Bloodchild and Other Stories is not only another knock out from Octavia Butler, but may very well be the best collection of short stories I have ever read.

While the titular story was amazing, "The Evening and the Morning and the Night," "Amnesty," and "The Book of Martha" all left me winded in the best way. Her two essays were also excellent inclusions, and important reading for anyone who not only wants to write for a living, but pursue any field really. As always, her message resonates broadly and profoundly, "Persist."

Perhaps the best take away from this collection (specifically, the second edition) are the afterwords included at the end of each story. It was a real treat catching a glimpse of the inner workings of Butler's thought process.

Overall, as with most of her work, Butler creates captivating narratives that offer insightful speculation on the human condition, but more importantly - new ways of understanding.