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Parable of the Sower

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Parable of the Sower

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Lynne Thigpen
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Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author Octavia E. Butler paints a stunning portrait of an all-too-believable near future. As with Kindred and her other critically-acclaimed novels, Parable of the Sower skillfully combines startling visionary and socially realistic concepts.

God is change. That is the central truth of the Earthseed movement, whose unlikely prophet is 18-year-old Lauren Olamina. The young woman's diary entries tell the story of her life amid a violent 21st-century hell of walled neighborhoods and drug-crazed pyromaniacs - and reveal her evolving Earthseed philosophy. Against a backdrop of horror emerges a message of hope: if we are willing to embrace divine change, we will survive to fulfill our destiny among the stars.

For her elegant, literate works of science fiction, Octavia E. Butler has been compared to Toni Morrison and Ursula K. LeGuin. Narrator Lynne Thigpen's melodious voice will hold you spellbound throughout this compelling parable of modern society.

©1993 Octavia E. Butler (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Series Essentials Scary Emotionally Gripping Witty Suspenseful

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Ever since its publication in 1965, Frank Herbert's Dune has set the bar high for epic science fiction. In fact, Herbert's beloved novel is considered to be one the best sci-fi books of all time. Dune was the recipient of multiple awards, including the inaugural Nebula Award for best novel in 1966. And in October 2021, more than 50 years after the novel's initial release, fans of Dune are being treated to a film adaptation, directed by Denis Villeneuve.

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Editor's Pick

What expert dystopian fiction sounds like
"We lost the genius Octavia Butler far too soon, as evidenced by the close-to-home and all too imaginable dystopian future imagined in the Earthseed duology. Lynn Thigpen’s performance is a work of pure art. As one Audible listener (Amber) put it: "Her voice is raw silk, and her pacing and inflections are perfection, adding layers of meaning to a single word of dialog." Shivers."
—Sam D., Audible Editor

Prophetic Storytelling • Complex Protagonist • Masterful Narration • Philosophical Depth • Emotional Impact
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This storyline was so enchanting and hypnotizing. I couldn't stop until I reached the end, and then grew upset because I wanted more, I went through every emotion, my eyes swelled up with tears more than once and despite the horrid conditions, there were moments I smiled in joy for Laura. This book makes you go into deep thought of social and environmental problems of today and what our future will look like if we continue. Amazing, amazing book. I must read more by Octavia Butler.

AMAZING Read!!!

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Get ready for a great story that is bleak as heck. This book is great but man, what a downer. Don’t read this if you’re going through a rough time.
Lynne Butler gives a masterful narration

Great but depressing

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loved it. Perfect reading. I have read this book and I'll listen to it. This reading had me totally involved and every day of the journey outlined in the story.

perfect audible book

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Octavia Butler is a legend. She was one of the first to bring some literary style to science fiction, and for that, she deserves to be lionized. Her lovely writing is the reason to read this book. There are events, but the story just feels very slow. But hang in there--if you can make it through the first half, you'll find yourself really engaged in the second. Hard-core science fiction fans should be warned, however, that this only just barely squeezes under the flap of the SF tent. There's not much science fiction in this dystopian novel aside from one small fantasy element, and the story doesn't so much end as set us up for the other book in the series.

Lynne Thigpen is consistently excellent as the narrator and turns in a flawless performance that enhances the story line. She creates a thousand pictures with her words.

Even though I couldn't give 5's across the board, I'm really glad I stuck with this book and look forward to the other one in this series.

The second half of the story gets better

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This book is set in the future and unfortunately it does not seem so far-fetched . When it was written, the make America great mottos, gun control issues and deep divisions between the Haves and Have Nots of today or in the authors imagination. there is a fragile hope in the book that speaks to the the persistent spirit of a few in this world willing to fight to overcome all to survive. Part of the moral of the story is that we need to work together and not be divided by social standing, Financial power or racial divisions.
This was a difficult, dark and all too real read and an excellent book.

Describing our Potential Present

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a great story for the day and age we live in now. Octavia Butler must have been an oracle.

heart wrenching. very well read. the story

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great use of Liberation Theology in an apocalyptic world. I highly recommend seeing this in terms of religion as culture

Christianity as frame

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It is prescient and evocative. Octavia Butler has constructed a heroine for our time. Lauren Olamina's wisdom and bravery in the face of injustice and uncertainty is awe inspiring! May we all find solace in the stars.

I'm grateful for this story!

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This was gripping from beginning to the end. i cannot wait to read the next book!

A must read

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This is and amazing book. Very entertaining and frightening at the same time. This world is just around thw corner!

Amazing book.

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