The Bluest Eye

Bookseller recommendation

“READ BANNED BOOKS. In this modern classic, Toni Morrison tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in post-Depression Ohio whose desire to have blue eyes, to be considered beautiful by society, eventually drives her to insanity. Morrison excellently conveys the damage done by white supremacist concepts of beauty in this moving and often banned book. ”

— Anna • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Toni Morrison was a visionary. This, her first novel, was my first foray into her work, and I found it approachable, yet deep with meaning. It borrows its structure from a children’s Dick and Jane story, which Toni reads like a haunting incantation. Her narration of the entire book is flawless and stunning, like the text itself. The novel circles around Pecola, who rarely narrates but whose story is largely told by other characters, often children. Her story is traumatic yet minimally graphic, making it appropriate, even, for most sensitive readers.”

— Mary • Raven Book Store