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Reposted by Ruth Neese

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

#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 · 3h

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 · 12h

#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 · 3h

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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Reposted by Ruth Neese

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

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

Discuss the theme of betrayal in the book 1984 by George Orwell.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 14d

Betrayal is as much a theme in the novel as oppression and fear. When oppression is used to reinforce fear, betrayal becomes as natural as breathing. Children betrayed a parent, Winston betrayed Julia, Julia betrayed Winston, etc. Betrayal = survival in 1984.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

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

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

How do you feel about the way Orwell ended his book 1984? Did you have hopes for a different ending? Explain.

*Spoilers in replies likely

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 14d

My anti-authoritarian soul was crushed by the ending. My much more pragmatic brain was disappointed, but not surprised by the outcome of the ultimate goal of The State. Maintenance of power is all.

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Ruth Neese @morrigan6.bsky.social · 14d

I certainly can’t in my job in higher ed. AI is being forced on us, whether we feel it is appropriate for use in our classes or not.

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Reposted by Ruth Neese

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 15d

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

Given that creativity often flourishes during times of social or political crisis, do you think it's realistic that the Party in the book 1984 was able to widely damage/control the human spirit? Why or why not?

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