4.26 avg rating — 6,957,764 ratings

"I read this book for the first time when I was 15 - about the time it was first published - and it was the first time I understood the meaning of racism and bigotry. Since that time I have reread it and taught it to high school students. The lessons and insights never stop. "

3.98 avg rating — 497,309 ratings

"It takes bizarre concepts and fright to convey the pain of slavery or any other form of abuse. Morrison captures this in Beloved."

3.95 avg rating — 126,556 ratings

"This book captured "small town" as it is slowly wiped out by industries moved elsewhere. Economic ruin, combined with lost lives and love, is captured well."