Why people recommend it
Sula by Toni Morrison is a powerful, lyrical novel that explores the complex dynamics of female friendship, community expectations, and identity within a small Ohio town across several decades. The book was discussed by several contributors on The Book Review podcast. MJ Franklin shared an enthusiastic recommendation during a listeners' questions episode, describing how reading the novel for the first time left them completely speechless regarding the author's ability to guide the reader through the profound meaning of the Black community. Wesley Morris also mentioned the book on the podcast, noting that a family member had read Sula, which sparked his own fascination and desire to dive into the work. Furthermore, Lauren Christensen briefly brought up the novel when discussing Morrison's broader literary contributions, while Salamishah Tillet analyzed the historical reception of the book, recalling a famous early New York Times review that praised Morrison's stylistic prose while critiquing the narrow critical expectations placed on her writing about Black women. Together, these varied reflections highlighted the enduring cultural impact of Morrison's storytelling, celebrating how her vivid portrayal of Ohio communities and complex characters continues to challenge, move, and inspire generations of readers, critics, and fellow writers.
Who recommended it
- Wesley Morris Discussed
- Lauren Christensen Discussed
- MJ Franklin Recommended
- Salamishah Tillet Discussed
Wesley Morris — 1 mention
“and yeah I think my Katie had read she had read Sula because that was the book that I was most fascinated to read”
Lauren Christensen — 1 mention
“and Sula and and so much of her work”
MJ Franklin — 1 mention
“similarly thinking about Tony Morrison and her novel Sula I also read that for the first time this year and being pulled into Tony Morrison's Ohio is I I'm like I'm speechless just at how how how she guides you through what the black community means”
Salamishah Tillet — 1 mention
“there's a famous New York Times review of her novel Sula and the critic praises the book on in terms of Pros but hopes that Morrison one day will get past writing about black women”