Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go. I tend to steer away from dystopian type books, but Butler might have just convinced me to open my mind to the genre. Parable of the Sower introduces a concept that tears down accepted perceptions of the world and where it might be headed in a way that feels both fantastical and all too real at the same time. The destructive nature of politics and religion bubble to the surface without ever pointing a finger at any particular group exposing assumptions and attitudes that come into conflict. Through a large cast of characters, Butler exposes biases, family dysfunction, and the importance of community. Parable of the Sower doesn't fear killing off a character in service of the story. Butler's depiction of domesticated animals gone feral was, at times, as painful as the depiction of humans gone feral. Her presentation of the creation of a possible new religion and definition of god alternately had me wondering where the concept was going and feeling the urge to scream at how easy people are to convince. Parable of the Sower is prescient enough to be read as a warning not taken and entertaining enough to hold the reader's interest.
Currently Reading:
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel
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