The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Reading banned books that stir controversy is a new passion of mine. In my readings so far books that are banned have stirred the most growth, and are often difficult to read. It is my firm opinion that having difficulty reading something shouldn't deter us from reading them. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is no exception.

Description from Goodreads:

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 Toni Morrisons's most powerful, unforgettable novels- and a significant work of American fiction.

Thoughts:

This moving, well written book will sit with me for a long time. According to Marshall University this book was banned due to child sexual assault. In its history according to Marshall University it has been challenged/banned across the United States fourteen times. The sexual assault was difficult to read, but it was an important part of the book that I applaud Toni Morrison for not leaving out. It's only a piece of the entire picture she was showing us.

This book gives us a raw glimpse of what like was like for black Americans in the early 1940's.This story drifts and connects each character brilliantly. We see the girls grapple with feelings of envy, shame and anger often at the same time as they navigate a world where the beauty standard is blonde and blue eyed, not black. Where it's straightened hair, not coyly. Where it's light skin, not dark. It goes beyond looks though, and delves into how these young girls' lives were so different from their white peers. 

Ya'll....this isn't supposed to be an enjoyable read. 

Pecola Breedlove's story is deep, and Toni Morrison gives us the a clear outline of how she is a victim of generational trauma. One that her parents also suffered, and the root of all of it is white supremacy and racism.

This book belongs in schools, even with it's the child sexual abuse..the message is just as important today as it was when it was originally written in 1970. Our students need to be taught history from a human perspective, with empathy and from black voices.

This story will benefit any reader because it will: 

• Offer a raw personal glimpse of history for black Americans
• Deepen knowledge of American History
• Expose readers to themes of racism, and bigotry from the perspective of black voices.

For more resources for those who wish to continue an anti-racist journey:

• Human Rights Free Anti-Racism Courses
  
• Portia Noir on Tiktok
  
• White Woman Whisperer on Titkok
  
• Ashani Mfuko on Tiktok who also has an anti racism podcast.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was published in 1970, and is available on Amazon and Bookshop and should be available in every public library in the United States, and if it isn't make some noise about it, and/or donate a copy. 

If you appreciated this post instead of buying me a coffee please head over to NAACP and make a donation.

Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from my local library. All opinions about this book are my own. Resources for further education are provided and there are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

 

Can we talk banned books for a minute?  

Reading banned books for me is my very quiet way of "sticking it to the man." Its a way of joining the table of discussion about banned books. 

Perks of Being a Wallflower has been banned from many public school curriculum since it was published in 1999. Most recently you can read about it being banned from this Florida school district for "extreme sexual content descriptions, bestiality and a language alert, using a “shock effect to engage teenage minds” 

I'm not going to lie, I completely forgot about the very brief mention of any bestiality in the book it was so inconsequential.  I digress! 

To see it's entire banning history check out this link here from Marshall University.

Synopsis:

Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

Thoughts:

I feel this book should absolutely be required reading for every young person or any adult who may have forgotten what it's like to be a young person.  Parents who are on the fence should co-read this so you can discuss any hot topics or subjects with your child as they read it. 

This story will benefit any reader because it will:

• Expose the reader to gay positive themes.
• Humanize our narrator as he navigates growing up in the 90's. 
• Expose the reader to difficult situations, such as bullying, rape, abortion, drug use, sexual abuse, suicide, physical abuse and the emotional roller coaster these themes can bring to people experiencing them.
• Discuss themes teenagers usually have to deal with, like first kisses, self-esteem, finding friends, and dealing with crushes.
• Remind us that when we are going through difficult things we aren't alone.
• Our past doesn't define us, and it's completely possible to thrive after a difficult period.

Charlie's letters in this story sometimes are absolutely heart breaking.  His letters are raw and dive into a very deep and private part of growing up in the 90's. We follow Charlie as he navigates that first year in high school, and all of the difficulties that comes with being a teenager. Charlie is encouraged by his teacher to "participate in life" and not just be a bystander or a "wallflower."

The post script is by far one of the most powerful parts of the book. Don't skip it. We learn after all he went through, Charlie is ok. He reflects back on his youth as a difficult time, but we also learn how his story has helped other young people feel less alone in their battles. 

Some of my favorite quotes from this book are when Charlie's English teacher tells him "We accept the love we think we deserve," and "Be a filter, not a sponge."

When we ban books like this we only stunt the growth of the young people this would benefit. We lose an opportunity to be kinder, more open, and loving as a community. This book isn't here to glorify these behaviors or circumstances...but to open our minds to the individuals who may be living lives we don't understand. We shouldn't shy away from the difficult conversations this book might encourage.

This is a coming of age story that should not be skipped. I think every young person (or even older people) should read this book to gain a deeper knowledge of themselves, and to grow as empathetic humans. We need more of those.

Perks of Being a Wallflower was published February 1, 1999 is available at most public libraries (if it hasn't been banned) and it's also available on  Amazon and Bookshop.

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Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from my library. There are links to Amazon, Bookshop and Etsy, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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