Parable Resource List

Dive Deeper Into Parable of the Sower  

You could spend a lifetime immersed in the brilliance of Octavia E. Butler and the Parable novels. There is so much to learn that we wanted to create a starting path for you to explore. Follow your curiosity through our curated list of resources to gain more in-depth understanding of both the literary and stage versions of the Parable stories, and the artists behind them. From new TV series to podcasts to the gorgeous graphic novel, there is something here for everyone. This is just a small sampler of what is out there, and is not intended to be comprehensive. Dive in!  

Foundations: Octavia E. Butler and Afrofuturism  

• Official Site of Octavia E. Butler
  The website of Octavia E. Butler’s estate, includes in-depth literary background 
• The Parable Novels
  About Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents 
• Beginner's Guide to Afrofuturism
  Essence: October 2020
• Octavia E. Butler: A Visionary Among Futurists
  CNN introductory article: June 2018 
• Where to Start with Octavia Butler
  New York Public Library guide to Butler’s work 
• Why Octavia E. Butler’s Novels Are So Relevant Today 
  BBC: March 2020 
• Octavia Butler, Visionary Fiction
  NPR's Throughline podcast special episode (68 min) 
• Interview with Octavia Butler
  June 2000 interview on Charlie Rose (15 min)

The Parable Opera

• About the Strathmore Performance
  Explore pre-show events and get your tickets for June 28–July 1, 2023  
• Parable Opera Website 
  Background and promotional materials for the performance   
• Parable Opera trailer 
• Parable Path Boston 
• Parable Path at University of Michigan

Dive Deeper into the Parable Novels

• Octavia’s Parables - Podcast
  Chapter-by-chapter discussions by adrienne maree brown and Toshi Reagon
• God is Change
  Parable Immersion Course by Alexis Pauline Grumbs ($50) 
• Earthseed
  Website that makes literal the religion inspired by the work of Octavia E. Butler   
• How Octavia Butler Re-Imagines Sex and Survival
  An exploration that encompasses the Parables and several other works  
• Seeding a Black Feminist Future on the Horizon of a Third Reconstruction: The Abolitionist Politics of Self-Care in Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower
  Scholarly article from June 2021  

Select Adaptations of Butler Works

• Parable of the Sower Film 
• Kindred FX TV series 
• Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel 

Inspired by Butler

• adrienne maree brown blog  
  adrienne maree brown is among the top writers and thinkers in the world on Octavia Butler and how her ideas can be applied.  
• Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute and Book
  Emergent Strategy is a framework for shaping social change created by adrienne maree brown and inspired by Octavia Butler’s work 
• Octavia’s Brood  
  Book of science fiction stories inspired by Octavia Butler
• Shaping Change Bundle
  Resources for supporting yourself and your community though the lens of Earthseed 
• Octavia Tried
  A monthly webinar talking about how Octavia Butler teaches us about change, prophecy, survival strategies, spirituality, creativity, community, leadership, activism, politics and education.  

Explore Afrofuturism 

• Afrofuturism: From Books to Blockbusters  
  It’s Lit by Storied at PBS 9:33   
• Intro to Afrofuturism – short
  Short explainer by Vox (5 min) 
• Intro to Afrofuturism - longer
  More in-depth intro by Black Studies Snacks (25 min)  
• How Afrofuturism Can Help the World Mend  
  Reflection in Wired Magazine 
• Afrofuturism: from the Past to the Living Present
  Exploration of Afrofuturism through the lens of Los Angeles and UCLA scholars and alumni
• Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures
  An exhibit at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture up through March 2024

Social Media Accounts to Follow 

@octaviaebutler
Official account of the estate of Octavia E. Butler 

@adriennemareebrown 
adrienne maree brown, writer  

@biglovely101
Big Lovely, Toshi Reagon’s main band 

@toshi.reagon.live
Toshi Reagon