EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club discussion

I did not like the book my first read. I had high expectations having loved the bluest eye. I also did not care for Paradise and Song of Solomon. I think Morrisons use of language is beautiful. But I am passing on a reread

I’m happy to re-read this book. I remember enjoying it, but it’s been too long to remember why. I recently read an interview from 1993 about Toni Morrison’s writing process. I’ll add it to the “spoilers” thread because it hints at parts of the story.

I'd never heard of this book before it came up on the group so had no expectations going in. I'm struggling though. It's the sort of book I avoided like crazy during my English degree. Something about the writing style isn't helping.

Going to keep at it, though, since I'm only 24 pages in on the Kindle edition.

I loved this book! Enjoy everyone!

Heard a lot about it and yet don't know what it's actually about, so I'll be joining in. Don't have high expectations.

I watched a lecture by David Blight on Southern History. He raved about Beloved and Souls of Black Folk, quoting them constantly, and I was moved.

Just started this last night for the first time. I'm only familiar with the film adaptation from years ago and I recall that it was quite unnerving but now I'd like to understand it directly from the author. I am only a few pages in and I can see others comments about Morrison's writing style and rhythm being a challenge but I am up for it.

I read the reviews and am afraid of this book. It has heavy topics that I am uncomfortable with. This is why I chose it. I’m pushing my own boundaries.

I am finding it a little hard to follow but I’m sure I will get used to it soon. About 50 pages in now.

I'm a little less than half way through and finding that the story is written beautifully, but it is not an easy read. I'm also struggling with both the magical realism and the sheer brutality of some of the events that transpired. This will likely fall into the category of "Well Written Books I May Never Have the Energy to Read Again."

I started the book las night, read just a few pages hopefully I will be able to finish the book this month. The writing style needs my full concentration so I don't know if I will always have energy to read in the evenings.

I didn't know the author, but reading a bit about her made me want to read the book. I'm starting this book today.

Just started this an I'm struggling with the writing style. Sometimes I have to re-read sentences and really concentrate which takes away from the story.

Unfortunately, I may give up on this one.

I have been trying to read it, and it uses a lot of imagery that makes it harder to follow. I've been trying the audiobook but I might have to switch to to print so that I can give it the focus it seems to demand.

I struggled with the writing style also. It was a little more poetic the I like.

Kim wrote: "I have been trying to read it, and it uses a lot of imagery that makes it harder to follow. I've been trying the audiobook but I might have to switch to to print so that I can give it the focus it ..."

Same for me!

This has been a hard read so far - I agree that the writing style can make it hard to figure out what's actually happening. I am finding it interesting enough to continue, for now at least!