First of all, Mary’s pretty frickin’ awesome and definitely a stronger protagonist than Anyanwu was in Wild Seed. Even though she’s young, Mary’s determination to supersede the expectations set for her is strong. MIND OF MY MIND explores the class structure that’s born from certain abilities and unfair advantages given to certain groups in society, while also exploring dominance and subservience, shifting power dynamics, and the cycles of abuse and manipulation.

This novel also brings up questions about what it means to self-manage your community and striving for self-determination. Essentially, how can you successfully lead people if you don’t respect their humanity or their lives? This entire novel expertly discusses the different ways in which to run a society: parasitic vs. mutualistic, which way is more effective in the long run?

There’s definitely a consistent theme in both WILD SEED and MIND OF MY MIND of women being forced to bear children even when they don’t want to and the consequences for the children that are produced. While MIND OF MY MIND is definitely a stronger story than Wild Seed, it’s plot is made richer by the context that is given in WILD SEED.