Positive Obsession by Susana M. Morris

Synopsis: A Mix of the Life and Times of celebrated author, Octavia E. Butler… and her biographer and their work.

Writing Style: Multifaceted. Convolved.   

Pacing: Moderate.

Personal Highlights: This is not the typical biography but does conflate generous asides of Octavia's personality and beliefs that were both interesting and illuminating. For instance, according to Octavia's thumbed through diaries and journals, she wrote from grit, not inspiration. She also "wrote every day; …even when she was tired, hungry and broke…” surely a relatable affair at one time in every serious novelist's career. 

And yet, here was the real personal treat for me. Until this biography I did not know the award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author was a  trailblazer. Actually, I didn't even know she wrote in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. To be noted as being the earliest, if not the first female writer (of color) writing in this genre wholly surprised... and impressed me. I took note of her being a feminist writer too, which honest to goodness I had to google …trying to understand the difference between a feminist and a ‘non’ feminist (or regular) female writer? Through this reading there proved to be much I didn't know. “Neurodivergent,” becoming a “polymath,” and “androgynous writing,” (among other insignias) were terms that expanded my vocabulary. And catching that one quote; “Public libraries (of America) being open universities.” yes, indeed, emphatically told me I must read one of her books. Let me stop here to conclude, I have been educated. Read hard copy 2025 copyright (biography) edition.