Shitting Our Pants

The Patternist series by Octavia E. Butler consists of five novels that explore a complex and interconnected narrative. The series begins chronologically with *Wild Seed* (1980), which introduces the immortals Doro and Anyanwu and their struggles over generations. *Mind of My Mind* (1977) follows Doro's breeding program that creates a society of networked telepaths. *Clay's Ark* (1984) deals with a colony infected by an alien virus. *Survivor* (1978), though later disowned by Butler, depicts the aftermath of the Clay's Ark disease. *Patternmaster* (1976), the first published but last in the series' internal chronology, describes a future where telepathic Patternists dominate over 'mutes' and 'Clayarks'. The series explores themes of power, identity, and the ethical implications of biological engineering and telepathic control.

Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements, co-edited by Adrienne Maree Brown and Walidah Imarisha, is a collection of speculative fiction stories that explore themes of social justice and liberation. The stories envision alternative futures and challenge dominant narratives, offering powerful insights into the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. The anthology features diverse voices and perspectives, reflecting the richness and complexity of social justice movements. It serves as a powerful tool for imagining and creating a more just and equitable world. The book's speculative fiction approach allows readers to engage with complex social issues in a creative and thought-provoking way. It inspires readers to envision and work towards a better future.

Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos. The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others. As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way. Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced. The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.