Where to find them
Nothing here replaces the books. Borrow them from your library, or buy them from an independent or Black-owned bookstore. Full text belongs in her novels.
Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. Butler · Warner Press, 1993
Parable of the Talents
Octavia E. Butler · Warner Press, 1998 · Nebula Award
Sistah Scifi
Oakland, CA · Black-owned, sci-fi & fantasy specialist · Est. 2019
- sistahscifi.com — first Black-owned bookstore in the U.S. focused on science fiction, fantasy, and Afrofuturism. Carries both books and a signed boxed set.
Charis Books & More
Decatur, GA · 501(c)(3) non-profit feminist bookstore · Est. 1974
- charisbooksandmore.com — South's oldest independent feminist bookstore. 10% off cover price on online orders.
Marcus Books
Oakland, CA · Nation's oldest Black-owned bookstore · Est. 1960
- Marcus Books on Bookshop.org — "Books by and about Black people everywhere." Phone orders also accepted.
Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop
Philadelphia, PA · Black-owned · Est. 1959
- hakimsbookstore.com — Philadelphia's first African American bookstore, 65+ years of Black literary curation.
Literally Black
Atlanta, GA · Black-owned online bookstore & community
- literallyblack.co — Black-owned online bookstore with a strong community focus: monthly book club, events, 91K+ followers.
Bookshop.org
Online · B Corp · Independent bookstore collective
- bookshop.org — B Corp that gives 80%+ of profit margin to independent local bookstores. Search and select a Black-owned or community bookstore to direct your purchase there.
Better World Books
Online · B Corp · Social enterprise
- betterworldbooks.com — founding B Corp member. For every book sold, a book is donated to someone in need. Carbon-neutral shipping. Used copies from ~$12.
These are suggestions, not endorsements. If you know a Black-owned bookstore closer to you, share it with the community.