Book Club
Join Literary Cleveland's free virtual statewide Toni Morrison book club. This program is designed to bring all Ohioans together to discuss the 11 novels of the Lorain native and Nobel Prize-winning author. Register to join the book club now.
American History
We will be reading the books in the order in which they are set during American history starting with A Mercy set in the 1680-90s through God Help the Child set in the 2000-10s. This way we can follow Morrison’s journey through time, learn about historical context along the way, and reflect on our struggle to become a more perfect union.
Book Guides
Each month we will release special guides for each book we read. These guides will include historical context, discussion questions, and additional resources. Click on the book cover below to see each guide as they are released.
Book Discussions
We encourage everyone to participate in a local book club in your area and then for all book clubs and individuals to join this virtual meeting at the end of the month to discuss together as a state. Readers from outside Ohio are welcome to join as well.
Free Virtual Book Club
This Statewide Toni Morrison Virtual Book Club will take place the final Sunday of each month (except for September) from 7:00-9:00pm ET virtually online via Zoom. Register for free to receive the zoom link as well as regular updates and reminders.
Additional Info
Discussion Dates
February 22 · Intro
March 29 · A Mercy (with special guest Dr. Imani Perry)
April 26 · Beloved (with special guest Honorée Fanonne Jeffers)
May 31 · Sula
June 28 · Jazz (with special guest Kevin Young)
July 26 · The Bluest Eye
August 30 · Home
September 20 · Song of Solomon (with special guest Tayari Jones)
October 25 · Paradise
November 29 · Tar Baby
December 27 · Love
January 31 · God Help the Child
FAQs
Do I have to live in Ohio to participate?
No! We’re open to participants from all over! Just keep an eye on the time zone so you join at the correct time.
Do I have to read all 11 novels?
YES YOU MUST! Just kidding. You can join to discuss just one book if you like. Of course we encourage you to join for as many discussions as you are willing. Bonus points if you read all 11 books!
Where can I get the books?
NOTE: You can purchase Morrison books at a discount from our friends at the Black-owned bookstore ThirdSpace Reading Room at this link: Toni Morrisson Collection – ThirdSpace Reading Room
Your local library will have copies or you can purchase books at your local indie bookstore. You can purchase books online from the Black-owned ThirdSpace Reading Room here and have them shipped to you. And you can listen to Toni Morrison read the audiobooks which are available through your library on the Libby app or for purchase at libro.fm.
Do I have to come prepared to talk?
We encourage everyone to participate and chime in to make for a more vibrant discussion, but you are also welcome to just join and listen.
What if I didn't finish the book?
The discussions will be more rewarding if you have finished the book, but you are still welcome if you didn’t finish. Sometimes the discussion is helpful motivation to get to the end!
