Friday Friyay: Book Beginnings, Blog Hops Friday 56

The Bluest EyeI am not as consistent at posting on Fridays as I used to be, but here I am, doing my best once again. I actually get so much joy out of visiting new blogs, revisiting old ones and seeing everyone thriving! 

On Fridays we go to Book Beginnings at Rose City Reader, hosted by Gilion Dumas, and Friday 56 at Freda's Voice, hosted by Freda. This week I'm featuring a read for the book club at work: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. She sadly passed away last month and this is my first experience reading her writing.
The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison's first novel, a book heralded for its richness of language and boldness of vision. Set in the author's girlhood hometown of Lorain, Ohio, it tells the story of black, eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove. Pecola prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be as beautiful and beloved as all the blond, blue-eyed children in America. In the autumn of 1941, the year the marigolds in the Breedloves' garden do not bloom. Pecola's life does change- in painful, devastating ways. 
What its vivid evocation of the fear and loneliness at the heart of a child's yearning, and the tragedy of its fulfillment. The Bluest Eye remains one of Tony Morrisons's most powerful, unforgettable novels- and a significant work of American fiction.

Let's get to it! For BB I'm cheating a little and sharing the beginning of the Foreword rather than the novel, since it really stuck with me. 


Book Beginnings:
Foreword - 'There can’t be anyone, I am sure, who doesn’t know what it feels like to be disliked, even rejected, momentarily or for sustained periods of time. Perhaps the feeling is merely indifference, mild annoyance, but it may also be hurt. It may even be that some of us know what it is like to be actually hated— hated for things we have no control over and cannot change.' p.ix
Yes, that'll do it. I think everyone can recognize themselves in the feelings Morrison describes. In the Foreword she continues on speaking about the damage done when that rejection or dislike is internalized and this foreword definitely prepped me for the gravity of what The Bluest Eye describes, even when her tone in the novel seems very kind.

Friday 56:
'Except for Marie’s fabled love for Dewey Prince, these women hated men, all men, without shame, apology, or discrimination. They abused their visitors with a scorn grown mechanical from use.' p.56
This phrase is part of a larger argument, made about prostitutes. I haven't actually gotten this far in the novel yet, so I'm not quite sure what is happening. However, I'm very intrigued by their backstory, their role in the plot and what they might end up doing with their anger. I can't say it's probably not justified.
Have you read The Bluest Eye or any of Toni Morrison's other works? Leave a comment with the link to your Friday post and I'll be happy to drop by!

I've also rediscovered the gem that is Book Blogger Hop, hosted over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.

The question for today is: Do you read classics? If so, what is your favourite?

Isn't this just the most perfect question for me to come back to?! I have a whole page dedicated to the 100 Classics I'm reading/want to read/have read, inspired by the Classics Club. It's really hard to pick a favourite, but below is a small list because I can't pick just one:
There are so many more, but this is a fair start! Can't wait to see what Classic recommendations I'll pick up from this week's hop!


Comments

  1. Hit the nail on the head! I haven't been posting in a while but I love it when I do so I can visit blogs I've seen before and new ones. I really like the Forward that you posted. I haven't read any of Toni Morrison's books but this has me intrigued. I hope you have a great weekend!

    Danica @ Shelves of Spines

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    1. I was quite hesitant initially to start because I knew it would be a heavy read, but that Foreword definitely had be hooked. Have a lovely weekend yourself!

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  2. Sounds like a good book. I don't think I've read anything by Toni Morrison. I have been slacking off in posting too but I'm trying again this week. Have a great weekend!

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    1. When I was at university I found it so much easier to keep up with the blogging, but since I started full-time work 3 years ago it has been a real struggle xD Have a lovely weekend yourself!

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  3. That sounds like a really great read. I might have to check it out.
    My Friday: Marie @ Pages to Explore

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    1. So far it's great! Morrison's tone is so gentle, despite how horrible some of what she writes about is. Have a lovely weekend!

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  4. The Bluest Eye is on my must get to one day reading list. Hope it's a meaningful read for you.

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    1. So far it definitely is. We have a great chat about it in our Book Club as well, it really hit home for everyone in very different ways. Have a lovely weekend!

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  5. I haven't read a Toni Morrison novel yet, but this one sounds like a good place to start. Hope you enjoy it! Have a great weekend! :)

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    1. I thought her first novel would be a good place to start, especially since I'm slightly apprehensive about reading 'Beloved' because it's such a heavy read. It's definitely the next on my list though :) Have a lovely weekend yourself!

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  6. I was very touched by BLUEST EYE and by Morrison's writing in general. My weekly review and quotes

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    1. I can absolutely see why you were so touched by it! Have a lovely weekend!

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  7. I'm always happy when I see you participating!! :-)
    I haven't read any Morrison to date. I do have a book on my Kindle, though I do not recall the title. I intend to read it soon though. Happy weekend!

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    1. Thank you! It's always such fun when I manage to join in. I'd be curious about what you think of her writing, once you get the chance to dig in. Have a lovely weekend!

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  8. Bit late to the party this week ;-) sorry. It's like this week's question was written just for you! Lol! I've read classic literature over the years but these days I'm looking for more light entertainment. ;-)
    I hope you enjoy the rest of your week, Juli. Here's my BBH Post
    Flora x

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