This is an outstanding meditation on the novels of Toni Morrison, her literary work, and herself.

Free from the academic discourse that often flies from one page to the next, this book is composed of numerous interviews between Morrison and interviewers. They manage to, as if holding the reader's hand, enter her realm.

It provides enlightenment on the themes in Morrison's language and the meanings she endeavors to convey. It also endows her with a beautiful, almost beastly voice to express what her work truly is in the midst of what is said in literary criticism.

While reading this, I could almost envision her, gracefully seated on a green couch, with a cup of tea in front of her, looking out of the window and telling me why "Song of Solomon" was written for me, a young black person.

It is a captivating exploration that offers deep insights into the mind and works of one of the most influential literary figures of our time.

Morrison's words come alive through these interviews, allowing the reader to have a more intimate understanding of her creative process and the profound messages she wishes to impart.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Morrison's work or in the power of literature to transform and enlighten.

It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Toni Morrison and her ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers across the globe.

Toni Morrison is undeniably a genius. This fact is further solidified by the contents of this remarkable book. The interviews within it are not only amazing but also highly enlightening. I have a personal scrapbook where I collect great sentences from outstanding works and valuable bits of writerly advice. This book has provided me with numerous additions for my scrapbook. Morrison openly shares her writing process and her deep love for the act of revising her work. She emphasizes her preference for re-working until the "seams don't show." Among the standout interviews in the book are those by Marsha Darling, which offer great insights into my favorite Morrison book, Beloved, and the one by the incomparable Bill Moyers.

However, one interview that stands out in a negative way is the 1979 interview conducted by Collete Dowling. Dowling clearly harbors a dislike for Morrison as a person, as evidenced by her brutally strange observations throughout the piece. For instance, she remarks, "She will often put on an act in conversation, she might suddenly 'get down' and be very chicken-and-ribs, sucking her teeth, poking a finger into her scalp and scratching--a strange, primitive gesture that makes her hairdo rock back and forth on her scalp like a wig." What an odd and inappropriate description! It is completely wrong, mean-spirited, and simply令人不悦.

Despite this one odd interview, the book as a whole is quite good and I would highly recommend it to any Toni Morrison fan. It offers a unique and valuable perspective on the mind and work of this literary giant.

Things I learned:

Toni Morrison is a rather prickly personality. If she doesn't take a liking to a particular question, she simply won't answer it, and that's that. All stories, as it turns out, stem from a question. This makes perfect sense. But what really stood out to me was the idea that an author must 'bear witness'. I truly like that concept. Toni Morrison doesn't write with the reader in mind. Instead, she writes for her characters. It's what they would want to read. And above all else, she writes what she herself wants to read. She is very private about her marriage, which ended in divorce, and she won't talk about it. So, it's best not to ask her. She doesn't engage in wining and dining people. During the 70s and 80s, her focus was on raising children and writing whenever she had the opportunity. That was her life at that time. Toni Morrison won't force herself to write when she doesn't feel like it. If that means several months pass without her writing a single word, she is okay with that. However, when the urge to write strikes her, she'll drop everything and focus on it. This was an interesting and encouraging read, and I do feel like I gained a bit of insight into the author - her writing style, inspirations, and life.

Reading Morrison’s novels is to truly understand her brilliance. However, when we read her spoken words in interviews and conversations, it reveals not only her dedication but also her genius as both a thinker and a writer. I’ll just echo a few snippets of her ideas that deeply resonate with me. First, writing may not directly change the future, but it has the power to alter the past. It does so by addressing all those infinite, untold stories and by re-appropriating what we think we know. Second, for art to be truly good, it must be political and beautiful. It should present the truth and bring forth clarity. Third, writers and artists have a crucial role. They bear witness to the world with all its tragedies and commit themselves to all those who have been ignored and forgotten. Fourth, to be a writer means to labor hard until your work reads with an effortlessness where no seams show. Finally, for Morrison, her writing has always had a tendency to delve into the depths of love or the absence of love.

Good interviews often explore the fascinating journey of how an individual chose to embark on a particular path. In the case of this remarkable woman, it was not so much that she deliberately chose to get into writing. Instead, she discovered that writing had found her. The transition from being a publisher to a writer is no small feat. It requires an immense amount of faith and courage, especially when she is also a single mom.

Balancing the demands of motherhood with the pursuit of a writing career is a challenge that many can only imagine. But she has managed to do so with grace and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar obstacles in their own lives.

Through her interviews, we get a glimpse into the mind of a talented writer and a strong single mom. We learn about the sacrifices she has made, the challenges she has overcome, and the joys that come with following one's passion. Her story is a reminder that no matter what our circumstances may be, we have the power to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world.

Truthfully, I think I probably read about 1/2 to 3/4 of this when I was preparing my senior thesis. It was a crucial time for me, as I was delving deep into my chosen topic. The information I found in this source was extremely valuable and helped me to form a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I spent countless hours poring over the pages, taking notes and highlighting important passages. As I read, I began to see connections and patterns that I had not noticed before. This newfound knowledge gave me the confidence to approach my thesis with a more informed perspective. I am grateful for having come across this source and for the insights it provided me with during my research.

In the process of conducting interviews and having conversations related to Toni Morrison's first five novels, this book serves as a quite good reference.

However, it does have a drawback. It tends to become a bit repetitive and tedious after a while.

The repetitive nature might make the reading experience less engaging and exciting.

One might find themselves skimming through certain parts that seem to be covering the same ground repeatedly.

Despite this flaw, the book still offers valuable insights and perspectives on Morrison's works.

It can be a useful resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the literary genius of Toni Morrison.

Perhaps with some revisions and edits to reduce the repetitiveness, this book could become an even more outstanding and indispensable reference for those studying Morrison's novels.

Toni Morrison's work offers a truly superb insight into the intricate processes of writing, the boundless realm of imagination, and the profound thematic properties that exist within her literary world.

While some of the text might seem a bit redundant at times, it is important to note that this is simply the nature of the book. It is a characteristic that, in a way, adds to the overall depth and complexity of the narrative.

Despite this minor flaw, the book is truly captivating and engaging. It has the power to draw readers in and keep them hooked from beginning to end.

I would definitely read it again, as it offers so much to discover and explore with each new reading. It is a literary masterpiece that continues to inspire and resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in literature, writing, or the power of the human imagination. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and complexity of Toni Morrison's literary genius.

She is simply amazing!

Her writing skills are truly outstanding and serve as an inspiration for all aspiring writers.

Every word she pens seems to flow effortlessly, captivating the reader from the very first sentence.

Her ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds is a testament to her talent and dedication.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, she has the power to transport us to different realms and make us feel as if we are a part of the story.

For those who dream of becoming writers themselves, her work is a must-read. It offers valuable insights into the craft and shows what can be achieved with passion and hard work.

So, if you're looking for some truly remarkable writing, look no further. She is a force to be reckoned with and her work is not to be missed.

This is truly an excellent compilation of interviews spanning from the '70s to the early '90s.

Here, there are approximately 25 interviews. However, at a certain juncture, a significant number of them begin to exhibit repetitiveness. When you pose the same questions as others, it is inevitable that you will receive the same answers. The editor could have exerted more effort to circumvent this issue.

I am of the opinion that the collection would not have been detrimentally affected had 3 or 4 of the interviews been removed (though I am not suggesting which specific ones). This would have enhanced the overall quality and diversity of the compilation, making it a more engaging and valuable read for the audience.

Perhaps the editor could have conducted more in-depth research or employed a more discerning selection process to ensure that each interview offers unique insights and perspectives. By doing so, the collection would have stood out as a truly remarkable and comprehensive resource.

The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example of how to expand an article to about 300 words.

Let's assume the original article is: "The cat is sleeping on the mat. It looks very peaceful."

Expanded version:

The cute little cat is sound asleep on the soft mat. Its body is curled up in a ball, and its fur is smooth and shiny. The cat's eyes are closed tightly, and it seems to be in a deep slumber. It looks extremely peaceful, as if nothing in the world could disturb its rest. The mat provides a comfortable place for the cat to sleep, and it seems to be enjoying the warmth and softness. Watching the cat sleep like this makes one feel a sense of calm and relaxation.

You can provide the original article, and I will rewrite and expand it according to your requirements.

I felt that this book, more than any other, truly cemented my desire to become a professor of literature.

It was through this series of in-depth interviews with the author that I was able to develop a real and profound philosophy of literature.

The insights gained from these conversations were like precious pearls, stringing together to form a beautiful necklace of understanding.

I discovered new perspectives on different literary works, explored the various themes and motifs that run through them, and learned how to analyze and interpret them in a more meaningful way.

This book became a catalyst for my intellectual growth,激发了 my passion for literature and solidified my determination to pursue a career in teaching and researching this wonderful subject.

It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have read it and engaged in these enlightening discussions with the author.

I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge and love of literature with future generations of students, and continuing to explore the rich and diverse landscape of literary studies.