Have you ever read the story of someone else’s life, and found yourself thinking, “Wow, we have a lot in common!” That’s how I felt while reading this book. There were moments, especially in the beginning, where I felt as though I was reading about myself. Even the author’s own history, which was woven into the introduction, felt familiar. Octavia E. Butler, Susana M. Morris (the author) and Nicole E. Woolaston (myself) were all quiet young Black girls who loved to read. Butler kept her head down and worked and wrote as often as she could. She submitted her work for publication and was rejected in the beginning, but she kept writing and kept pursuing her dream. This gave me hope, that while my books are not widely know right now, there’s always a chance someday they will be.

I enjoyed reading the backstories of her books, especially Kindred. A I love that she was inspired by a trip to Maryland and chose to make that the setting of Kindred because of Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman. I love the way she recognized the strength of her own writing while working on Wild Seed: “I’m a good writer getting better. I just read ahead on Wild Seed. Oh, but it’s good. With just a few liners, it’s good. With a little more correction, it will be fantastic!” And Octavia and I shared the same worry: not being taken seriously because of a lack of credentials. Her writing peers had advanced degrees while she only had an associate’s degree. While I believe talent can be molded by education, I don’t think education can create talent, as Octavia proved with her writing. It’s just something you’re born with; something that’s just inside you.

On this day in 2006, the world lost Octavia Butler. I can only imagine what things would be like if she were still with us. I wish she could see all of the people she inspired. How, as Black readers and writers, especially women, were are no longer limited to just reading Science Fiction, we’re creating it as well. I would love to see her at a Sci Fi convention, especially Blerdcon. I think she would be amazed and proud of how far Black Culture in literature and Science Fiction have come.

This was a very inspiring book and very well written. Morris didn’t just relay facts about Octavia Butler; she told her story. I borrowed the copy I read from the library but I’m going to purchase one to keep on my shelf. If you’ve never read any of Octavia Butler’s books I recommend them, Kindred in particular. If you’re familiar with the work but not the writer this book is an excellent way to get to know her.