Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion
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Toni Morrison: Remembrances and Thoughts
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My favorite book by her (so far) is Song of Solomon. Read almost 30 years ago, I believe I'm due for a reread. I recently did a presentation for Black History Month and learned that she was the first African American to receive the Nobel prize for Literature in 1993. Amazing. 
And of course the an accompanying article.
I've read Beloved, Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye, and Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination, and have reviews for each of them. I plan on looking for Sula during this weekend's library sale. I may have more developed thoughts later, but right now I still have to get ready for the day.
Toni Morrison: ‘Goodness: Altruism and the Literary Imagination’https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/07/bo...
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https://youtu.be/CGeNJewyo4o
I'm overcome with sadness. It feels like we've lost the last great living American author. If there was a poll of literary readers a month ago asking "who is the single greatest living American author?" Toni Morrison would have had a significant lead over anyone else, I'm sure, and there just isn't anyone close in terms of broad influence and vision. We live in a richer literary world because of the novels Morrison wrote and the doors she opened so maybe it's all right that we don't have a single person that towers above others any longer, but even so, I feel there is a passing of an era, along with the passing of a great American author. I wish I could say all that better.
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Yes, yes...all of that!
I agree with all of this, and appreciate the interview links.I feel about Toni Morrison the way I feel about James Baldwin. When I heard them speak, I was deeply impressed--didn't think I could respect them any more, but then I read their books and my respect went to a whole other level. Both of them will always have my utmost admiration, as writers and humans.
I found this quote from Song of Solomon, and it seems somehow a fitting tribute to her:
“All this she saw in their eyes, and the sight filled her own with water warmer and much older than the rain.”
This is the link to the a very nice compilation of the tributes to Ms, Morrison.https://mailchi.mp/wellreadblackgirl/...
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https://electricliterature.com/toni-m...
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https://www.bustle.com/p/what-toni-mo...
Literary Fiction by People of Color
Books mentioned in this topic
Song of Solomon (other topics)Beloved (other topics)
Song of Solomon (other topics)
The Bluest Eye (other topics)
Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination (other topics)
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If you would be so kind to share any thoughts you have of her. What books have you read by her; Any readings/book-signings you attended; famous articles or quotes you recall or have come across; what she meant to you.
Her legacy will definitely live on...