Octavia E. Butler: A Job Well Done
My first experience of Octavia Butler came via her novel, "Kindred." It was the first book I ever bought twice just to have a pristine copy in my library.
In brief, "Kindred" was about an Black woman's ongoing backward time travels, in which she would repeatedly return to protect the life of her White Slave Owner Ancestor in order for secure her own future existence. 
The concept of "Kindred" forever opened me up to the unique path of my present day African-American lineage...
Thanks to her book I was able to appreciate the historic culmination of races that have resulted into my self-defined American identify that I respectfully refer to as: Black.
Overall her prolific pioneering career as an African-American Science Fiction Writer is monumental in the mention of both Black and Women History.
From the Verge: Rest in Peace. Other Blog mentions: EdRants and TayariJones
OH NOO!!! I just finished one of her books this past week. I can't believe this. It was amazing, and I was already looking forward to getting another. This is soo sad. RIP...
Posted by: emergingphoenix | Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 04:06 PM
I will definitely be going to the bookstore for a copy asap. As an aspiring novelist, I'm inspired by any writer who compels someone to speak so highly of them.
Posted by: Free | Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 04:24 PM
What? I stayed away from the news this weekend (trying to wrap my head/heart around my co-workers death), and now, Octavia?? This can't be.
I was introduced to her work via Kindred as well. Later, her character Laura Olamina became a personal hero to me...her work is just phenomenal..
no more words right now.
RIP Momma Octavia. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
*big sigh*
Posted by: Supa Sister | Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 09:47 PM
You've got a 60 year old white guy here who is incredibly sad about Octavia's passing. I grew up on Heinlein and Asimov and thought her a better writer and a young upstart! She went way too young. As a white kid who grew up in the South in the 50's Octavia made me understand the black experience with greater depth than anything I read previously. Just so you know, I was a freedom rider in the 60's and a student radical but all that stuff didn't really make me understand the way Octavia did.
Posted by: Bari | Monday, February 27, 2006 at 02:55 AM
It's nice to hear that Butler has positively touched a spectrum of people in such a way to make our planet a better place.
Thanks Bari.
Sup':
Inhale. Exhale.
Posted by: dpm | Monday, February 27, 2006 at 03:59 PM
Awww nooooo. I am so so sorry to hear of Octavia's passing. I am still waiting for someone (Oprah? You listening?)to do a film or TV mini-series of Kindred.
I gave Octavia's latest book to my sis this past Xmas and I'm waiting for her to finish and then loan it to me.
Rest in peace. Rest in peace.
Posted by: TllGrrl | Monday, February 27, 2006 at 07:58 PM
Laura Olamina is the character that inspires. I mourn.
Posted by: Troy | Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 05:32 AM
My mom tried to turn me on to Octavia Butler a long time ago; but I was not interested in reading about aliens & spaceships. Then I read "The Parable of the Sower". I've been hooked every since, I've read many of her books & I love everyone.
Posted by: bettermade | Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 12:28 PM