My book group is discussing the books of Toni Morrison next month and I wanted my own copy of Beloved because I kept wanting to write in my library copy and circulation staff frown on that, especially from librarians. So I stopped by Borders and there were no Toni Morrison books on the shelf in the LITERATURE section. When I asked for assistance I was directed to the AFRICAN AMERICAN section. I am saddened and hurt that an author with the gifts and status of Toni Morrison is not shelved with Steinbeck and Faulkner, but with romance novels that happen to have African American girls as the main characters. The same is true for Zora Neal Hurston and Ralph Ellison. It seems to me to be the literary equivilent of being made to sit at the back of the bus. As we inauguate our 44th president, we should move to incorporate these writers into "mainstream" literature. English teachers and readers already have. It is time for booksellers to catch up. If you feel the same way, please let Borders know. http://www.borders.com/online/store/CustomerServiceView_contactinfo#contactus
Stretch,
Jo
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2 comments:
Well done, Jo.
And I'll check the bookstores in my area and get back to you.
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