This remarkable book will remain by my side throughout the remainder of my life.

I am certain that I will return to it on numerous occasions. Sula, although consisting of less than 200 pages, is astonishingly layered and rich in emotional depth.

It effortlessly earns its place on my list of books that I firmly believe everyone should have the opportunity to read.

It truly deserves a rating of 4.5 stars, a testament to its literary excellence and profound impact.

Each time I pick up this book, I am drawn into its world, captivated by its characters and the complex themes it explores.

It is a literary gem that will continue to shine brightly in my personal library.

I highly recommend it to all book lovers, as it has the power to touch hearts and expand minds.

I truly relished reading Sula. Even though The Bluest Eye, which was my initial encounter with Toni Morrison's works, remains my all-time favorite. This book vividly exposes the harsh choices that women had to face for the majority of the 20th century. They were caught between being a staid and upright housewife or a woman of the world. I still struggle to discuss the book without revealing too many spoilers. Let me simply state that Sula chronicles the relationship of two African-American girls, Nel and Sula, who are polar opposites. They live in an Ohio river town from the 1920s until 1940.

Unlike a great deal of "serious literature" (I'm looking at you, Ulysses, Moby-Dick, The Waste Land, and Beloved (Sorry, Ms. Morrison)), Sula is remarkably easy to consume and follow. Yet, it is unforgettable. It is highly recommended for anyone who has ever loved and lost a best friend. (Emily Erkan, I still miss you deeply.)

I had to read it again. It was truly masterful.

I sat down and read Sula back to back. It is that good, that complex, and that much worth it.

The story of Sula is a profound exploration of human nature, relationships, and the power of choice. Toni Morrison's writing is exquisite, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind and evoking a wide range of emotions.

To read the rest of this review and to see a Book Discussion of this book by The Tea Book Club, CLICK HERE.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this remarkable novel and engage in a thought-provoking discussion with other readers.

It will surely leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human condition.

Imagine penning a Black feminist novel that predates the publication of crucial Black feminist works such as Black Macho & the Myth of the Superwoman (1978), Ain't I a Woman (1981), and Women, Race & Class (1981), among others. Toni Morrison accomplished precisely that in 1973 with the release of her outstanding second novel, Sula.

Although the novel is titled Sula, I wouldn't have been astonished if it were named the Bottom. This is the neighborhood in the fictional city of Medallion, Ohio, where the story unfolds.

The Bottom is a place that houses a fully realized Black world. Every January 3rd, a holiday called National Suicide Day, created by a World War One Vet named Shadrack, is commemorated. Eva is the town matriarch, arguably the most loving and yet evil woman this town has ever witnessed. It is home to Hannah Peace, who will engage in amorous activities with your man in the pantry and then wash your dishes. There are also the Deweys, Tar Baby, Ajax, but most significantly, Sula Peace and Nel Wright.

Sula and Nel are two women who demonstrate what occurs when, at one point in your life, you both are rebels. You share a unique and defiant perspective that enables the two of you to see through everyone in your town. A perspective that will always keep you both at home, on the fringes. But what transpires when one of you who shared that vision betrays it? They become part of the people you used to see through, yet when you return to town after a long absence, she looks at you strangely and wants you to explain yourself in ways you never had to before. Who is truly in the wrong? The person who adhered to the vision or the one who conformed?

Besides these questions that emerge from Sula and Nel, this novel delves into themes of womanhood as a whole, sexuality, love and whether there is a correct way to express it, perception, individuality, gentrification, white flight, the abhorrent prevalence of anti-Black racism, and how religion can enhance your morals while simultaneously compromising your ability to defend against those without such values.

I encourage all of you to read Sula multiple times. When you do, cherish the precious insights you uncover with each reading. Morrison is far too generous in providing us with these treasures, especially within just 174 pages.

(Review from my first read back in 2017): https://www.instagram.com/p/BUZ8UZMF7...

"Being good to somebody is just like being mean to somebody. Risky. You don't get nothing for it."

Sula is a very dark and equally courageous novel. It is not afraid to be both good and mean simultaneously. It was the first novel I read where all the characters were detailed, loud, and engaging. Although the title emphasizes and makes Sula the leading character, the other characters, like Hannah, Eva, and Nel, are so profound and robust. In fact, it would not be wrong to claim that Sula is Sula because of them. They made her who she was.

The other best feature of the novel was the subtlety and fluency with which our author described the problems faced by the Black Community back in 1919. And particularly the issues faced by Black Women during that period. They were assigned a role in which they had to fit themselves whether they liked it or not. Now, imagine a Black Woman who was audacious, fearless, and rebellious in society at that time. She had a sarcastic and saucy way of dealing with problems and was living in an environment of constant discrimination, not just between Black or White communities but also between Men and Women. Sula was like a man in a woman's body.

The story emphasizes the friendship and betrayal between two friends, Nel and Sula. Nel is the polar opposite of Sula, a delicate and orderly lady who develops an instant bond with Sula. One can understand how Nel got infatuated by Sula's personality, which she admired but could never be. Moreover, heartache is bound to happen when two poles apart characters come together. The fact that, in the end, after being separated for many years, Nel still felt emptiness and admiration for Sula was truly breathtaking.

My favorite character was Eva, Sula's grandmother. Her journey from being a single mother to a single-legged woman, to fighting for her son's life and killing one, to admiring her daughter and hating her daughter's daughter, has been exceptional. She was something strange and daring that I will remember for the rest of my life. The story itself will have a special place in my heart, and so will Toni Morrison.

SULA is for every woman out there, for you, for us. I will surely recommend it to you all. Toni MorrisonSulaSula

Toni Morrison has always held a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite writers. Her recent passing was a great loss, and I mourned deeply. While Sula may not be her greatest work in my opinion (that honor, for me, goes to Beloved), it is still a remarkable story.

It delves into the experience of growing up as a black woman and presents two distinct life choices. Sula opts to be the vamp, while her best friend Nel chooses to be the obedient (albeit sometimes battered) wife. After a tragic incident by the river, their lives take different paths, and we witness the transformation of the Bottom over time, from the 20s to the 60s. The narrative is beautifully crafted, with engaging dialog and vivid characters that make it a joy to read again and again.

Toni's descriptions are truly alive and full of life. Here are some of my favorite passages. In one, her bare feet raise the saffron dust that floats down on the man playing the harmonica, and the black people watching her laugh and rub their knees, yet there is an underlying adult pain that goes unnoticed.

Shadrack, the half-crazed witness, returns from the Great War disheveled. He covers his head with a blanket to see his reflection in the toilet water and is astonished by his definite black face, which reassures him of his existence.

Helene and Nel's voyage to New Orleans is also described vividly, with the need to make do with the fields for their needs because the toilets were for whites only.

Another powerful passage speaks of the importance of expressing rage and grief in the face of death, rather than simply whispering and being polite.

Finally, there is a beautiful passage about Sula's relentless femininity and her realization that a lover can never be a true comrade for a woman.

Toni Morrison was truly a master of words, able to express the deepest emotions of lust, love, and grief. Sula is a timeless portrayal of heartbreak and desire that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Fino's Toni Morrison Reviews:

The Bluest Eye

Sula

Song Of Solomon

Tar Baby

Beloved

Jazz

Paradise

'It was a fine cry - loud and long - but it had no bottom, and it had no top, just circles and circles of sorrow.'

This powerful description by Toni Morrison truly encapsulates the depth and complexity of human emotion. Her words paint a vivid picture of a cry that seems to have no end, no beginning, just an endless cycle of sorrow.

Toni Morrison was a remarkable woman, a literary giant whose works explored the African American experience with profound insight and sensitivity. Through her writing, she gave voice to the voiceless, shining a light on the hidden traumas and joys of a marginalized community.

Her ability to capture the essence of human suffering and resilience is a testament to her genius as a writer. Morrison's words have the power to move us, to make us think, and to inspire us to look deeper within ourselves and our society.

She will always be remembered as one of the greatest writers of our time, a woman whose work will continue to touch the hearts and minds of readers for generations to come.

WOW WOW WOW

The original article was rather concise. Now, let's expand it to make it more detailed and engaging. We can add more descriptions, examples, or explanations to bring out the full meaning and significance of the text. For instance, we could say "WOW WOW WOW! This is an expression that truly captures our excitement and amazement. It's like a burst of energy that fills the air and makes our hearts race. Whether it's seeing a breathtaking sight, achieving a great success, or experiencing something truly extraordinary, this exclamation sums up our feelings perfectly. It's a universal language that transcends cultures and boundaries, allowing us to share our joy and enthusiasm with others. So, the next time you're overcome with excitement, don't hold back. Let out a big WOW WOW WOW and let the world know how you feel!"

By expanding the article in this way, we can make it more interesting and engaging for the reader, while also maintaining the essence and impact of the original text.

I read Toni Morrison in high school, but looking back now, I clearly realize that I need to go back and read everything she has written.

It has become so evident to me that there are countless writers who are striving to emulate Toni Morrison.

In her works, every single word holds significance, and each character is portrayed with flaws and humanity, making her books truly remarkable.

This particular book is my last one for the 2018 reading challenge from The Reading Women, falling under the category of Nobel Prize Winner.

Reading Toni Morrison's works is like embarking on a profound journey that enriches the mind and soul.

Her writing style is unique and captivating, drawing the reader in and making them reluctant to put the book down.

I am eager to explore more of her literary masterpieces and gain a deeper understanding of her brilliant mind.

Overall, Toni Morrison's books are definitely worthy of a five-star rating.

\\n  

She had no center, no speck around which to grow.

\\n

I find it impossible to begin explaining this remarkable book or the intense feeling that washes over me each time a new chapter, numbered according to years, unfolds. It's like unwrapping a piece of chocolate from a box of assortments - you're filled with anxious anticipation, never quite sure what you'll discover.


I struggle to accurately convey why the fluidity of the language, the seamless blend of elegant vernacular, and the exhilarating and all-encompassing flow of words send shivers down my spine and enclose me in a warm cocoon. This cocoon makes me feel shielded and, in some strange way, understood.


I can't single out a character whom Sula reminds me of. She is so uniquely peculiar and atypical that, although I may not necessarily like her or be drawn to her, I still grasp the themes she embodies. Her skepticism about the world, her longing to live in her dreams, and her disdain for conformity are all palpable.

\\n  There, in the center of that silence was not eternity but the death of time and a loneliness so profound the word itself had no meaning. For loneliness assumed the absence of other people, and the solitude she found in that desperate terrain had never admitted the possibility of other people.\\n

I'm at a loss to even begin deciphering the intricately drawn friendship between Nel and Sula. This sisterhood is both too tightly bound to penetrate and yet fragile enough to develop cracks. It's a friendship "so close, they themselves had difficulty distinguishing one's thoughts from the other's."

\\n  They were solitary little girls whose loneliness was so profound it intoxicated them and sent them stumbling into Technicolored visions that always included a presence, a someone, who, quite like the dreamer, shared the delight of the dream.\\n

I can't articulate the juxtaposed gloom and excitement that pervades the city of Medallion, nor can I properly explain the irony of the segregated city sitting atop a hill, protecting and shielding the rest of the community from nature's doom. I can't accurately or fairly conjure up the delicious concoction of lust, betrayal, jealousy, and strife that parallels one woman's psychological journey and self-realization.


What I can say with certainty is that this is a Toni Morrison novel that stands out for its singularity. It's a book and an author that you simply must read to truly understand. Surprisingly, it doesn't feature in many book club reads, despite the fact that it would spark some truly interesting discussions. This is the fourth novel in my Morrison journey, which I embarked on a couple of years ago. First came The Bluest Eye, then Paradise, and later, Home. And I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing my exploration.

The air all over the Bottom was thick with the aroma of peeled fruit and boiling vegetables. There was fresh corn, tomatoes, string beans, and melon rinds. The women, children, and old men without jobs were preparing for a winter they knew only too well. It was a scene that painted a vivid picture of a community struggling to survive.

I usually pen a review right after finishing a book to capture my initial emotional response. But this book, well, it was something else. I thought it wise to sit and fan myself for a few days before putting pen to paper. This novel is like a firecracker, short but not sweet. It's not for the faint of heart. It delves into frank and explicit discussions about sex, love, life, death, and friendship.

As expected, there are captivating characters. Shadrack, who founded National Suicide Day. Eva Peace, who has one leg because the other simply got up and hobbled away one day. And then there are the deweys, about whom I'm still not quite sure. And many others. The story is about this community, but at its core are Nel and Sula. They are friends and enemies, bound and free, good and evil. You could read it as if it were that simple, black and white. But after Morrison shows you what you don't want to see, makes you lift up scabs and look beneath, how can you be so certain?

"'How you know?’ Sula asked. 'Know what?’ Nel still wouldn't look at her. 'About who was good. How you know it was you?’ 'What you mean?’ 'I mean maybe it wasn't you. Maybe it was me.’” These words have been echoing in my mind since I read them. Toni Morrison's passing has made me think a great deal about her work. And with this book, my respect for her, already as high as I thought it could be, continues to grow. The title of “High Priestess of Literature” given to her is so fitting. Apparently, in Tarot, the High Priestess card represents being highly desired by more than one person, irresistible, possessing intuition, mystery, and sensuality combined with common sense. Exactly. She writes so beautifully that her specific details, in this case, a community of poor black folks at the turn of the 20th century, can be universal. I do learn unique, deep, and fascinating things about black people when I read her books. But I always come away with thoughts about humanity in general. Reading her stories makes me realize how special it is to be human. Sometimes evil, yes. Dark, scary, and horrific, absolutely. But beautiful all the same. With her body of work, she has left us powerful reminders of this humanity, and I can't help but think we'd better be paying attention.

If I could be a fly on the wall during the writing process of one famous, living writer, without a doubt, I would choose Toni Morrison.

You can't deceive me. I'm certain that her eyes roll to the back of her head, and something akin to a seance commences. I'm not sure if it's the Holy Ghost or other spirits, but this woman receives other-worldly visitors while her current book is in the process of being "written" or perhaps channeled.

Today, as I completed yet another Toni Morrison novel, I found myself wondering... why haven't I ever given more than a four-star rating to this literary genius?

I came to the realization that I'm rather stingy with my five-star ratings. I reserve them for books that I not only adored reading but also渴望 to read again.

And, once I've read a Toni Morrison novel, I have absolutely no desire to read it again. Ever.

In fact, even when they lie dormant on my bookshelves, these books gaze out at me ominously, challenging me to have the courage to touch them again. Even the dust fears their covers and refuses to settle on them.

Sula is nowhere near as terrifying as Beloved (nothing in the world of literature is as scary as Beloved), but I can't say that I could ever pick it up and read it again.

And, how do you recommend a nightmare, even when it's brilliantly written?