This week’s book is Kindred by Octavia Butler, a time-traveling story about Dana, who goes back in time to ensure the survival of her ancestors: an enslaved woman named Alice and her enslaver, Rufus. This complicated yet entrancing narrative is multifaceted, and my guest this week, Alethea McCollin, and I had a great conversation about the ways Butler challenges her readers to think about the implications of our actions and how they shape the future.

Alethea McCollin is a multifaceted artist as a playwright, director, producer, actor, and founder of Orange Stilettos Productions, llc, known for her award-winning production of The Stilettos Monologues at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. She has produced various works, including her play Renaming Shaim at Theatre Row, New York City, and directed her first short film, The Next Great Writer, showcased at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Additionally, Alethea serves as Executive Secretary on the Board of Directors of James River Writers and is an English instructor at Virginia State University.

Our drink this week is one of Alethea’s favorite’s: Blackberry Citrus Tea, which is perfect for sitting by the fire curling up with a good book!

In this Episode

Drinks in the Library Merch

Kindred by Octavia Butler

James River Writers

Virginia State UniversityBooks by Toni Morrison

Books by Gabrielle García Márquez

Books by Isabel Allende

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick Douglas

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride