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intheafrofuture's reviews
56 reviews
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Is it prophecy or a prediction?
So much more intense than Parable of the Sower in the sense that it feels too real. From Jarret to Dream Masks its a version of the world can has happened, is happening and can happen.
The potrayal of Earthseed as a concept changed drastically in book two. Going from a small idea to a literal cult. It's fascinating to see how easily something with good purpose can be turned because of pride, greed, power and money. But don't all religions start with "good reason"?
The characters are again so well written and I'm glad that Olamina in particular is written in a way not to worship but to see as human.
It's a hard read but is it much different than what our future could be?
So much more intense than Parable of the Sower in the sense that it feels too real. From Jarret to Dream Masks its a version of the world can has happened, is happening and can happen.
The potrayal of Earthseed as a concept changed drastically in book two. Going from a small idea to a literal cult. It's fascinating to see how easily something with good purpose can be turned because of pride, greed, power and money. But don't all religions start with "good reason"?
The characters are again so well written and I'm glad that Olamina in particular is written in a way not to worship but to see as human.
It's a hard read but is it much different than what our future could be?
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Poetic and beautiful way of putting my chaotic thoughts on paper. So much of this still reads today which is sad and embarrassing but so helpful. But community is important like SO very important, however, it can only be a community when everyone is willing to learn, not to be the same but to observe and absorb each others differences. (Within the community of Black non-men)
What I learned most is to use the feelings that we (Black women) have been taught to hide or suppress (eroticism, anger, etc.) to reach not only individual power but to create community (not homogeneity). That will lead to Black liberation.
I find it fascinating that I relate so much to this woman on so many levels. Also, after reading this, I've been reevaluating and questioning my feelings and approach towards the Black women in my life (including myself) and why I treat them and me in certain ways.
Last thing, a lot of these essays encouraged introspection, but starting and ending the book on the essays that evaluate external problems was a wonderful choice and I think it helps remind you that yes self-reflection is needed but we can not forget nor neglect the people and events occurring around us.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was almost a survival guide with proof that everything changes, yet stays the same. It wasn't a plot-driven book but it kept you wanting to know if the characters are simply okay. I find it fascinating that as a reader I found myself criticizing my beliefs and questioning my morals. What would I do to survive? And do I truly believe in anything other than change? I think my biggest takeaway from this is that we all can always trust that change will come. ALSO even though its a dystopian novel, it felt WAY too close to home. Way too possible and that's why I feel as though Octavia Butler wasn't writing to us but was creating a guide to living through change. (Ending was disappointing, real but disappointing)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Addiction, Animal death, Child death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, Cannibalism, Murder, Sexual harassment
Minor: Pedophilia
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My second read and I still get so sucked in! It's a surprisingly fast-paced book but I find it so fascinating to see a Black woman navigate her relationship with white men in particular. She is in love with one yet hates another yet both are equally as important to her. It still makes me question morals in a way that I almost canter comprehend. Is it ethical to allow harm to your ancestors for your creation? Are we, as Black people in the 2020s, allowed to say that slavery happened for a reason or allowed us to be the way we are now? It begs the question of "Did we need slavery to happen?" It's so incredibly thought provoking and I still think it's my favorite book yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Rape, Self harm
Minor: Suicide