Freedom in Sci-Fi Reading

I have underestimated this genre; I have not fully appreciated what this genre has to offer.  In my blog about Afrofuturism, I discuss how hopeful it was to read how African -Americans can see and write about a future that includes them as the protagonist of that story. 

I was riding in my car listening to the audiobook Kindred by Octavia Butler and I had my “aha” moment regarding science fiction.  There aren’t any “rules” that the characters must adhere to.  Unlike realistic fiction or historical fiction where the characters and setting must be accurate to when, where, and how the story is told, science fiction allows the writer freedom to create any world and laws that govern that society.  That world can include what powers the characters have and how they are treated in that world.  That is freedom!  I was immediately hooked when I started listening to Kindred in my car.  I found myself looking forward to my commuting time and going slower to listen to much of the book while I was driving.  I reached a point where I had to finish the book, so I listened to it while I was cooking. 

Friends, this is probably one of the best books I have read!  I had to sit and think about the contents of the book after I finished reading.  I had to wonder why the author chose to travel back in time during slavery in the United States.  I understand that the setting was essential to advancing the plot, but I wanted to find out why the author chose to time-travel back to slavery.  Slavery is an important part of who we are as a people.  It is not something we can ‘just get over” as some people have suggested we do.  Our present situation in society is dictated by slavery AND its effects.  Some people would like to just sweep the topic of slavery under the rug without acknowledging the ugliness of it and how it still affects our society today.  

Ms. Octavia Butler was a masterful storyteller.  She understood that before we can create a future for ourselves, we must understand how our past has shaped our present.  Before we can advance into the future, we must discuss the brutality of our past.  Time-traveling in the book allows the reader to witness the brutality of slavery in smaller segments which allows the reader to grasp the brutal nature of slavery.

There are benefits to reading science fiction. Click on How Reading Science Fiction Can Build Resilience in Kids. Building resiliency in our kids is especailly important in this day and time. July is ...

I highly recommend Kindred by Octavia Butler. If you have read this book, please leave your comments below!