OutReaders:2020-07
7/18/20 2-4 pm
Google Meet
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Robert Allen was the coordinator. 7 people attended: Robert, Brad, DeVon, Wendy, Erin, Ed, Leah
We went over these items:
- New way of choosing books? We discussed making a curated list, but decided to stick with our current method of choosing books. So no change will be made.
- The group asked for a list of all books that have ever been nominated. Robert will create it.
- Defined roles. We talked about the three roles in the group (coordinator, moderator, and member) and the guidelines that Robert created around them. They go into effect in August.
- Increasing membership. Someone suggested we all reach out to our friends and see if they want to attend or will come back if they have been absent for a while. Someone also suggested promoting the book club in each of our personal social media. We also talked about promoting the group more in the OutWorlders Facebook group. Robert will do that.
Book discussion recap:
In general, we enjoyed the book. Post-apocalyptic dystopias are fun! This one was uncomfortably familiar, as we could all see it happening in real life based on our current political climate.
The subject matter is heavy, and that makes the book tough. It’s one horrible situation to endure after another with no bright spots.
We talked about the religious aspects of the book (specifically Christianity and Earthseed) and how they shaped the main character.
Butler is a good writer, and we talked about some of her other books that are much more sci-fi. Perhaps we will read one someday! This book has little sci-fi in it.
Verdict: unanimous thumbs up! Not particularly sci-fi but well written and hits close to home. This is the first book that got no thumbs-down votes.
September Book Nominations (winner in boldface):
- The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley - Leah
- Harrow the Ninth by Tasmin Muir - Brad (this is a preorder)
- The First 15 Lives of Harry August by Claire North - DeVon
