A Tribute to a Treasure: Toni Morrison [Part1]

Toni Morison passed away on August 5, 2019. Morrison was an author, Princeton University professor, and Pulitzer Prize winner for her book Beloved. Even though she is no longer here with us her work lives on.

For Sistah Girls who want to begin reading Morrison’s work, I’ve put together a list of all her novels and some facts about her career.

Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. Readers already miss her for many reasons and for her varied written materials. Morrison’s publishing career began in 1970 with The Bluest Eye when Toni was 39 years old. At the time, she was a single mother of two boys living in Queens, and the senior editor at Random House.

Morrison’s writing was gritty, and extremely raw when she opened our hearts, reached in, and slashed it open with one staggering swoop. Her novels resonated with countless readers over the years. Especially this reviewer.

Former President Barack Obama called Morrison a national treasure. And her beloved Oprah praised the ground she walked and helped to bring her book Beloved to the masses in film.  Additionally, she enjoyed other authors and called many of them friends, such as the infamous Angela Davis.

Some of the books in her catalog: Sula in 1973, Song of Solomon in 1977, Tar Baby in 1981. It took several years before she wrote her prized Beloved in 1987. In 1992 she released Jazz. There was another short break, and she released Paradise in 1997. In 2003, Love. A Mercy, in 2008.

Four years later, she wrote Home, and 2015, God Help the Child. In between her adult literature, she wrote several children’s literature books.

Morrison’s readers will miss her, and the only saving grace is her words will hold a place in our hearts eternally. Two of my favorite quotes. “Something that is loved is never lost,” and, “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And… magnificent, when I write.”

In admiration, Queen Toni Morrison!

Sistah Girls Book Club

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