Author Archives: John

“Farnham’s Freehold,” By Robert Heinlein.

Robert Heinlein is one of the more controversial authors that we know of in the realm of hard Science Fiction. For one thing, Heinlein was a confirmed right winger, and this has become less and less accepted by SF fandom over the years. This novel, “Farhnham’s Freehold,” is one of the most controversial novels that…

“Starship Troopers,” By Robert Heinlein.

In this novel, originally considered to be a young adult novel, has become a foundational military classic for old and young alike. Although it has been argued that Heinlein was overly militaristic, I feel that Heinlein instead managed to achieve a fine balance between militarism and civilian values. In this novel, Heinlein presented a world…

“Ender’s Game,” by Orson Scott Card.

Orson Scott Card is one of the most prestigious Science Fiction authors in the world. Although his style of SF tends to be quite old fashioned in politics and moral values, we feel that his way of expressing himself is certainly cutting edge. It is unfortunate that Card is often stigmatized as a “soft” Science…

“Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang,” By Kate Wilhelm.

We are seeing, in modern times, the realization of certain dreams and ideas that were initially anticipated by Science Fiction. Cloning is one of the more troubling technologies that human beings are having to deal with in our times. One of the best novels to deal with cloning was “Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang”…

“Dune,” by Frank Herbert.

Books represent one vital way that human beings communicate. Although some books have strictly frivolous content, other books continue to speak to the human experience for year after year—even across generations. “Dune,” by Frank Herbert, is just one of those books. This novel was prescient in the way that it presented a desert living, somewhat…

Sherriff McCoy: The Outlaw Legend Of Hanoi Rocks.

We are seeing a renewed interest in the rock band “Hanoi Rocks.” This rock themed book represents a new wave of exciting literature that is based upon the legendary scandinavian glam metal band. Although Hanoi Rocks was never a truly global phenomenon, they were a highly influential band, and said to be a major influence…

Philip K. Dick, “Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?”

Philip Dick has long been recognized as one of the most paranoid, mentally ill, and yet totally fascinating authors of all time. Although Science Fiction is often seen as a kind of frivolous pursuit, authors like Philip Dick prove that it is possible to present courageous visions of the future in any medium or genre….

Philip K. Dick: A Great American Classic Author.

Philip K. Dick was one of the most intelligent, thoughtful Science Fiction authors of all time. You may not recognize his name, but if you’re a movie buff, you’ve probably seen something related to this author. Among his recent works include the films “Minority Report,” starring Tom Cruise, “Blade Runner,” with Harrison Ford, and most…