Parable of the SowerParable of the Sower
Score Modern
What it's about
In 2024 California has fallen apart: climate change, poverty and violence have turned cities into ruins, and families hide behind walls. Lauren Olamina is fifteen and lives in one of those walled neighborhoods, with a condition that makes her feel the pain of anyone she sees hurt. When her home is destroyed, she heads north on foot with a few survivors, carrying the beginnings of a new faith she calls Earthseed.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Nebula Award finalist and has become one of the most talked-about novels of the century because so much of it now feels prophetic. Butler writes with clarity and toughness, and Lauren is a remarkable heroine.
You'll love it if you liked
The Handmaid’s Tale
Station Eleven
The RoadGood to know
It's violent, with killings, rape and cannibalism, though not dwelt on. It's told as Lauren's journal. A sequel, Parable of the Talents, continues the story.
By the numbers
- Readers78 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics65 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller56 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #23 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #130 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #256 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Adventurous, Dark
More by Octavia E. Butler
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A Deepness in the Sky
Good Omens
Blindness
Doomsday Book
Making Money
The Children of HurinExplore the best-of lists
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Quick answers
Is Parable of the Sower worth reading?
Yes. It was a Nebula Award finalist and has become one of the most talked-about novels of the century because so much of it now feels prophetic. It ranks #256 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 82.5 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Parable of the Sower about?
In 2024 California has fallen apart: climate change, poverty and violence have turned cities into ruins, and families hide behind walls. Lauren Olamina is fifteen and lives in one of those walled neighborhoods, with a condition that makes her feel the pain of anyone she sees hurt. When her home is destroyed, she heads north on foot with a few survivors, carrying the beginnings of a new faith she calls Earthseed.
How long does it take to read Parable of the Sower?
About 10 hours (400 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has Parable of the Sower won?
Nebula Award winner (1999, for Parable of the Talents).
What should I read after Parable of the Sower?
If you liked it, try The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel or The Road by Cormac McCarthy.