28 October 2008
If you're looking for a riveting book to read that you can hardly put down, look no further than the "Parable of the Talents" by the late Octavia Butler. This book is the second in a series (the first is "parable of the sower", Humboldt state University's book of the year 2008), and can be read independently from the first book (although i recommend reading the first book too). Written from the perspective of journals of a married couple and an eyewitness account (from their daughter). The tale unfolds a post apocalyptic future United States set in Humboldt county, particularly Eureka and Arcata, California. During these times there is still a government, but life is completely unruly, and violent. the idea of building community has become a necessity of life, and for that reason there are many small villages that develop like compounds, with neighbors taking care of each other and meeting each other's needs. The specter of fundamentalist christians becomes increasingly eminent throughout the book, and reflects a future of intolerance and persecution. Octavia Butler approaches this situation in a purely believable way, with many references to the crusades of the past and the intolerance that is growing in the pacific northwest (as well as around the country). She also presents this real fear further by detailing how backwards the country becomes including reverting to slavery (including child sex slaves), and drugs that make people do horrible things. There is a powerful Christian leader (ominously from Texas) who becomes president though coersion and appealing to the masses' fear (while, slyly, simultaneously creating it). One of the themes that develops is the relationship between the members of a new religion called Earthseed. Their philosophy revolves around the ideas of its main protagonist who states that "god is change". The religion is fostered at a community called Acorn, and gives one an indepth look at the real struggles, hopes, and dreams of a struggling idealistic community. This is not a utopic scenario though. The thing that struck me as most profound is that in this future, there are no pacifists. life is a constant fight for survival from marauders. However, alliances appear even amongst people who do not like each (which should be an inspiration to us all). Through the journals the daughter tries to understand her parents, whom she has never met, and tries to make sense of her own life in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Read it twice and pass it along! a must for anyone interested in social organizing in the 21st century.
- john doe is a journalist who has embraced the sustainability movement, he sees d.i.y. and reuse as our building blocks to healthy societies.
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