Hey there,
I love that you’re here.
A shout out of appreciation!
Here’s a link to a story I think about so often…
“Speech Sounds,” by Octavia Butler, came out back in 1983. I first read the story over a decade ago, and considering it is only a handful of pages…it’s just so…huge and resonant. To my mind, this short story has continued to grow in meaning and metaphor through events— the pandemic, divisive politics and ongoing national violence. The story presents a lens for looking at the world and how we manage…It’s just so good.
Short stories are compressed, but the best stories stick with a reader, gathering meaning and drama. Right? For a few years, I hoped to bring Octavia Butler in as a guest to the college where I taught for most of twenty years. Unfortunately, she passed away before I had a chance, and I never met her, but her words are still here, still with me, still with us.
Speech Sounds, by Octavia Butler.
Check it out, let me know what you think?
If that link doesn’t work—it works for me, but others are having trouble with it— Google the story by title and author…you’ll find a full text/pdf. There are also audio versions made by various people, but I haven’t checked those out and have no idea of the quality.
I’m looking forward to the Writers and Readers Mixer, this weekend. If you’re in the Portland area, drop in! The first one was buzzing with really lovely conversation, ideas and energy.
Where: Rose City Book Pub
Address: 1329 NE Fremont, Portland, OR
When: Sunday 9/18
Time: 3:00 on—
What to know:
They do check vaccination cards at the bar! Bring yours.
We will be on the back patio, outside.
xo
I really enjoyed the story. Thank you for sharing it.
The whole post apocalyptic setting was very well done. I like how everything unfolded for the reader through the use of discription that was limited by the conditions of the various characters in the story. The Rye's point of view was also enjoyable.
The story kinda reminds of a movie that came out recently called "The Girl with All the Gifts".