Toni Morrison For Beginners

by Ron David, Elizabeth Beaulieu (Foreword), Dirk Sheerer (Illustrator)

Many people consider Morrison's novels difficult to read. Most of her readers have at least one book on their shelves that they couldn't finish or, when they did finish one, just scratched their heads in confusion. And when we think we are sure we know what she's writing about, it turns out we are half wrong or only getting the tip of the iceberg instead of the whole, beautiful, brooding thing.

"Toni Morrison For Beginners" is about the woman, her books, her mission, her word music, and all that subtext in her writings. Morrison's books are like the ocean: the surface is beautiful but everything that gives them life lies beneath. She's the kind of writer who can change your life and this book is here to help you navigate the words and the woman.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Graphic Novels, History

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book successfully completes its stated mission, which is, “…about the woman, her books, her mission, herword music, and all the writing she does ‘between the lines.’ Morrison’s books are like the ocean: the surface is beautiful, but everything that gives them life lies beneath.”

In this my year of Morrison, I wanted to be armed with some additional, deeper knowledge as I go through all of her fiction. And this book has definitely beefed up my arsenal. It was when I read Read Until You Understand by Farah Jasmine Griffin in her discussion of Ms. Morrison’s novels that I realized perhaps I could have missed something or missed many things.

This book confirms that assumption and in a very easy and accessible manner. It provides great food for thought and gives brief but thorough summaries of all her novels. It asks the right questions and makes comments or statements on characters, plot points, and names that may have baffled you previously. Rather if you have read all of Morrison or none, or a few, this is a good guide book to the wonders of Ms. Toni Morrison.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was what I expected...a to the point overview of Toni Morrison's books. I have not read any of Morrison's books as of yet. My intention in reading this book was to get a feel for whether or not I want to read any of Morrison's books. The book did its job. I was able to read background on Toni Morrison, a summary of each of Morrison's books (None of the summaries included spoilers. According to the author, he left all of the good parts and plot twists out.), I was able to read the author's opinions of the books, critics' opinions, and sometimes even Morrison's opinions. I am satisfied with the content in this book and look forward to reading Paradise, Love, and A Mercy one day.

[Nichola Gutgold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a helpful, insightful book! Having only read The Bluest Eye, I wanted some guidance before I read Sula and Beloved. This book was like having a dynamic (and playful) teacher at the front of the class!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference for Morrison beginners, as the title says. I did wait to read the section on Beloved until after I read the book as I wanted to experience Morrison’s writing as it was written. Whew! and Wow!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

This book is perfect for someone who is a lazy reader in that I love to read but I hate having to decipher a book, its meaning, what represents what, etc. It is also a perfect introduction into Toni Morrison. I made it through high school and college without having to read Morrison that I can recall, but now I'm interested in her writings and plan to read some of them in the future.

I also liked the way Ron David wrote in general. I even chuckled a few times, including when a "No Shit" was through in. Brilliant.