New Roots Church, the Boston Public Library, and ArtsEmerson have invited the city of Boston to participate in a Citywide Read of The Parable of the Sower. Marsh Chapel takes up this invitation on the Boston University campus by hosting two book groups: one on February 13 and the other on March 4. The goal of a citywide read of this timely work is to deepen conversations about climate change, wealth inequality, our shared humanity, and the beliefs that shape society. This science fiction novel by Nebula and Hugo Award winning author and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Octavia E. Butler tells the story of Lauren Oya Olamina, a young, black woman living in a dystopian near-future suburb of Los Angeles whose hyperempathy condition inspires a revolutionary spiritual insight to reclaim a common sense of humanity among the stars. The book is widely available in print and digital formats both in the original text by Butler and in a newly released graphic novel form by Damian Duffy and John Jennings. To join one of the book groups, please RSVP at bu.edu/chapel/life/parable- read. Please bring your lunch. Coffee, tea, and dessert will be provided. (Contact: Br. Larry Whitney, lwhitney@bu.edu)