I’m a bit ashamed to say that prior to last week, I had no clue who Octavia E Butler was. I decided that I’m probably not the only one and I would take a moment, on this… what would have been her 73rd birthday, to highlight who she was. I knew of her name, but I never took the time to find out who she was. When I started researching Black authors is when I figured out who she is.
She was born June 22, 1947 in Pasadena, CA. Her father passed when she was young and she was raised by her mom and her maternal grandmother. A fan of science fiction, she started writing young, receiving her first typewriter at ten. She’s won a ton of awards but most notably, she became the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur “Genius” Grant. She passed away outside of her home in WA when she was 58, most likely from a stroke.
I’ve found an Octavia E Butler Slow Read Along that is starting today and going on for two years!! I’m excited to learn more about her and here from true Octavia stans. I recognize that some of the conversations may make me uncomfortable and I’m ready to lean into that. I’m ready to be open minded and to learn. The first book up is Kindred!!
Kindred was first published in June 1979, is part slave memoir/historical fiction and part science fiction. The main character, Dana, travels from 1976 California, back to the 1800s in the South. I can’t believe I’ve never read this… so many of my bookish friends have and have loved it.
Rest of Octavia E Butler’s Books…
Fledgling
Lilith’s Brood
Adulthood Rites
Imago
Dawn
Parable of Sower
Parable of Talents
Mind of My Mind
Patternmaster
Survivor
Wild See
Clay’s Ark
Seed to Harvest
Bloddchild and Other Stories
Happy Birthday Octavia E Butler!!!
Happy Reading!
Charlotte on Books 