Toni Morrison’s Books in Order: A Complete Guide

Toni Morrison, born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in 1931, is an acclaimed American novelist known for her exploration of African-American culture, identity, and history. Her works have earned her numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Below is a detailed guide to her literary works, both fiction and nonfiction, presented in the order of their publication.

Fiction books

1. The Bluest Eye (1970)

Morrison’s debut novel, The Bluest Eye, tells the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, an African-American girl who dreams of having blue eyes and blonde hair, reflecting a longing for social acceptance and beauty. The novel explores themes of racism, beauty standards, and identity, and marks the beginning of Morrison’s exploration of the African-American experience.

2. Sula (1973)

In Sula, Morrison explores the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and community through the lives of two childhood friends, Sula Peace and Nel Wright. The novel, set in a small, predominantly black community in Ohio, delves into themes of good versus evil, gender roles, and personal independence.

3. The Song of Songs (1977)

This novel earned Morrison widespread acclaim and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. The Song of Solomon chronicles the life of Macon “Milkman” Dead III, who embarks on a journey to uncover his family’s hidden history. The novel is rich in folklore, magical realism, and the search for cultural identity, making it one of Morrison’s most celebrated works.

4. The Tar Baby (1981)

Tar Baby examines the complexities of race, class, and cultural identity through the story of Jadine Childs, a black model, and Son, a black runaway. The novel is set on a Caribbean island and explores the tensions between contemporary and traditional African-American values.

5. Beloved (1987)

Beloved, probably Morrison’s most famous work, is a haunting story inspired by the true story of Margaret Garner, an escaped slave. The novel follows Sethe, a slave who is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. Beloved won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988 and is considered one of the best American novels of the 20th century.

6. Jazz (1992)

Set in Harlem during the 1920s, Jazz is a narrative and rhythmic exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption. The novel captures the vibrant culture of the Harlem Renaissance while delving into the deep psychological and emotional wounds of its characters.

7. Paradise (1997)

Paradise opens with a harrowing scene of violence and then unravels the interconnected stories of a group of women in an all-black Oklahoma town. The novel examines themes of utopia, religious fanaticism, and communal versus individual identity.

8. Love (2003)

A complex narrative, Love explores the life of Bill Cosey, a charismatic hotel owner, and the lasting impact he has on the women who loved him, both during his life and after his death. The novel delves into themes of love, power, and the legacy of trauma.

9. A mercy (2008)

Set in the late 17th century, A Mercy tells the story of Florens, a young black slave, and the people around her. The novel explores the roots of slavery in the United States and examines themes such as mother-daughter relationships, freedom and survival.

10. Home (2011)

Home is a raw portrait of a Korean War veteran named Frank Money who returns to a deeply segregated United States. The novel is a concise yet powerful exploration of trauma, redemption, and the search for belonging.

11. God Help the Child (2014)

Morrison’s latest novel, God Help the Child, explores the consequences of childhood trauma and the complexities of parental love through the life of Bride, a dark-skinned African-American woman who was deeply affected by her mother’s rejection.

Non-fiction books

1. Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination (1992)

In this collection of essays, Morrison explores how the African American presence has shaped the narrative of American literature. She examines themes of race and literary tradition in the works of several canonical American authors.

2. Racial Justice, Power Engendered (1992)

This collection of essays, edited by Morrison, explores the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings and their implications for race, gender, and the legal system in the United States.

3. The 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature (1994)

This post includes Morrison’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, where she discusses the power of language and storytelling, highlighting the cultural and social responsibilities of writers.

4. Conversations with Toni Morrison (1994)

A collection of interviews with Morrison, this book offers insight into her thoughts on writing, her works, and the themes that permeate her novels.

5. The Dancing Mind (1996)

A short essay by Morrison, originally presented as a lecture, reflecting on the act of reading and the importance of solitude and concentration in the age of digital distraction.

6. The Birth of a Nation (1997)

Co-edited with Claudia Brodsky Lacour, this book presents a series of essays on race, gender, and nationality, with a focus on the OJ Simpson trial and its broader cultural implications.

7. Memoirs (1999)

Although not a complete autobiography, this work offers insight into Morrison’s personal reflections on his life and career.

8. Remember (2004)

Remember, a moving collection of photographs and narratives, reflects on the history and impact of school desegregation in the United States.

9. What moves on the margin (2008)

This collection of essays, speeches, and reviews spans four decades of Morrison’s work and offers insight into her thoughts on race, culture, and society.

10. Burn this book (2009)

Edited by Morrison, this collection of essays features contributions from several authors on the topic of censorship and the power of literature to challenge oppression.

11. Dying for the People (2009)

A collection of essays on social justice, race, and politics, showcasing Morrison’s activist spirit and commitment to social change.

12. Please, Louise (2013)

Co-written with her son Slade Morrison, Please, Louise is a children’s book that encourages young readers to overcome fear through the power of reading and imagination.

13. The Source of Self-Esteem: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations (2019)

This posthumous collection brings together some of Morrison’s most revealing and thought-provoking works, covering a range of themes from race and identity to the role of artists in society.

14. Mouth Full of Blood: Essays, Speeches, Meditations (2019)

A compilation of Morrison’s essays, speeches, and meditations, this book offers a comprehensive look at her thoughts on literature, society, and the human condition.

15. Kindness and the Literary Imagination (2019)

A posthumous work that explores the concept of goodness in literature and the role of the writer in society, highlighting Morrison’s deep commitment to ethical issues.