Common Book Program announces 2023-24 events
The University of Kansas Common Book Program is pleased to announce a slate of activities and events surrounding the 2023-24 Common Book selection, “Parable of the Sower,” by American science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler.
Students, faculty, and staff across the university are encouraged to engage with this important book and participate in the conversations and activities taking place around campus throughout the academic year. Prior familiarity with the book is not required to join in the events.
Free copies of “Parable of the Sower,” are available via the request form for classes or personal use. Books can be picked up at Watson or Anschutz Library, or access the book online through KU Libraries.
Common Book events in connection with "Parable of the Sower" will take place across campus during the 2023-24 school year. The events page on the Common Book website will be updated throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.
View the KU Common Work of Art: “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream”
Aug. 19, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 | Spencer Museum of Art
Each year the Spencer Museum selects a work of art to provide a visual pairing with the KU Common Book. This year’s KU Common Work of Art, “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream,” by Fahamu Pecou, is featured in the Spencer’s fall exhibition “Black Writing,” which explores the power, politics, and complexities of language in contemporary Black culture, a collaboration in celebration of the 40th anniversary of KU’s History of Black Writing program.
Beyond the Book: "Lit Writing”
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Spencer Museum of Art
Students are invited to make their words shine with a Hawk Week activity at the Spencer Museum of Art that builds on themes in the new exhibition “Black Writing.” Get inspired by art on display and create room décor with neon paint and yarn using a selection of words that relate to Afrofuturism and ideas in the 2023–24 KU Common Book “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler. Sponsored by History of Black Writing, Spencer Museum of Art, Spencer Student Advisory Board.
Watch it in Watson – “The Hunger Games”
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Watson 3 West
Grab some free movie snacks and catch a screening of “The Hunger Games” in Watson Library’s third floor Reading Room. Observe connections between this dystopian film and the KU Common Book, “Parable of the Sower,” which will be available for pick-up while supplies last. The event and book are offered to students, faculty, and staff free of charge, made possible in a partnership between the program sponsors for the KU Common Book -- KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities and the Division of Academic Success.
Black Forager
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 | 7 p.m. | Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.
The Commons hosts Alexis Nikole Nelson (@BlackForager) at Liberty Hall.
Slow Art Sunday: “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream”
Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 | 2-3 p.m. | Spencer Museum of Art
Slow Art Sundays allow you to spend time getting to know one great work of art through relaxed contemplation and guided conversation. September’s Slow Art Sunday focuses on Fahamu Pecou's "Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream," this year’s Common Work of Art.
“Saving the World Through Science and Fiction,” Exhibit Opening
Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 | Haricombe Gallery, Watson Library 3 West
The Haricombe Gallery on Watson Third Floor West hosts two major collaborative exhibitions per year with a keynote speaker and reception marking the exhibit’s debut. Explore the gallery at your leisure throughout the semester or visit online.
“Saving the World Through Science and Fiction,” Discussion Panel
Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 | Haricombe Gallery, Watson Library 3 West
As an extension of the Haricombe Gallery on Watson Third Floor West, a panel of scholars present their work in this public event.
Edwards Campus Book Discussion, “Parable of the Sower Debrief”
Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 4:30-6 p.m., KU Edwards Campus Hawk’s Nest
Join Student Services and DEI Initiatives for a welcoming and cozy night to discuss the book and the importance of Octavia Butler’s work. RSVP needed to ensure we have enough snacks for all.
Marathon Reading of “Parable of the Sower”
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Spencer Museum of Art
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Spencer Museum of Art
Participate in a live marathon reading of Octavia E. Butler’s “Parable of the Sower,” taking place over two days at the Spencer Museum, to experience Butler's world-building within the visually inspiring “Black Writing” exhibition. Come to read aloud, or just to listen! You may sign up to read here. Copies of the book will be available. Sponsored by the Spencer Museum of Art, History of Black Writing, KU Common Book Program, Hall Center for the Humanities, Department of English, and Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction.
Artist Talk: Fahamu Pecou on Creating “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream”
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 | 4-5 p.m., Spencer Museum of Art
Join artist Fahamu Pecou as he discusses his painting “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream,” this year’s KU Common Work of Art. Commissioned by the Spencer Museum, the work symbolizes the new beginnings that emerge when one embraces the inevitability of change.
Author Visit by N. K. Jemisin
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 7:30 p.m., Woodruff Auditorium
New York Times bestselling writer N.K. Jemisin, who composed the preface to the most recent edition of “Parable of Sower,” is one of the most acclaimed science fiction and fantasy authors of our day, winning the prestigious Hugo Award three times in a row (the first author in history to do so). Come hear Jemisin read from her “Broken Earth” trilogy and speak about the influence of “Parable of the Sower” and Octavia E. Butler on her work.
The KU Common Book program is a campus-wide initiative that fosters critical thinking and generates opportunities for shared experiences and conversation about topics and issues of significance in today’s world. The program is presented via partnership between KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Division of Academic Success.