The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

[@BookishTexan]

There is so much remarkable writing in _The Bluest Eye_ . That novel still has so much to say about how people are marginalized, ignored, used, defined by the majority and discarded that still applies to American society today. How remarkable that this was Morrison's first novel. Glad you mentioned Ellison's _Invisible Man_ .Great review.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Bookish Thanks, Brian. I agree regarding the writing. It’s evident what a strong reader Morrison was, but it’s astonishing how fully developed her own writing voice is, emerging fully formed in this debut and with such a unique perspective. Comparing The Bluest Eye to the other debut novels by so many of those 1960s-1970s US writers is a bit like having the tallest kid dunking on everyone in middle school. She is so intelligent. The emphasis on human beings who are discarded by each other and by the systems crafted by humans is so relevant. It’s scary to consider how frequently systems are constructed to exclude and to ignore. We have to recognize individuals before we can examine the systems around them and how they interact. This helps me remember to do that more often, as I’m sure it does for you. I hope you have a good week. Best, Jack

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say the book isn’t worth checking out. Sometimes the hardest parts of our humanity is what books are best at showing us.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

The CodeX Cantina I agree! I think many readers find nonfiction too close to a newspaper account, which can seem superficial or impersonal. The fictional narrative shines a light into the mind and motivation worth exploring. I’ve known a few readers who basically ignore Morrison, but thankfully not many. There have been schools and libraries that have considered banning her books, specifically this one, usually from a parent group’s petition. I usually winder how many of them have read even a few pages from it. Hope you all have a good weekend! Best, Jack

[@thuntz29]

Beloved is still my favourite by her, but I can tell how her style was developing in this novel. The horror through her beautiful writing is sometimes jarring. It makes it so impossible to look away.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Valentina García Jarring is such a good characterization. There are few writers who capture the cognitive dissonance life is capable of generating in our minds. I agree that Beloved is Morrison’s strongest and one of the strongest works written in the United States. Best, Jack

[@seriela]

Enjoyed this review. Once thing I also notice about the Morrison novels is a wry sense of humor. In The Bluest Eye, the two girls are so natural in their friendship and communication, so connected and so funny, at times. I just finished Beloved and am going to start Jazz, for the year-long readalong with Hannah from Hannah's Books.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

seriela Thank you! That is a great point about Morrison’s humor. She strikes that careful balance in achieving irony and, as you noted, natural human emotion without it becoming overly cynical or sarcastic. What did you think of Beloved? I hope your week starts well. Best, Jack

[@halcyon_distilled]

Hello, I'd love to hear your take on Toni Morrison's "Jazz". I am currently reading it and there doesn't seem to be much about it. I enjoy your reviews, thank you.

[@TheBookclectic]

This sounds like a book I need to read.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

The Bookclectic It can be a hard read emotionally and challenging with some of the language play, but it can also be very rewarding. I hope you have a great weekend. Best, Jack

[@RovingReader]

Sounds powerful. Thanks for the great review, Jack!

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Karen Evans Thanks, Karen. I hope your week is starting well. Has your school announced any plans for the fall semester? Cheers, Jack

[@RovingReader]

Rambling Raconteur not yet! I don’t know if we’ll hear until mid August. We shall see... We have a new principal this year- what a crazy time to start!