up Episode #7: Sci-Fi Action Movies
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
In this episode, I give an overview of recent action movies in the sci-fi genre. Movie recommendation: Other movies discussed:
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S2E17: Science Fiction in Video Games
A Reader's History of Science Fiction
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:
info_outlineI missed a few important books in the previous episode on alternate history. Here is an overview of those works.
Recommendation: "If Lee Had Not Won the Battle of Gettysburg" by Winston Churchill (yes, really).
Other works discussed:
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy from The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Fallen Axis from this Onion article.
The United Colonies Triumphant from The Two Georges by Harry Turtledove.
Proposed book by Abraham Lincoln from The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove, along with remarks in the Southern Victory series.
Insane alternate World War II from this XKCD comic.