Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

The passing of Toni Morrison, who some considered “our greatest literary writer” took many of us by surprise. She became the first (and if I'm not mistaken, only) African American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.

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...

I have a lot of catching up to do. I’ve read The Bluest Eye (three times), Sula and God Help The Child. Everyone has their own favorite book by the queen and mine would be The Bluest Eye, from this small list of books I’ve read by her. I’m most interested in reading Song Of Solomon which many people I know consider her best book.

Next weeks cover of The NewYorker

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cov...

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...

This interview with Charlie Rose has always been a favorite of mine. There’s so many profound quotes and moments from this interview that you don’t know which to choose as a favorite.

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.

Lark wrote: "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 aut..."

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.”

Opinion: The Legacy Of Toni Morrison

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/09/op...

This is the link to the a very nice compilation of the tributes to Ms, Morrison.

https://mailchi.mp/wellreadblackgirl/...

Dead was never a word that could ever possibly apply to Toni Morrison. I had been dreading her death for so long that I had ceased to be able to fathom it.

https://electricliterature.com/toni-m...

11 Black writers pay tribute to Toni Morrison....I really liked the comment of Imani Perry. I must read some of her work.

https://www.bustle.com/p/what-toni-mo...