"People have changed the climate of the world. Now they’re waiting for the old days to come back."—The Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. Butler's dystopian science fiction classic, Parable of the Sower, is set in the summer of 2024, making it the perfect time to read or revisit this timeless novel. Published in 1993, the reader joins protagonist Lauren's plight to escape Los Angeles, which is plagued by the effects of climate change, including violence, fires, and wealth inequality.
"All that you touch, You Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth Is Change."—The Parable of the Sower
The main character, Lauren, establishes her religion, Earthseed, which includes the belief that all beings can create and influence change through their thoughtful actions.
"I’m trying to speak—to write—the truth. I’m trying to be clear. I’m not interested in being fancy or even original. Clarity and truth will be plenty, if I can only achieve them."—Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. Butler’s legacy lives on through her work, but also her influence on other groundbreaking authors. If you enjoy Octavia E. Butler, you will also enjoy the following works.
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Octavia Lab: The Octavia Lab, named after the award-winning science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, is a do-it-yourself makerspace located inside the Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Octavia Lab provides library cardholders free and unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies.