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The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

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Love The Fifth Sacred Thing but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Fifth Sacred Thing below.

In The Fifth Sacred Thing, did you enjoy ...

... the vision of an eco-utopian society and the struggle to protect it?

Woman On The Edge Of Time by Marge Piercy

If you were captivated by Starhawk’s depiction of a future San Francisco rebuilt on ecological principles and communal harmony, you’ll be drawn into Woman on the Edge of Time. Marge Piercy’s protagonist, Connie Ramos, is transported to a future society that has healed the wounds of patriarchy and industrial exploitation, offering a nuanced, compelling imagining of how humanity might live in balance with the earth and each other.

... richly detailed cultures and immersive alternative societies?

Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin

If you loved how The Fifth Sacred Thing immersed you in the daily lives, rituals, and beliefs of its characters, Always Coming Home will resonate with you. Le Guin crafts the world of the Kesh with songs, myths, recipes, and stories, offering an unparalleled depth of worldbuilding that will satisfy your hunger for cultures lovingly and thoroughly imagined.

... a strong female protagonist navigating societal collapse?

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

If Maya’s leadership and vision inspired you in The Fifth Sacred Thing, you’ll find a new hero in Lauren Olamina. In Parable of the Sower, Lauren boldly leads her community through a broken, dangerous world, driven by her radical ideas and fierce compassion. Her journey is both harrowing and hopeful, and her strength will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

... explorations of social philosophy and alternative societies?

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

If you appreciated the deep philosophical questions and moral dilemmas woven into Starhawk’s story, The Dispossessed is a must-read. Follow Shevek as he challenges the norms of his anarchist society and grapples with the meaning of freedom, solidarity, and progress—raising questions as profound and relevant as those in The Fifth Sacred Thing.

... a society shaped by feminist ideals and collective resistance?

The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper

If the ensemble of rebels, healers, and visionaries working together in The Fifth Sacred Thing captured your imagination, you’ll be enthralled by the community of women in The Gate to Women’s Country. The story follows Stavia and others as they navigate the secrets and power structures of a matriarchal society, balancing personal sacrifice with the hope of a better future.

Unlock your personalized book recommendations! Just take a quick Shelf Talk for The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk. It’s only a few questions and takes less than a minute.