From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison

Start date: June 1, 2021

Finish date: June 15, 2021

Discussion: Classics Corner

Discussion leader: Donna

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Classics Corner

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What Members Thought

Sep 22, 2008 Rashida rated it it was ok

Shelves: disappointed

Well, I can say that I've read it. But I did have to force myself to finish it because it is one of those books that I felt like I "should." For the first half of the book, I just did not like the protagonist. If Ellison's motivation was to show the crushing effects of racism, then his character should have been less of a self-centered fool and less complacent in the events that happened to and around him. By the second half of the novel, the character has become much stronger, more community-or ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 01, 2013 spoko rated it liked it

Shelves: re-read, race, fiction, canon-classic, book-club

I was quite uncomfortable with a significant part of this book. I recognize that for a lot of people—authors and readers alike—discomfort is an end in itself. For me it's not. I don't need to be overtly challenged in that way to find a book meaningful. That said, I recognize that discomfort has its place, and it certainly seemed to serve well here. The question of race is a disturbing one, from all sides, and Ellison confronts a lot of it head on.

It doesn't hurt, either, that the book is exquisi ...more

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Feb 18, 2008 Jenni rated it liked it

This book too me a long time to get through. I think its a great book for in depth discussion, maybe in a college English class or a really good book club group.

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