Measure for a Loner

Measure for a Loner by Jim Harmon hooks you with a single confessional voice and drags you into a mid‑century science fiction world where loneliness can almost be weighed. Harmon’s short stories blend literate observation with speculative science, following characters like Dr. Thorn, a hard‑bitten bureaucrat, and the mysterious Mr. Madison as they confront the Star Project, the Space Force, and the human cost of building humankind’s first interstellar ship. Across incisive, darkly humorous tales, Harmon measures isolation in currency—Megasorrows and Kilofears—and dissects how technology, authority, and personal demons warp connection. The writing balances sharp dialogue and evocative scenes, offering both satirical takes on military and scientific institutions and poignant portraits of men trying to stay sane amid cosmic ambition. The atmosphere is evocative of classic science fiction while grounded in literary attention to character and voice. Perfect for listeners who enjoy literary short fiction, speculative science stories, or character‑driven science fiction with a mordant edge, Measure for a Loner delivers thoughtful, unnerving vignettes that linger long after the last line.