Octavia Butler was the master of social commentary through science fiction. Parable of the Talents is surprisingly complex, and not just an obligatory sequel to the first book in the series. Having read Parable of the Sower too, it was interesting to see how the main character of Lauren changed throughout the different challenges and sociopolitical realities she ran into.

I found it interesting that much of the book is about the religion Earthseed that Lauren is trying to get started in a post-apocalyptic world. I'm not sure I've read anything else that really grapples with the question of how you go about forming, sharing, and building a new belief system.

And like lots of other are saying the politician in the novel who wins a surprise upset to the presidency on the platform of "making America great again" is unsettling to say the least...