My book club in Tampa just read 'The Bluest Eye' and I realized my mistake

For years, I avoided Toni Morrison's work because I'd heard it was 'difficult' and heavy. Reading it, I saw the real reason it's challenged so often is its unflinching look at trauma, which made me uncomfortable. I was letting that discomfort keep me from important stories. Has anyone else had a book change their mind like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

stella_lane9414d ago

Totally get that. I put off reading "Beloved" for the same reason, heard it was a hard read. Finally picked it up last year and it just wrecked me in the best way. The heaviness is the whole point, it makes you sit with the history. I had to learn that feeling uncomfortable isn't a reason to avoid a book, it's often the sign you need to read it. Changed how I pick my books now.

the_alex14d ago

Remember reading "The Road" on a long flight and just staring at the seatback in front of me for a solid hour after finishing. That kind of quiet wreck is weirdly special. Makes you wonder why we even chase easy stories sometimes. Your point about the heaviness being the whole deal really hits home.