NNO Book Club: Kindred

This is the in-person event. There is also an online version of this event scheduled for 7:00 pm this same date.

As a group excited about reading voices which having traditional been less heard in the sci-fi/fantasy space (i.e. female authors, authors of color, non-western authors, etc.), I have NO idea how we have not read anything by the treasure and inspiration that is Octavia Butler.

Publishing starting in the late 70s, her works have been cited as a unique synthesis of science fiction, mysticism, mythology, and African American spiritualism. She is mentioned as an influence on so many authors we have read so at last – IT IS TIME.

For Feb 2024 – we are reading Kindred by Octavia Butler. (Yes, there is a Amazon Prime adaptation of this too. Be on the lookout for a Read N’ Watch Discussion for this in our sister Meetup – 35+ On The Town – in 2024.)

***Book summary from Goodreads***
The visionary author’s masterpiece pulls us—along with her Black female hero—through time to face the horrors of slavery and explore the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now.

Dana, a modern Black woman, is celebrating her 26th birthday with her new husband when she is snatched abruptly from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned to save him. Dana is drawn back repeatedly through time to the slave quarters, and each time the stay grows longer, more arduous, and more dangerous until it is uncertain whether or not Dana’s life will end, long before it has a chance to begin.

***This month's restaurant selection***
This month we will be checking out one of the restaurants at Waters Street - wagamama. Originally started in London over 30 years ago, wagamama offers a modern twist on pan-asian cuisine. Parking is provided in nearby garages and lots but some walking may be required. View info on the Tampa location here: https://www.wagamama.us/restaurants/tampa/tampa.

***Not sure about book club or never been to one before? ***
Read the book (or some of the book). Come to the Meetup. Eat yummy food and chat with folks about what you thought about the book. REPEAT!

***Not sure where to get the book? ***
All books we select have a decent number of copies (at least 3-4 across all formats) at both the Hillsborough and Pinellas County Library. And, of course, you can always buy a copy.

***Didn’t finish/hated this book?***
Come to the Meetup anyway! If you didn't finish - just be aware, there will be spoilers. If you hated it, come and rant! In my experience, the books that generate the best conversations and the books we really love are rarely the same books.