7 Essential Octavia Butler Books
Kindred (1979)- In what is considered a literary masterpiece and Butler's most popular novel, Kindred follows a young Black woman named Dana. Though she lives in 1976 L.A., she's suddenly transported to a Civil War-era plantation in Maryland. Soon, the more frequently Dana travels back in time, the longer she stays, as she faces a danger that threatens her life in the future.
Wild Seed: Book 1 in "The Patternist" Series (1980)- Set in the 17th and 18th centuries, Wild Seed follows immortals Doro and Anyanwu. Doro lives by stealing others bodies. He also created a small African society with the goal of achieving human perfection. Anyanwu is a shapeshifter with healing powers. After discovering one another, the two struggle to co-exist with their warring methods of survival.
Parable of the Sower: Book #1 in the "Parable" Series (1993)- Set in a dystopian society in the 2020s, Lauren and her family live in a gated compound in the outskirts of L.A. They remain somewhat protected from a world that has been dismantled by the worst of human nature. That is until her home is destroyed and her family is killed, and Lauren must lead the survivors to safety with a revolutionary idea she feels could save humankind.
Bloodchild (1995)- This acclaimed collection of short stories includes the Hugo and Nebula award-winning "Bloodchild," which takes place on a distant planet called Tlic. It's a land where human children who inhabit the planet are raised to host the Tlic's eggs. Other stories include "The Meaning and the Morning of the Night" and "Speech Sounds."
Fledgling (2005)- Butler's Fledgling reflects on race and sexuality through a unique tale. A 10-year-old with amnesia makes a surprising discovery that she's actually a 53-year-old vampire. She fights to recover her memories in order to save herself and those she cares for.
Dawn: Book #1 in the Xenogenesis Trilogy (1987)- The first book in what is also known as the "Lilith's Brood" trilogy, follows Lilith Iyapo who wakes up 250 years after Earth was destroyed by nuclear war. She finds herself in the possession of an alien race called the Oankali, who saved all the human survivors and healed earth. Now, they task Lilith with leading the return to her home planet.
Unexpected Stories (2014)- Published 8 years after her death, Butlers' Unexpected Stories features two tales that were originally written in the 1970s. "A Necessary Being" is set in a world with leaders that are biologically determined, while "Childfinder" follows a Black woman in the 1970s who imagines the future of the human race.
Support a Black owned bookstore when you order your Octavia Butler essential book.