There wasn’t much to it. Nothing you couldn’t read in one of the articles mentioned in the essay. But it does give an interesting view of the world on how we think it’ll be vs how it’ll turn out.

Short story that just left me wanting more. I wished it were longer so I could have more of her writing. Many of the themes from the original 2000 publishing are still relevant today, as is the message. Always leading with hope, we do not give up.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

A couple of Octavia E. Butler have been on my TBR list for years. I love science fiction and I don't know why I haven't yet dwelved into her books. A Few Rules for Predicting the Future is a very short collection of essays by the author. While the book is a very quick read, the essays are very through-provoking and will stay with the reader for a long time. The beautiful artwork is an extra bonus! A Few Rules for Predicting the Future would make a great gift for a recent college graduate or someone embarking on a new stage in life.

This collection of short essays was such a delight to read and a great reminder to read more Octavia Butler. Her ability to see beyond herself and see paths both for humans and humanity as a whole us unparalleled. I greatly enjoyed reading this collection and can't wait to add more Butler to my TBR this year!

Originally published in Essence magazine in the year 2000, Octavia E. Butler’s essay “A Few Rules for Predicting the Future” offers an honest look into the inspiration behind her science fiction novels and the importance of studying history and taking responsibility for our actions if we are to move forward.

Organized into four main rules, this short essay reminds readers to learn from the past, respect the law of consequences, be aware of their perspectives, and count on the surprises. Citing the warning signs of fascism, the illusive effects of fear and wishful thinking, and the unpredictable nature of what is yet to come, Butler shares realistic but hopeful suggestions to shape our future into something good. An inspiring and motivational gift for students and recent graduates, fans of Butler's work, and anyone seeking a brighter day tomorrow, this exquisite gift book includes stunning Afrofuturist artwork by Manzel Bowman alongside the full text of the original essay.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

As the publisher's copy reads, this volume is perfect for "anyone seeking a brighter day tomorrow." Octavia's message that "there’s no single answer that will solve all of our future problems. There’s no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers–at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be.” is as important and resonant today as it was when she wrote her essay nearly 25 years ago, if not more so. Afrofuturist artist Bowman's pieces are a perfect complement to the message. A true gift of a gift book.

*I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed the essay itself - I had never read it before, and it was interesting to read. Octavia E. Butler's novels have been on my TBR for a while and this made me excited to start reading them finally.

However, this edition seemed a bit weird, at least on an e-reader, I cannot speak to how the art / colors comes through in person, but on an e-reader the way the pages of plain color broke up the paragraphs was a bit odd. The art was gorgeous however.

4 Stars (for the edition; 5 stars for the essay)

A beautiful reworking of a classic Octavia Butler essay. The artwork is gorgeous and interesting, and the essay is even better than I remember it. A must-read in current times.

Thank you for the eARC for the book!

Rating: 4 stars

I need to read more of Octavia Butler's work in the future, because despite how short the book is, brought up valid points to think about. Especially in terms of "future" and what it entails. The art is beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

I agree with other reviewers saying this didn’t need to be a book but also I do. Todays political and socio climate constantly require us to evaluate our past yet we’re not doing that… these words come at a time when they are most needed. When we all collectively need to be reminded that we are responsible for our tomorrow.

I love the revamp of her earlier article, I just feel like the art was a little noisy but I think I can understand why it was used and the objective.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle books for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released April 16th, 2024.

I love that there are more of Octavia's words in the world. I am surprised that this is in book form but that made it even better for me. Her nonfiction writing is some of my favorite because she genuinely makes me think and I truly love that. 
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher  for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful thoughts and beautiful artwork.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC.

Look at this book version of Octavia Butler's essay A Few Rules for Predicting the Future for what it is: a colorful, nicely laid-out reprinting of Butler's essay that she wrote for a magazine in 2000. It's a nice gift for someone who loves Butler and derives joy from beautiful physical objects that embody their favorite authors. It wouldn't be out of place on the table of a university common space.

The essay is short, which limits the scope of ideas one might glean from it. There isn't much here that I haven't heard repeated multiple times on public radio since 2016. Reading Butler's novels is a better way to learn her way of thinking about the future.

You can read the full essay for free on the web:
https://commongood.cc/reader/a-few-rules-for-predicting-the-future-by-octavia-e-butler/

The main reason to seek out the physical book is the 5 art panels that it includes. Their colorful style varies from panel to panel, running the gamut from indulgent florals (reminiscent of the cover of Isabel Allende's The Wind Knows My Name) to an explosive futuristic collage. They're all by Manzel Bowman, which surprised me because they are distinct stylistically, but all fit the controlled sensory overload aesthetic that will likely become characteristic of 2024.

The printed book would have more substantial value if more Bowman's pieces replaced the many pages that currently include no content aside from a wash of neon-pastel color.

Thank you Chronicle Books, Manzel Bowman and the ghost of Octavia Butler for a free Netgalley advance reader copy of A Few Rules for Predicting the Future.

I enjoyed it, it’s very short, but it makes you think. It would be a good gift for someone who likes Octavia Butler (like me).

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the text and the collage art. Ms. Butler's words are clear and timely, providing hope and optimism for the future with a strong warning not to ignore the past. Though I enjoyed this book, I think it would have been nice to have a couple more lectures either by Ms. Butler or by other sci-fi authors on the topic.

This is well-designed and illustrated, but VERY short for a published essay. This might make a good stocking stuffer but I cannot in good conscience buy this for the library.

Thank you to Chronicle Books via NetGalley for providing me with this ARC! I need not spend the entire review on the brilliance of Octavia Butler within this essay, one that I feel we should be returning to even over 20 years after it was originally published in Essence magazine. The images in this book were lovely and I felt complimented the essay well. Admittedly, it is important to note that I have read this essay before — for free — so the purchasing of this book, I feel, would likely be for someone who already has an appreciation for the essay and would like it in a book form with illustrations. I will definitely be gifting this to some of my friends.

A gorgeously illustrated printing of this essay by Octavia Butler. I read this as an ebook and would love the experience of a tangible book to look at the illustrations better. Short and sweet, I really liked it!

Gorgeous artwork and wise insight. This book was a super fast read and beautiful. I wish it had been longer. Everyone should check it out.

“A Few Rules for Predicting the Future” is an essay of Octavia Butler’s originally published within Essence magazine. Within this essay Butler discusses the ways in which we can consider the future and work to crat it into a more positive one. This edition of the essay includes beautiful artwork which fit well with Butler’s essay. A with most of Butler’s works, this essay examines ideas around real people within a variety of situations.. This work remains just as relevant right now as it was when written. If you’re looking for a pretty edition of an essay by Butler this is the book for you. It may also be a great gift for the Butler fan in your life. Thank you Netgalley and Chronicle books for providing me with a digital copy of this book. All opinions concerning it are my own.

I’ve never read any Octavia butler before but after reading this brilliant essay it’s clear that I have been missing out.