NNO Book Club: Parable of the Sower

As with each February, we celebrate Black History Month by reading a book along those themes. For 2024, we read Kindred and, while there are so many black women writers still to explore, it seemed wrong to move on without reading at least one more work by Octavia Butler. First published in 1993 and set it in the far distant year of *checks notes* 2024 – this month we are reading Parable of the Sower, book 1 of the Earthseed duology, by Octavia Butler.

***Book summary from Goodreads***
In 2024, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, one woman begins a fateful journey toward a better future.

Lauren Olamina and her family live in one of the only safe neighborhoods remaining on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Behind the walls of their defended enclave, Lauren’s father, a preacher, and a handful of other citizens try to salvage what remains of a culture that has been destroyed by drugs, disease, war, and chronic water shortages. While her father tries to lead people on the righteous path, Lauren struggles with hyperempathy, a condition that makes her extraordinarily sensitive to the pain of others.

When fire destroys their compound, Lauren’s family is killed and she is forced out into a world that is fraught with danger. With a handful of other refugees, Lauren must make her way north to safety, along the way conceiving a revolutionary idea that may mean salvation for all mankind.

***This month's restaurant selection***
We are returning to Stein and Vine. While the everyday menu is a little brief – this restaurant always has amazing daily specials – whatever the genius mind of the chef has dreamed up. Regardless of the specific specials, you can count on soups, salads, sammies and burgers – along with a few inventive entrees. You can check out the menu here: http://www.thesteinandvine.com/.

***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.