Parable of the Sower is a prescient dystopian novel. Published in 1993 but set in the mid-2020’s, it’s a chilling read that’s borne much fruitful discussion with the group. Lauren Olamina is a protagonist that wedged herself quickly into my consciousness, and I’ll gladly follow her story to the ends of the earth (or the stars), despite my usual preference against “traveling” narratives. Wise beyond her years, Lauren takes a practical, measured approach to survival and its costs. She is devoted to the religion of Earthseed, which she’s seemingly inventing, but she would argue exists independent of her discovering it. Butler has created fascinating details here, new drugs with terrifying consequences such as Lauren’s “sharing” (feeling others’ pain, a dangerous vulnerability in societal collapse), and the pyro drug that gives users pleasure in setting fires. Butler's intriguing worldbuilding and distinctive characters come together in a brilliant novel that subverted my expectations, and had me all in from page one. Excited to pick up Parable of the Talents asap and continue this story. ⁣