Parable of the Sower

Wonder how the kids will be when they grow up, certainly traumatized from the events they have witnessed. At least when Lauren's group passes through Hollister they meet some actually nice people. Glad everything isn't too drab in this world. The fact that the San Luis Reservoir is the only place where Lauren's seen the most freshwater also shows how desolate this society is, but we know that.

 I don't blame Harry for not trusting Lauren after she killed the assailant, but I do see how time would eventually make them closer. I guess, gotta do what you have to do to survive in this climate. I think the Earthseed religion is pretty cool, but sometimes humans just cannot adapt. I searched up the central verse and while change is true, you sometimes cannot change. 

A bunch of wild stuff happens, but am I surprised, no. The high rate of violence in this city, should be prepared at all times, to be honest. Good thing Lauren has an emergency kit with her, but I think she should have a spare weapon as well, just in case. Never before had I realized that the city was this desolate, but turns out it is. Plenty of people filthy, and people fall exhausted. Where's the government aid?  

 "With great power comes great responsibility", I guess. Keith certainly isn't doing this. Considering the violence rate in the city I don't think people would stop and think twice about "hey, is that an actual gun or is it a fake? let me find out". At least Lauren knows whats happening, I don't think anyone else would question Keith at all. Yeah the more I read the more Keith deserves what happened to him. Torture may have been a bit too far but y'know, gotta do what you gotta do, set an example for those who dare to try. 

I feel like deaths such as Amy's would occur fairly often given the crime rate in the city, but I would imagine the metal gate would be a bit thicker to potentially stop bullets no?  I respect Lauren trying to think of any differences/changes she can make to her community before the wall or gate will be broken down and the community destroyed, but I think Joanne is right. You can't do much at 15. I do agree with Pops saying people need to defend themselves, as the city is pretty violent.

I think it’s nice that the city lights are dimmed in the evening, stargazing is pretty relaxing and fun. Sure they’re convenient and safe, but it’s worth the tradeoff. Wow, went straight from baptizing to violence of all sorts, yikes. This whole setting is just depressing, I thought this was the Utopia unit. The narration jumps quite a bit. Lauren went from talking about God to now about a woman who died on the latest Mars mission. I like how she mentions being fashionable is dirty, and if you stay clean then you make yourself a target, showing off your wealth (due to water prices being high). These chapters so far have been a doozy.