As we move into our last week of discussion on Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, I thought it would be interesting to get some figures on how many of our readers have picked up this novel in the past 40 years. And for those who haven’t read it, why not?
5 Jul
Posted by teachermrw on July 5, 2010 at 8:32 AM
I have to say that the subject matter of Morrison’s novels just don’t interest me. Also, they’re largely fiction, which is a genre that doesn’t interest me. Fiction informed by historical, political and sociological reality, but fiction all the same.
Posted by Claudia on July 6, 2010 at 8:14 PM
Hey there, teachermrw. Thanks for weighing in on the poll! I’m intrigued now by what genres are of interest to you. You’ll have to make sure to share some reading recommendations.
Posted by DorlaMoorehouse on July 5, 2010 at 9:30 AM
I read it in college, and I think it’s my least-favorite of her novels. Not to say that it’s bad. I respect it, I just don’t love it. Sula, Beloved, and Song of Solomon all hit me on a more visceral and emotional level.
Posted by Claudia on July 6, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Hi Dorla, I like how you put it – I respect it, I just don’t love it. – which pretty much describes how I feel about Song of Solomon…for some reason it didn’t strike me as powerful as the others. I do have a special place in my heart for Jazz – which is so often neglected, but just brilliant, I think! Thanks for stopping by (and I enjoyed reading your blog – wow!)
Posted by Melissa on July 5, 2010 at 1:03 PM
It’s my favorite book!
When I met Morrison at a book signing a year ago, I told her it was my favorite and she said, “It was my first book. I’d know how to end it now.” So apparently she wasn’t pleased with the book in its current form, but I love it anyway.
Posted by Claudia on July 6, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Wow, Melissa. I’d love to hear how Morrison would “end it now.” I wonder if she always sees her books that way, as a work in progress. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by Inda Lauryn on July 6, 2010 at 10:32 AM
This book was my introduction to Morrison and I have been reading her work every since. She scares a lot of people because she is challenging in a way black women aren’t suposed to be. That’s actually what I love about her writing. You may not get it the first time around, so it’s only meant for those who are dedicated to literature and have a high tolerance for quality.
Posted by Claudia on July 6, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Hi Inda, I appreciate your feedback. Let’s hope maybe we’ve encouraged just one more person to take up the Morrison challenge!