I'm looking forward to this one, as I used to teach the novel. Having read it every year for a decade, I probably won't reread again but will enjoy following along and refreshing my memory.
Two minor corrections: the novel is in three parts (the third quite short), and I think Noble's painting must be "The Modern MEDEA," no?
This is such a good philosophy for so many aspects of life: “I hate feeling crowded by other people’s opinions. Of course, these are stupid reasons not to read a book, and the only way to really escape other people’s opinions is to read it for yourself.”
I read Beloved many years ago, not for a class but on my own. I’m looking forward to our conversations!
I had not read. I’m wide open as I have no preconceived notions other than Toni Morrison being a great writer. My first foray here. Excited to be here!
Freddie, my copy is the 1987 hardback, which I've never read till now. Not sure how the pagination matches your paperback - can you tell us what's the last sentence we're supposed to get to - or will that spoil things?
I'll make sure to denote by chapters - they're unnumbered but it's easy enough to tell first, second, third, etc - but will also try to remember to include last line
Yes please include the last line. With un-numbered chapters it’s hard to keep track, once you’re really into the book. I read this a couple years ago, was baffled by a lot, but just the first few chapters now are so much easier to figure out. But should a book have to be read twice or more to comprehend it?
Freddie, you mentioned this is the only one of her first seven novels you haven't read. Did you mean "six," or did you leave PARADISE out of your brief list earlier in the piece? Curious to hear your thoughts on that one if, in fact, you've read it. For me, it's a toss-up between that and BELOVED -- they're both awfully good. The only other one I've read is THE BLUEST EYE, which wasn't quite as strong although I still enjoyed it. (Well, "enjoyed" is maybe not the right word.)
well, lucky for the newbies, you've certainly set the scene.
I knew absolutely nothing on my first read and I was utterly confused (but persevered)... and when the back story finally clicked, I was too lazy to go back and restart the book. that's a school assignment (external motivation) for you.
Years later I watched the Oprah movie and then read the whole thing in one night; it was that engaging! And that's what internal motivation does :)
This is a reread for me, though it's been so many years that it will feel fresh. I remember starting the book a little warily for the reasons you mentioned above, but ended up enjoying it. I've wanted to participate in these book clubs for a while but couldn't (work got crazy, wanted to commit to the full thing and not drop off) so this seems like a good place to start :)
I finally became a paying subscriber just to join the book club! I've tried book clubs with friends but failed miserably because nobody reads. This will be my third reading of Beloved, haven't read it in a few years but I've always considered Morrison to be one of the best American writers. Looking forward to being part of this group!
'Jazz' is my favorite of her works! (Have read the ones you read, minus 'Tar Baby' plus 'Beloved'.) It doesn't really hang together, I guess, but in its weird flow it resembles nothing I've read except, slightly, 'Absalom, Absalom!' It's, well, jazz; I find it exhilarating. Looking forward to following this book club.
I'm looking forward to this one, as I used to teach the novel. Having read it every year for a decade, I probably won't reread again but will enjoy following along and refreshing my memory.
Two minor corrections: the novel is in three parts (the third quite short), and I think Noble's painting must be "The Modern MEDEA," no?
right on both counts
This is such a good philosophy for so many aspects of life: “I hate feeling crowded by other people’s opinions. Of course, these are stupid reasons not to read a book, and the only way to really escape other people’s opinions is to read it for yourself.”
I read Beloved many years ago, not for a class but on my own. I’m looking forward to our conversations!
I had not read. I’m wide open as I have no preconceived notions other than Toni Morrison being a great writer. My first foray here. Excited to be here!
Welcome aboard!
Freddie, my copy is the 1987 hardback, which I've never read till now. Not sure how the pagination matches your paperback - can you tell us what's the last sentence we're supposed to get to - or will that spoil things?
I'll make sure to denote by chapters - they're unnumbered but it's easy enough to tell first, second, third, etc - but will also try to remember to include last line
Thanks, Chief!
Yep I have it on Kindle and I'm on what the Kindle considers to be page 58 and it's still going, but I'm pretty sure I'm still on the third chapter.
Yes please include the last line. With un-numbered chapters it’s hard to keep track, once you’re really into the book. I read this a couple years ago, was baffled by a lot, but just the first few chapters now are so much easier to figure out. But should a book have to be read twice or more to comprehend it?
Freddie, you mentioned this is the only one of her first seven novels you haven't read. Did you mean "six," or did you leave PARADISE out of your brief list earlier in the piece? Curious to hear your thoughts on that one if, in fact, you've read it. For me, it's a toss-up between that and BELOVED -- they're both awfully good. The only other one I've read is THE BLUEST EYE, which wasn't quite as strong although I still enjoyed it. (Well, "enjoyed" is maybe not the right word.)
I've read The Bluest Eye, Sula, Song of Solomon, Tar Baby, and Jazz. Now starting Beloved. Unsure if I'll keep going with her later work afterwards.
well, lucky for the newbies, you've certainly set the scene.
I knew absolutely nothing on my first read and I was utterly confused (but persevered)... and when the back story finally clicked, I was too lazy to go back and restart the book. that's a school assignment (external motivation) for you.
Years later I watched the Oprah movie and then read the whole thing in one night; it was that engaging! And that's what internal motivation does :)
I’ve never been in a ‘book club’ before and I’ve never read anything by Toni Morrison. Thanks for the opportunity
Please participate! We always need more voices!
This is a reread for me, though it's been so many years that it will feel fresh. I remember starting the book a little warily for the reasons you mentioned above, but ended up enjoying it. I've wanted to participate in these book clubs for a while but couldn't (work got crazy, wanted to commit to the full thing and not drop off) so this seems like a good place to start :)
Welcome!
I finally became a paying subscriber just to join the book club! I've tried book clubs with friends but failed miserably because nobody reads. This will be my third reading of Beloved, haven't read it in a few years but I've always considered Morrison to be one of the best American writers. Looking forward to being part of this group!
Post coming today!
'Jazz' is my favorite of her works! (Have read the ones you read, minus 'Tar Baby' plus 'Beloved'.) It doesn't really hang together, I guess, but in its weird flow it resembles nothing I've read except, slightly, 'Absalom, Absalom!' It's, well, jazz; I find it exhilarating. Looking forward to following this book club.