Toni Morrison is a universally celebrated writer. This American author has elegantly captured the Black American experience across her many books. She often highlights the struggles that many Black Americans experience.
Morrison won numerous awards for her writing. For instance, she became the first black woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
If you want to read the wonderful writing of Toni Morrison but are unsure as to what order you should read her books, this guide will give you all of the information that you need to know!
About Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is a critically acclaimed and award-winning author. She has earned a reputation for her poetic writing style and unique use of language.
Morrison’s books tend to focus on the African-American community, often covering themes such as cultural identity, racism, and class.
Morrison’s debut novel is The Bluest Eye, which focuses on the societal unhealthy focus on beauty.
The protagonist, the eleven-year-old Pecola, is a black girl who wishes that she could meet America’s lofty beauty standards. Pecola believes that if her eyes were blue, her life would be completely different.
Pros
Morrison offers superb social commentary that focuses on race and class.
Cons
The rather tragic plot may be a little too heart-wrenching for some.
Sula and Nel are best friends. As these friends grow into women, their friendship remains sturdy, even though they have very different lives. However, this friendship ultimately ends in betrayal.
Centering around the theme of ambiguity, Sula is a great exploration of a complex friendship.
Pros
The narrative is simple but Morrison crafts a compelling narrative.
Morrison’s third novel is Song of Solomon, a riveting coming-of-age narrative. Milkman Dead has an obsession with flying following an unusual event that happened just after he was born.
Traveling to Virginia, Milkman learns all about his family’s history with flying.
Tar Baby is a gorgeous romance novel that explores race relations, gender, and power. Jadine is a black fashion model who has a white patron and boyfriend.
However, Son is a fugitive who is the very opposite of Jadine. Despite this, Jadine feels a fiery passion for Son.
The 1998 novel Paradise completes a trilogy alongside Beloved and Jazz. The book is centered around the theme of violence and focuses on a community built by former slaves.
Set in the 17th century, A Mercy depicts the experiences of slaves in America. Morrison’s ninth book is an important and thought-provoking deep dive into the origin of slavery.
Pros
Morrison provides an intriguing examination of the psychology of slavery and violence.
Cons
A Mercy may be triggering for some readers due to its focus on difficult and violent themes.
Home tells the story of Frank Money, a veteran who is returning home to find his sister. However, Frank’s journey home causes buried secrets to be unveiled.
Pros
Home is equal parts gorgeous and brutal.
Cons
The characters aren’t as vivid as in other Morrison novels.
Morrison illuminates a plethora of introspective themes.
Cons
The book covers explicit and triggering themes, including abuse.
Final Thoughts
Toni Morrison is a great writer who is renowned for her experimental writing style and her thought-provoking narratives. If you want to experience Morrison’s magnificent writing, it’s worth reading her brilliant books in chronological order!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Toni Morrison Book?
Most people will offer a different answer to this question. However, many people consider Beloved to be Morrison’s best book.
Is Toni Morrison Difficult To Read?
Yes, Toni Morrison’s writing can be challenging to read, but it’s worth the effort. The reason for this is that she has an unusual writing style that can be purposefully ambiguous and vague.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
