Parable of the Sower Reading Group
Bi-weekly Thursdays 6-8 CT
(4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13, 5/27, 6/10, 6/24)
Note: First two sessions are consecutive weeks, all following are bi-weekly. Book is not needed for 1st session.
Platform: Zoom
Pricing: Sliding Scale (60% of program income goes to the educator)
Participant Limit: 20
Program Host: Raeghn Draper
A seven-session reading group for the book Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.
Octavia E. Butler engaged with science fiction because of its vast openness. No topic or possibility was off-limits; she could play with everything. In this biweekly discussion, we will focus on the Parable of the Sower. What lessons can we learn from reading this novel today, and how can we use those lessons to shape new realities for ourselves? How can it be harnessed to prepare for a future together?
The fictional lessons in this story have never been more relatable to our current realities. While centering strong female protagonists, Butler touches on a wide range of social issues and urges us all to adopt change and be adaptable in order to survive a world that wants us dead. Join us as we dive into this prophetic tale of visionary fiction through thoughtful analysis and open dialogue.
“Embrace diversity. Unite- Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed by those who see you as prey. Embrace diversity or be destroyed.” - Parable of the Sower, 203
Note: Readers will supply their own books. Buy your copy of Parable of the Sower from Semicolon Chi, a Black-owned Chicago bookshop.
* We encourage BIPOC community members to pay the lowest sliding scale option regardless of economic status. *
Questions? Contact us!
About Raeghn Draper:
Incorporating visionary fiction in all facets of life, Raeghn creates art through writing, community organizing, and engaging in hospitality. She believes that we all possess the tools to create a better future by reimagining our current realities. Obsessed with sci-fi stories centered on vampires and zombies, her work focuses on putting the fantastic into the ordinary. When not working, she enjoys her plants, puzzles, and solidifying her zombie squad.
Raeghn is a member of The CHAAD Project. CHAAD fights for transparency, equity, and respect for workers in the hospitality industry.