The 52 Book Club: 2025 / 2026 Challenge discussion

48. A book by Octavia E. Butler

The second prompt we voted on was our author’s prompt. Octavia E. Butler won our random draw of the top three finalists! Octavia was a renowned American science fiction writer who received a MacArthur “Genius Grant” and PEN West Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as winning a multitude of awards such as the Hugo and Nebula awards. Butler’s work is taught in colleges and universities worldwide, and is currently being adapted for TV.

For this prompt, pick a book written by Octavia E. Butler. You might also choose a short story or novella by Butler like “Bloodchild and Other Stories” or “Unexpected Stories.” Some of Butler’s work has also been adapted into graphic novels (Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation)

Already read all of her work? To get creative with this prompt, you might choose a book about Octavia E. Butler or a book inspired by her, such as “Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements.”

For creative interpretations of past author’s prompts, individuals have also chosen authors with the same initials, or first or last name, or chosen another author from our original poll.


Click here for our Goodreads List of suggestions

Oh I've not read any of her books so I'm off to check out the list to see which one I fancy...

I was dreading this author being picked as I never read sci-fi so when I saw the options I looked for a short story by her and luckily found one

I’m not a sci-fi fan but I did read and enjoy Kindred last year. Do you think I might like Parable of the Sower? Or maybe I’ll look for that short story! 🤣

I not a sci-fi fan either. I have read Kindred and really liked that one. I also read Parable of the Sowed, but didn’t like it as much. I will probably the sequel-Parable of the Talents.

I'm a little confused about the list of options. It seems that several of the books are about Octavia E. Butler, not necessarily by her. Isn't the intent to read something she's written?

Rachel wrote: "I'm a little confused about the list of options. It seems that several of the books are about Octavia E. Butler, not necessarily by her. Isn't the intent to read something she's written?"


Yes and no, it depends on how you choose to do the challenge. Some people are really strict with the prompts, and other people get more creative and look outside of the box. This author might not be for everyone so we're also showing options.

Oh, ok that's fair. I guess in my head, it would have made more sense to word it "A book by or about Octavia E. Butler" to allow for both.

I recommend Parable of the Sower if you aren't a fan of sci-fi. Its more of a tale like The Road so it is easier to digest.

I am excited to read Octavia E. Butler, she is a new to me author. I had seen Parable of the Sower before and it sounded good, so I will probably read that one.

I know that on the FB live it was said that there probably wouldn't be anymore prompts of an author and I can see the point that was made. It makes me a bit sad though, because there are many great authors I have never read and challenges like this get to introduce me to them.

I’m using Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler

She really hasn't written that many books has she or am I incorrect?

Denise wrote: "She really hasn't written that many books has she or am I incorrect?"

She’s written 12 and her stories are in other books too https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/oc...

I've a copy of Kindred on my unread bookshelf so I'm very happy to have extra motivation to finally read it next year!

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
It was different that what I normally read and had an interesting story. I think it was a good choice for my first time reading this author, but I do think the novel will be significantly better.

I chose Bloodchild. I barely got through it even though it was short and yeah….not sure what I read but I won’t be checking out other works. Sorry if that makes others upset but she’s not an author for me.

I’m going make a suggestion here that for people who are thinking Butler’s work isn’t their thing, Bloodchild might be short, but it’s probably a bad choice. It’s really challenging, really sci-fi, and heavy on body horror.

Parable of the Sower is more speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic kind of thing. If you like The Handmaid’s Tale, consider trying this.

If that doesn’t sound appealing, there is a graphic novel version of Kindred that might work for you. It’s a faster read (I haven’t read the graphic version, just the original), and has some science fiction elements, but not quite as intensely as Bloodchild. It might not become your favourite, but I think it’s less likely to create the intense dislike that a lot of people have for Bloodchild.

These are just my thoughts - I personally think Bloodchild is incredible, but I understand why some people wouldn’t, and I think choosing it just because it’s short is maybe a bad idea.

What other authors were in the original poll?

Thomas wrote: "What other authors were in the original poll?"

Neil Gaiman and Jodie Picoult were the other finalists

I read Parable of the Sower, and it was amazing. 5 Stars for sure. It's more modern-dystopian and not sci-fi so it was terrifying and terrific, much like The Hunger Games or The Handmaid's Tale

Tiffany wrote: "I chose Bloodchild. I barely got through it even though it was short and yeah….not sure what I read but I won’t be checking out other works. Sorry if that makes others upset but she’s not an author..."

Tiffany, I am going to add my bit to what Sarshu said. The only book by Olivia Butler that I have read thus far is KINDRED, and I really enjoyed it. Perhaps you could try that one?

I was intrigued by Bloodchild and found the graphic novel Kindred at the library. I found the graphic novel to be very compelling and grounded for science fiction.

I saw all the comments about Bloodchild and knew that wasn’t for me. I bought the Lilith’s Brood trilogy as the concept was intriguing. (And it was on sale) I just finished Dawn and was disappointed by the writing. The premise & plot were good but I never felt any connection to the characters. I don’t know if I will read the others or not.

I read Bloodchild for this prompt.

After the recommendations I read Fledgling and despite not liking the first part of the book, I really ended up enjoying the overall story.

I tried reading Wild Seed and didn't get very far before abandoning it. My neighbor recommended Parable of the Sower so I'm going to try that before giving up on this prompt. I found an audiobook of it that will probably easier for me to stick with.

Zermeena wrote: "I tried reading Wild Seed and didn't get very far before abandoning it. My neighbor recommended Parable of the Sower so I'm going to try that before giving up on this prom..."

I did the audiobook of Fledgling and I think that made a difference for me. Good luck!

Lizz wrote: "Zermeena wrote: "I tried reading Wild Seed and didn't get very far before abandoning it. My neighbor recommended Parable of the Sower so I'm going to try that before givin..."

Thanks for the encouragement Lizz!

I read and listened along to the audio of Parable of the Sower which was wonderfully narrated by Lynne Thigpen.

I finished the graphic novel version of Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler What a powerful story. Enjoy

I read Bloodchild for this prompt and wow, I didn’t know what to expect…..but I didn’t expect THAT!!! Loved this book. Not my usual type of read but absolutely excellent. I may read OB's books now more often.

I tried to read Bloodchild, it wasn't my liking. So I also read Kindred and I found it a good story.

I read (and finished) Dawn, the first in the Xenogenesis trilogy, but I won't be reading any of the others.

The Parable of the Sower - loved this, and have already purchased the sequel.

Kindred ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've never read Octavia E. Butler. I chose Kindred because I heard that it's best to start with this one.

Natalya wrote: "I've never read Octavia E. Butler. I chose Kindred because I heard that it's best to start with this one."

I would have to agree with that.

I read Kindred, my first book of hers. Loved it

I struggled with what to read for this challenge and discarded many books. I finally listened to Parable of the Sower . I got totally engrossed in it and have put the sequel on hold. I would highly recommend this book.

I went with Kindred. Loved it.

I decided to go with Fledgling. It was pretty good.

Read the Parable of the Sower last year and enjoyed it. It's speculative fiction/post-apocalyptic and scarily close to becoming reality.

I will read Parable of the Talents this year for this prompt

I read Kindred and did not like it. One star, boring, slow pace, sorry Butler but that was not for me.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This particular prompt isn't really one I want to tackle... especially with such mixed reviews.... so I've opted to substitute another book for this prompt!
I chose Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson... no particular reason why it was this substitute.

I read and loved Parable of the Sower for this prompt. I can't wait to start Parable of the Talents for the dystopian prompt

Kindre is a fabulous book, it is a time travel look at black history in the US. It’s the only Octavia Butler book I’ve ever been able to read. I read it in a day.

I read Fledgling for this challenge. I have to say I am not a fan -- at all -- of the book. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I just struggled to get through it. I have other Butler books here to try later.

I read Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. I gave it four stars.

I read the blood child and other stories