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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 14h

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler #BookSky

Do you consider Earthseed as described in the Parable books a cult? Why or why not?

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 25m

I do not. It’s focus on the collective and survival, rather than veneration of a charismatic leader and enforcing a status quo. Encouraging change is not your usual cult behavior.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 14h

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler #BookSky

Why do you think Parable of the Talents has been banned/challenged?

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 32m

Again, a plethora of choices! Sex, profanity, climate change, or most likely, “God is change.”

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 14h

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler #BookSky

I've sent out talking points to start the discussion of Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. I'll send out more for about a week.

To join, check the hashtags or pin/like the feed (go to link; click on 3 dots).

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 7h

#BannedBookSkyClub schedule:

November 2025: Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler
December 2025: A Wizard of Earthsea (The Books of Earthsea, 1) by Ursula Le Guin
January 2026: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Link to feed in replies. #BookSky

Please join us.

Photo of the three books listed in the post side by side with a white background.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 14h

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler #BookSky

Does Parable of the Talents benefit from including other voices besides Lauren’s? Explain.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 5h

Yes, the other voices broaden perspectives. They keep the novel from sounding like Lauren’s diary. I especially liked the inclusion of Larkin.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 14h

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler #BookSky

People often describe the Parable books as prescient. Do you agree? Can you give specific examples? If you disagree, why?

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 6h

I believe we may see her book as prescient because it seems to match what is happening in our “now.” Butler said she base the Parable books on trends like drug addiction, illiteracy, devaluing public education, & the have-have not divide she saw in the 80s & 90s carried 30 yrs. out to disasters.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 1d

We will read banned books until, and after, morale improves. #BannedBookSkyClub #BookSky

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 1d

The Toni Morrison section of my bookshelf. I've read the first three. The others may be future #BannedBookSkyClub books. #BookSky

Photo of books by Toni Morrison on a bookshelf, including Beloved, The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, Sula, and Paradise, with James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time on the far right.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 1d

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the #BannedBookSkyClub discussion of #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler begins. I'll start sharing talking points around mid-morning. #BookSky

Photo of book Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 3d

She is such an excellent writer!

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 4d

#BannedBookSkyClub

Join us!

We have great discussions!

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 12d

The November 2025 #BannedBookSkyClub book is #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler.

I will share talking points from November 5th-12th (I'm traveling some after that), but feel free to reply anytime after since discussions never end.

Link to feed in replies. #BookSky

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 3d

#BannedBookSkyClub announcement!

The January 2026 book will be Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Not to be missed! Join us! Spread the news! Link to feed in replies.

#TheirEyesWereWatchingGod #BookSky

Photo of the book Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. The cover has an illustration of part of a pear tree with a cabin in the background.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 7d

I have read Arendt and Chakravorty Slovak during my doctoral studies. They have a lot to say about power. Tried to wade through Foucault on power, but was unsuccessful. All are cited by post-colonial scholars.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 12d

A huge thank you to those who participated in the #BannedBookSkyClub discussion of 1984 by George Orwell.

We've had an absolutely amazing discussion!

If you've read the book and would like to join in, go to the feed link below for talking points and replies. #Read1984 #BookSky

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 12d

The November 2025 #BannedBookSkyClub book is #ParableOfTheTalents by Octavia Butler.

I will share talking points from November 5th-12th (I'm traveling some after that), but feel free to reply anytime after since discussions never end.

Link to feed in replies. #BookSky

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 12d

I like that perspective—the journal as a resetting mechanism.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 13d

Isn’t it?

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 13d

#BannedBookSkyClub discussion of 1984 by George Orwell #Read1984 #BookSky

Is there anything else you'd like to share about the book 1984 by George Orwell?

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 13d

I can’t imagine a more abjectly downtrodden image of a fearful, oppressed woman.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 13d

Some of the visual images that can be conjured from Orwell’s writing. His description of Mrs. Parsons in chapter 2 has stuck with me. Especially the “In the better light of the living room he noticed with interest that there actually was dust in the creases of her face.”

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 13d

An excess of riches, as it were.

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