Tayari's Blog: R.I.P. Octavia Butler
Posted by TayariJones on February 26, 2006 05:51 PM
Filed under
Current Events
I got a email today saying that Octavia Butler had passed away. I emailed Ed Champion, who interviewed Ms. Butler on his excellent podcast. I was pretty much begging him to disprove it. At first he emailed back and said there was nothing on the wires about it, but I guess what we have to understand that just because our prophets die, the AP will not neccesarily stop the presses to spread the news. Champion kept digging and finally, he called the King County Medical Examiner where it was confirmed. Octavia Butler is dead and the world is the worse off for it.
About three months ago, I ran into Ms. Butler in the Chicago O'Hare airport. I was unsure if I should speak to her, as she was famous for being shy. But I approached her and told her how much I loved her work, how much it meant to me. I can't tell you how happy I am that a random encounter gave me the opportunity to pay my respects while she was still able to hear them.
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There are 5 comments on "R.I.P. Octavia Butler". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Church Secretary ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
Thanks for this post. I had always intended to read an Octavia Butler book; I think I'll mosey over to the bookstore this afternoon and pick up "Kindred."
February 27, 2006 05:59 AM
Comment #2, by Pam
They're just talking about it on the radio now. (Democracy Now!)
I feel like I've had the wind knocked out of me. We are all definitely the worse for it.
peace,
Pam
February 27, 2006 12:11 PM
Comment #3, by Tammee
I'm sad to hear this. In a world where uniformity is the norm, she had a unique voice. She will be missed.
February 27, 2006 12:54 PM
Comment #4, by Jonathan David Jackson
Octavia Butler is one of those writers whose matchlessly clear prose style, vivid, careful plotting, and all around sterling craft--not to mention her fiercely imagined subjects--constitute the best possible models for risk-taking writers. I applaud your writing and website and I join you in mourning her passing and celebrating her Ms. Butler's life and legacy.
February 28, 2006 02:54 PM
Comment #5, by Sue E. Giddens
Today, November the 30th, 2006 I was searching for one of Octavia's books "Survivor" that I did not have, but had it listed on an internet "wish list". I noticed that there was one for $300.00! I thought, there has to be a mistake, surely this is not a price for a book. Then I came upon your website through a google search. I did not know my favorite author had passed until today. I have all of her books, even 2 of some of them and continue periodically to read her books over and over and over again. Thank you for your website, although it is hard on me to believe that her beautiful soul has left us. Through just one book, "Kindred", she showed the world in a fictional way some cruel and heartbreaking non-fiction facts of southern heritage. I will love her till I die and my books will be given to my grand daughter, who is inter-racial and named Lauren. Thank you for letting me share.
November 30, 2006 03:45 PM