Reviews

Mind of my Mind by Octavia E. Butler

luminous's review against another edition

5.0

Not the masterpiece that is Dawn, nor an example of an author in her mature prime like Wild Seed, yet Mind of My Mind stands as wonderful in its own right. This book is action-packed and virtually YA/new adult, yet fascinating in how it touches on themes Butler explores more deeply in later works: slavery, immortality, healing at the molecular level, transformation of the body through a supernatural metamorphosis, and a sort of seemingly-benevolent colonialism. This would be a great introduction to Butler for YA readers and readers of the superpower flavor of paranormal.

gabfat's review against another edition

challenging dark informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Child death

Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism

Minor: Sexual assault

jeaton2's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

stole123's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ellaviolet's review against another edition

tense

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

loungeking's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

read247_instyle_inca's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

larbster90's review against another edition

challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Body horror, and Child abuse

Moderate: Addiction, Slavery, Abandonment, Incest, and Medical content

Minor: Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, and Racial slurs

ethanzo's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't think I can properly explain just how amazing and mind-shattering this book was to me. This is beyond a doubt a contender for my favorite book of all time, right up there with Butler's other work, Parable of the Sower. I was so beyond hooked on the series when I read the first book, which is absolutely a five-star read, but this book is somehow even better, in my opinion. Characters like Doro are so intrinsically captivating. How does one go about relating to or even enjoying an immortal performing multi-century cross-generational eugenics in order to create his own race of psionically empowered followers? What then happens when he achieves his goal and creates what is essentially his equal? I loved the envy and disdain Doro has for his own creation, who was able to do what he could not ever do and had spent centuries trying. I think the slow descent into the final few chapters of this book was fascinating and felt like a truly world altering ending. I loved the world-building in regards to how the mental abilities of Doro's lineage, it truly felt like he was creating an army of elite humans, but couldn't quite figure out how to make them thrive. I think that the struggle between Doro, because of that reason, and Mary, his creation, was so raw and visceral, and it encapsulated the feeling of an experiment outgrowing its creator. I can't possibly put into words how amazing this book was to me, but I'm so pleased that Butler's work continues to impact me so profoundly.

katieinca's review against another edition

3.0

Really not what I was expecting after Wild Seed... almost like modern urban fantasy that someone set in the universe of Wild Seed as a fanfic exercise. It was much easier for me to breeze through, and more of a page turner, but gave me fewer things to think about.