Tag Archives: Science Fiction

A Conversation about Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow with Michael Boyce (Geek4 Podcast) and Emily Strand (Potterversity Podcast)

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

I recently had a chance to sit down with a couple of thoughtful and funny folks to talk about a book that was entirely absent from my bookshelf. Emily Strand is an artist, Roman Catholic liturgist, and American educator, well … Continue reading →

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Mythmoot VIII: The World Ahead! (June 24-27, 2021 Live-Online Hybrid)

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

“Home is behind, the world ahead / And there are many paths to tread” — J. R. R. Tolkien Although Signum University is a completely online school, offering a global-leading MA programme in imaginative literature and Germanic languages, we do … Continue reading →

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“Inventing a Universe is a Complicated Business”: Ursula K. Le Guin’s Introduction to the Hainish Cycle

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

I have always loved Ursula K. Le Guin‘s Earthsea Cycle and have mused once about whether I liked Ged or Arha better. Though Earthsea suits me as a fantasy reader, I recognize that Le Guin’s Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed … Continue reading →

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Why Did Star Wars Stick? #MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWarsDay

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

As much as we wonder about it, it’s a question that is not perfectly easy to answer. Cheesy lines, over-the-top acting, zippers up the back of the monster’s costume–how many films just like it have found their way into the … Continue reading →

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Thesis Theater: Jens Hieber, “Negotiated Symbiosis: Power, Identity, and Community in the Works of Octavia E. Butler” (Oct 2nd, 7pm Eastern)

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

I am pleased to announce that Signum University MA student Jens Hieber will present his thesis “Negotiated Symbiosis: Power, Identity, and Community in the Works of Octavia E. Butler,” and respond to questions from the audience in an interactive Thesis … Continue reading →

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Why Did Star Wars Stick? #MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWarsDay

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

As much as we wonder about it, it’s a question that is not perfectly easy to answer. Cheesy lines, over-the-top acting, zippers up the back of the monster’s costume–how many films just like it have found their way into the … Continue reading →

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A Canticle for Leibowitz: A 10 Minute Book Talk with Brenton Dickieson

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

Walter Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz is a philosophically rich and intricately gorgeous book. What makes this philosophical SciFi novel so compelling is an endearing slate of characters. I wish I could read a whole other book about Brother Francis, … Continue reading →

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C.S. Lewis’ Out of the Silent Planet: A 10 Minute Book Talk with Brenton Dickieson

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

Before I ever returned to Narnia as an adult, I read C.S. Lewis‘ Out of the Silent Planet. I have always loved Science Fiction, and I enjoy stumbling upon a classic SF piece that is worth my time. As part … Continue reading →

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“The Planets” in C.S. Lewis’ Writing, with a Planet Narnia Chart (Throwback Thursday)

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Brenton Dickieson

At A Pilgrim in Narnia we have an occasional feature called “Throwback Thursday.” This is where I find a blog post from the past–raiding either my own blog-hoard or someone else’s–and throw it back out into the digital world. This … Continue reading →

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Mythgard Movie Club: The Fifth Element (Full Video)

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Brenton Dickieson

The Fifth Element A couple of weeks ago, I was very pleased to be part of a panel discussion on The Fifth Element. This cult-classic science fiction film was written and directed by Luc Besson and based on story ideas … Continue reading →

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