PARABLE OF THE SOWER OCTAVIA BUTLER BOOK REVIEW

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IS THIS THE BEST SCIFI BOOK I HAVE EVER READ?! Book Review of Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. this is the 3rd book of Octavia that I have read (Kindred and Fledling Prior)
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Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower
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[@rfefe]

I found this book outside a dumpster at Sonoma State University and it changed my life.. it is scary how much is coming true... I pray that it almost does not come into more of fruition. Planting huge garden in honor of this life changing book this year, and I think it might give me advantage due to the current global political, economic , health climate. The Parable of the Talents is just as good in my opinion , at the end I just wept like a baby.

[@rfefe]

And I agree it is "Perfect" - a true masterpiece..

[@LEFTONREAD]

Rafael Gonzalez I finished the duology (talents) and I agree, great duology. I hope more does not become true. When I read “make America great again” in the talents I was like omg 👀. Sn That is amazing you found this outside a dumpster, wow.

[@Lbac12345]

Loved this book, saw a comment about how the Hand Maiden Tale is for upper classes this is what will happen to the normies before Gilead comes to be. I swear I thought this book was written well after 1993- is was thinking it was written in like 15- 16 which made me feel stupid when I found out she died in '06! Am so sad I am just now learning about OB

[@tamrakay]

I read this in January and it was such an amazing book for me, the Earthseed verses were really beautiful and thought-provoking... It was my first Octavia Butler book but I’m really excited to read more of her work.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I am so excited to read Lilith's brood next. I agree, the verses were beautiful and so thoughtful. I loved this book so much.

[@xenothesis3035]

@@LEFTONREAD If you are reading/have read Lilith's Brood aka the Xenogenesis trilogy, My friend and I host a read-along companion podcast for these books. I've read it and He's new to it. We discuss the plot, writing etc but we are also both biologists and like to get into the science too.

[@fcdraw]

Read both of the parable stories back in 2018. This story is a warning about the future of the United States after we go through an economic crisis where the money becomes worthless. We are in the beginning stages of that world right now in 2020. It is amazing how everything Octavia Butler said was going to happen in the 21st century is unfolding right now.

[@daisydaisy0121]

This was my first read of 2021! it is so impactful and Lauren is an incredible character

[@NewPossibilities]

I gotta read that book.

[@NiteOwl2000]

I was wondering whether I should cop it, but now I’m sold! Really glad I found this channel btw, just subbed!!!

[@WilkineBrutus]

Wonderful review!

[@Kl-bx9gv]

Thank you for the great review! I just discovered your channel and am watching your videos one after the other. I come from Germany and since there are almost no science fiction authors here (science fiction is unfortunately often considered trash in Germany) I mostly read American and British authors. I recently read Parable of the Sower and loved it. Somehow the book reminded me of the equally great "Sheep Look Up" by John Brunner, although both books are very different from each other. Both books are about an ecological catastrophe and the consequences for society. Racism and inequality also play a role in both books. Butler and Brunner both use indirect exposition, through which you learn a lot about the world without having it explained too directly. However, while Butler looks more at the micro level and the personal drama, focuses on the individual consequences of the catastrophe and also leaves room for hope, Brunner moves more on the macro level. To do this, he uses a collage style that repeatedly shows news snippets, interviews or other media. This gives you a good overview of the world and better grasps political events. Incidentally, in both books there is an incompetent, right-wing radical president who is a "symbol of the past," as Butler calls it. In my head, both books take place in the same universe. I will definitely read more by Butler in the future and am glad to have discovered this author.

[@deaddancers1]

Brilliant book

[@millsykooksy4863]

It was a very simple but powerful read. I don’t know why it hasn’t been made into a movie series yet

[@Magnulus76]

I could only read a few chapters before I just couldn't finish it. The setting is interesting and vividly described, the characters are shallow, and many of the themes aren't particularly coherent. I'll get around to finishing it one of these days, I am sure, but the initial impressions aren't good.

[@ReadandFindOut]

This book is so good! The shifting experience with religion was one of my favorite things about it.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes, yes, and yes. it was beautiful.

[@cocochanel3812]

This book took me all the way out . When the second book said make America great again I was dead.

[@LEFTONREAD]

WHAT?! PLEASE STOP! That is crazy. I need to read it already.

[@josryder7841]

Coco Chanel STOOOP girl😳

[@TonneliGruetter]

Absolutely!

[@samie16k33]

It’s scary

[@gweppner4006]

Freaking amazing 👍

[@christalintentions]

I was just recommended this book with everything going on!!! Wow this book seems to be so relevant to today! Just bought the audio and I’m about to listen and get lost! 🙏🏽💚

[@LEFTONREAD]

Christal Intentions oh I know via audio you more than likely will! Hope you did/ enjoy the book 💛

[@robynhenderson9353]

This book is so well done, and you can tell because it’s an emotional ride. One thing that fascinates me about the influence of the book is that there are people, mostly black women, who are using it as a framework to discuss the future and do social justice work. And it really makes sense when you read the book.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Robyn Henderson omg yes yes and YES! This is so true and it really does make sense when you read it.

[@blackwomenread9127]

it's hard to explain this book, because it's such an intricate storyline. it gets even more complex (and depressing lol) in the 2nd book. I believe she was planning to write a third to make it a trilogy. but passed away before completing. thanks for the refresher. it's been a while since i've read the book! i recommend her collection of short stories as well.

[@LEFTONREAD]

IT WAS SO HARD to even try to film something. I felt like I could not do it justice because I was over simplifying. this is really a work of art. I am looking forward to diving into book 2.

[@ViolentSmoker]

My favorite author by a large margin. Her Xenogenesis and Patternist series are must reads.

[@niallmartin9063]

Came across this masterpiece years ago in my library here in Dublin Ireland, my adhd meant it had to be the audiobook (cassette tapes, remember them?). Why this isn’t a multi award winning movie or TV show, I will never know, easily better than Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”. She paints a dour, bleak but all too believable picture of an imminent dystopia. You can see the “paints” on tv every night as well as “Andrew Jarrett”, “Jarrett’s crusaders will make their appearance very soon. She looks the oncoming nightmare straight in the eye with uncompromising, unflinching clarity. . . . and Olamina Benkole makes her seemingly impossible plans. The sequel is a masterpiece and what a loss that “Parable of the Trickster” was never completed. She’s an absolute prophetic genius. I would love to have heard her take on current events, her pessimism seems to be unfolding even as we speak. I love this book.

[@cubierocks]

I'm so glad you loved this book! Butler is one of my favorite authors; her work is absolutely incredible!

[@LEFTONREAD]

I can understand why Butler is one of your favorites. I cannot wait to read more. this was only my 3rd book, but wow. I was blown away.

[@RachelRae]

Will come back after reading it. Made it halfway through, glad you loved it!

[@dresdenjackshula4940]

One of my favorites by Butler. Great review.

[@ameliam.winter6101]

Thank you again for another wonderful video. Your videos are always so uplifting for me. I have not read Parable Of The Sower yet, but after this wonderful review I greatly look forward to diving into it.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Amelia M. Winter aww just seeing this, thank you so much 💛 hope you were able to check it out.

[@ThistleVerse]

Enjoyed this book. I don't know if I have a favorite scene. I just really loved Lauren's character and thought her family's dynamics were very compelling.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thistle & Verse I LOVED Lauren. I loved her physical description along with her as a character. The way Octavia emphasized the hyper empathy and how “sharing” was played with, loved it! Also yes, The family dynamics were definitely compelling.

[@Serena-lm3iy]

I just finished this book a couple days ago and I cannot stop thinking about it! I’m a big fan of Butler but it still surprises me just how sucked in I get to her stories. I loved reading Lauren’s struggle with religion, I though it was a really interesting way to approach that conversation in a novel.

[@ghostreader9766]

Agree with your 5 star review! Awesome book!

[@rosewilliams6328]

I am ECSTATIC to find your channel!! I am so tired of white guys' opinion videos (often about crap that doesn't matter) filling up my KZbin homescreen. I can't wait to watch your other videos!!

[@chanelleswanson5717]

Miss your videos and hope you're well! I just finished this amazing book and was looking up reviews - your review was the first to pop up! :)

[@BookCave]

This was such a good review! I loved this book and it hit me the hardest was when there were moments showing how we’re not that far off from the world of this book.

[@LEFTONREAD]

BookCave man I agree! It really was not that far off.

[@deuteragonist1078]

I read this in a Science Fiction & Feminism class and it was so amazing.

[@Bri-ns5rm]

I'm so happy that you read this! Butler is my favorite writer, and this series took a lot out of me and gave me so much at the same. I've never had a book make me question what I believed in so much. or cry so much lol. Every time I read it, I find something new to take away from mit. Her writing, the verses, are so beautiful. The Llith's Brood (xenogenesis) series is tied for my favorite.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Briana Jordan I really have to read Lilith’s brood! I hear this regularly 🙌🏾

[@TashimaC]

I just ordered this from the library. Now I can’t wait to read it.

[@LEFTONREAD]

TashimaC hope You were able to 🤗

[@ReadingWithMoe]

Just finished it too and 5 ⭐️s!! Currently reading the sequel, loved Kindred too

[@LEFTONREAD]

That is what is next for me! After I read 1619, I am starting Parable of the Talents.

[@booksandstick5544]

There is a graphic novel edition. I read it when it was first published, thanks for reminding me of Octavia Butler's gift.

[@LEFTONREAD]

books and stick I have yet to check out the graphic novel! I am looking fwd to, once the library opens back up

[@angelitacochran8161]

My first Octavia Butler read and I can't wait to get into Talent. I was amazed at the strength of Lauren's character. Which I would say she inherited from her father, who believed in and believed her. It certainly took me (who tends to be ultra sensitive) on an emotional ride.

[@josryder7841]

Octavia Butler is not given the recognition she deserves in my opinion. My first introduction to her was Kindred and I was kicking myself b/c it took me so long to finally read her work. Wildseed was amazing too. Will be back to hear your thoughts after I read this one. Ugh and 1993?! Sheesh I was in 10th grade😂😩

[@LEFTONREAD]

Jos Ryder I read kindred first too and took me forever to explore other writings.

[@daceway3082]

Both parable books became my favorite books instantly.

[@thetbrdiaries]

I call myself a SFF lover yet have not read any Octavia Butler! This one sounds like a really good place to start with her work.

[@Nyledam89]

I need to read Octavia Butler! :)

[@oairhiav]

Just finished this book. Omg I loved it. I took the story as a warning. Octavia captured all that can happen when a nation falls. It’s happening now in war torn countries. Murder, rape, drug abuse, cruelty, etc. Worth reading today to wake people up from their sleep

[@HipHop226]

Great book! I haven’t read the sequel

[@thespeechboss]

Did you guys know that there was supposed to be a 3rd book? Very unfortunate that Mrs Butler had to leave so soon.

[@josesantana27]

It is like being a Empath on steroids. Sounds really intriguing. Thanks for sharing.

[@LEFTONREAD]

EXACTLY! On steroids, but super relatable.

[@lamontcranston3621]

Can you discuss story structures more? I'd love to see more discussions of dystopian novels comparing story structure. Just sayin'.

[@AceHardy]

📙💯

[@ravenblack942]

God is change.

[@BookieCharm]

Butler's writing gets me every time. The writing is intense and immersive and I'm convinced she's a prophet. The series I picked up after the Earthseed duology was Lilith's Brood/Xenogenesis if you're looking for direction after book 2 :)

[@LEFTONREAD]

Bookie Charm I KEEP hearing this! I have to read Lilith’s brood next.

[@nsimmons9427]

Shared this review with students in a DJJ facility, and they were sold!

[@Artdealerchicc]

Came to watch this video because I read the book. I feel like what’s happening in the book is similar to what is happening during the May riots in protest of police brutality. The world is getting crazy and chaotic in present day. Octavia is from the future.

[@vamps_rock]

I read the duology back to back a couple of years ago and it BLEW. MY. MIND. I had previously read Kindred and Fledgeling, but the Parables took it to a whole other level for me. It seemed as if she had a crystal ball and was seeing the reality of the late 2010s/early 2020s that _we_ are living in and how much further our times could be twisted and somewhat turned back to the past. Recently I finished the Xenogenesis trilogy, and whilst it is just as clever and probably has even more to say, it didn't grab me in quite the same way, perhaps because it is so removed from who and what humanity/earth is currently. TFS :)

[@LEFTONREAD]

Vamps Rock it definitely blew my mind. I read the talents to finish it off; great duology. I do want to read Lilith’s brood next!

[@keithc1022]

I really loved this book. Butler sows in lots of little touches in the background of this story which lets your imagination fill in the gaps. I found this world bleak, but hopeful too; but the outer non narrative stuff was rich as f#ck. I have read Lilith Brood before, and as a writer she’s really progressive with her ideas on genetics. I love this book and author too. 5 stars for me too, reading the talents now.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I agree on 5 stars, hope you love the talents too!

[@msj0856]

I have never read science fiction before but have always been tempted to read Octavia Butler. Do you think this book would be a good first dive into Sci Fi ?

[@cocochanel3812]

Yes because it’s ‘ normal ‘ enough not to be sooo sci fi but enough elements to keep you interested.

[@LEFTONREAD]

absolutely! I agree with Coco below. This is normal/ dystopian. The science fiction element is one where it does not even scream out SCIENCE fiction, it just is because it is. None of this probably makes sense, but when you read it you understand. Octavia gets scifi, and understands how our world is full of science and relates that.

[@seriela]

You're making me want to just reread Octavia Butler's work in chronological order.

[@LEFTONREAD]

seriela that sounds AMAZING

[@Jamaicangurl81]

i just started the graphic book to this...

[@LEFTONREAD]

Jamaicangurl81 how was it? I want to check it out when the library opens back up.

[@Jamaicangurl81]

@@LEFTONREAD I had to return it... Reading it on my tablet was straining my eyes 😔 (cause the text was so small and such) but I started the actual book and saw many of the same things in the graphic novel so I think it'll be pretty good... But I'll have to wait for the paper book for this

[@LEFTONREAD]

Jamaicangurl81 yeah I hear you. Ebooks in general are last resort for me. Physical copy > audio > ebook

[@Paige-ud5gz]

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is an amazing book!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Paige Spratley it really is!

[@4tha99n2oo0z]

thanks Paige. i just put this on my list too

[@BookNookNoggin]

1993? For some reason, I kept thinking this book was older.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Well that's almost 30 years ago. Thats pretty long ago, but yeah.

[@epmcgill8301]

I'd like to send you a book of mine to review.

[@FollowThatHurd]

Have you gotten to the Talents yet? It was just as amazing to me. I read them back to back this year bc I couldn't put them down

[@LEFTONREAD]

FollowThatHurd yes! That very next month it was read lol! So good. Sower still took the cake, but what a follow up.

[@HipHop226]

Great book! I haven’t read the sequel