It’s been 10 years since the tragic death of Octavia Butler on February 24, 2006. The sci-fi author continues to be celebrated by seasoned and new fans alike. From that riveting journal entry that revealed she wrote her life into existence, to the news that Ava Duvernay is getting her directorial chops in sci-fi adaptations, it might be a good idea to make sure you’ve read some essential books from the OG of science fiction, because you never know what’s on the horizon. Check out these reviews of novels, series, and short stories by Octavia Butler that you should read next from these awesome people on Booktube, the community of readers on YouTube!
1. Kindred (1979)
Octavia Butler changed the literary game when she wrote Kindred, the first published science fiction novel by a black woman. It’s part slave memoir, part fantasy, and defies many confines of what we think historical fiction should be.
2. Wild Seed (1980)
Two African immortal entities destructive only to each other, Wild Seed will blow your mind in more ways than one. The fourth novel in the Patternist series includes shapeshifting, invincibility, and the power to heal with a kiss, which makes this one terrific read and book club selection!
3. Parable of the Sower & Parable of the Talents (1993 & 1998)
Earthseed is probably one of her most popular series, and these Parables that journey through environmental and economic catastrophes are rippled with #blackgirlmagic as Lauren Olamina navigates old and new world order.
4. Lillith’s Brood (2000)
Aliens, war, family, a burning earth… Lillith’s Brood, the complete Xenogenesis series, is a definite must read. #BlackAuthorsMatter
5. Fledgling (2005)
Fledgling is about a young girl with bouts of amnesia who discovers that she’s actually a 53yo vampire. She has to find out who’s for and against her in this journey to save herself in this novel that evokes themes of otherness.
6. Bloodchild & Unexpected Stories (1995 & 2014)
If you’re new to Butler’s work, Bloodchild and Other Stories is probably the best way to start. It’s her first published collection of short stories and each story rings true with what readers have come to enjoy about Butler’s contemporary imaginative worlds. Unexpected Stories was published posthumously and contains two short stories, “A Necessary Being” and “Childfinder.”
If Ava is so inclined to adapt any more science fiction films, which one of Octavia Butler’s books would you most want to see adapted for the screen?
