Patternist--What order should it be read?

[Keith]

Wild Seed was the fourth published book in Octavia E. Butler's Patternist series. However, chronologically in relation to the narrative, it's the first book. What is your recommended order of reading this series? Should Wild Seed still be read last, or should it be read in the narrative chronology?

[Outis]

Hi! I'm unfortunately not making time to read fiction anymore but this is a question that comes up often enough that I might never forget the answer...
There's not a huge amount of continuity so I think it's OK to read the books in any order.
But if you're only going to read one of the books, read Wild Seed. Mind of my Mind is my personal favorite but it's not the best-written one.
If you're going to read all the books, best read them in the publication order, especially if you're planning to read the books because you're in love with Octavia and want to learn more about her.

And if you haven't read her short fiction yet, I'd hit that first.

[Keith]

I'm a big fan of hers already. Read Xenogenesis and the Earthseed books, as well as Kindred. Actually haven't read any of her short works, but I certainly will.