Top 10 audiobooks by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s impact goes beyond American literature. Her invaluable contribution helped the world make strides toward overcoming racism. She’s famous for her fiction books with a strong focus on the Black American experience.

Morrison’s work earned her many awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Prize for Literature, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In this article, you’ll get a chance to discover some of the author’s finest work.

The Best Toni Morrison Audiobooks

Morrison’s books are often among The New York Times and international bestsellers. You could also see them on Oprah’s TV book club. If you’re wondering where to start with her work, here’s a list of must-reads.

1. The Bluest Eye

In her first novel, Toni Morrison describes the self-loathing that comes from not fitting into societal beauty standards. The book tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old Black girl praying for her eyes to turn blue so that she could look like the blue-eyed blonde children around her.

Pecola does go through a transformation, but not the one she prayed to have.

2. Sula

Nel Wright and Sula Peace shared the same childhood, but life took them in opposite directions. Nel decided to stay in her small Ohio town and raise a family, while Sula went to college to pursue city life.

When Sula returns to her hometown, she and Nel must deal with the consequences of their differing choices.

3. Beloved

When Sethe escaped slavery and moved to Ohio, she thought she could leave her past behind. However, she was haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose gravestone only said “Beloved.”

When a teenage girl shows up on Sethe’s door and introduces herself as Beloved,all of Sethe’s past is brought to the current moment.

4. Paradise

The third part of the Beloved trilogy depicts acts of unimaginable violence. It’s set in Ruby, a fictional town in rural Oklahoma founded by freedmen.

Just miles away, a group of women live in their promised land. However, their paradise is soon decimated by nine Ruby men filled with rage.

5. Song of Solomon

In this award-winning novel, Morrison tells the story of Milkman Dead, a man born shortly after a neighbor’s attempt at flying led to his death.

As Milkman embarks on his journey to the town of his family’s origins, he encounters many characters beautifully depicted through Morrison’s unique narrative.

6. A Mercy

When Florens is given to Jacob Vaark as a part of bad debt, the girl starts her search for love not given by her mother. While the mother’s abandonment was out of care and the need to save Florens, nothing the girl does seems to heal it.

When an African blacksmith rides into her life, he gives her hope that she can receive love again. This touching love story will stay with you long after you’ve read it.

7. Recitatif

Recitatif is Morrison’s only short story. The author called it an experiment on racial codes, and the result is a gripping story that gets you thinking.

It depicts the lives of Roberta and Twyla, one of whom is Black and the other white. The trick is, Morrison never reveals which is which.

Inseparable in childhood, they lose touch as young women and go their separate ways. Roberta and Twyla bump into each other several times, one of which is on the opposite side of a protest.

8. The Source of Self-Regard

This book is a collection of Morrison’s speeches, essays, and thoughts. In it, you’ll find an abundance of wisdom as Morrison discusses some of America’s most pressing social and political issues.

In the book, Morrison talks about her novels and other work, giving readers insight into her brilliant mind.

9. Who’s Got Game

Co-written by Toni and her son Slade Morrison, this book re-imagines some of the world’s best-known fables.

It challenges their endings and moral messages to provide a unique perspective. This volume is a thought-provoking piece bound to expand your mind.

10. God Help the Child

Bride’s blue-black skin has always been a source of her beauty and success. However, it’s also been why her light-skinned mother never gave her the affection every child deserves.

As Bride crosses paths with many characters throughout her life, she learns about the world and herself.

11. Tar Baby

This book is a true emotional roller coaster. It follows the story of Jadine Childs, a Black woman surrounded by white people. She crosses paths with Son, a Black fugitive with whom her story entangles.

As Jadine and Son’s affair unfolds, they learn much about their place in the world.

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FAQ

Which is Toni Morrison’s best book?

Many consider her first book, The Bluest Eye, to be the best.

What is the best selling audiobook of all time?

The best-selling audiobook of all time is Atomic Habits by James Clear.

What is the longest audiobook by Toni Morrison?

Toni Morrison’s longest audiobook is Beloved.

What is the title of Toni Morrison’s first book?

The author’s first book is The Bluest Eye.

What is the most popular audiobook in the “African-American” category?

The most popular audiobook is The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones.

What is the most popular book narrated by Toni Morrison?

Toni Morrison’s most popular self-narrated book is Beloved.