By Thank you CK for gifting me this book!
I have to say, this title has a lot going on in the beginning. It was hard for me to stay focused as each new character prodded my brain with more questions. I pushed past what seemed like an eternity and finally got settled into the main character “Milkman” as they called him. The book is a sick tale centered around family (no relation to King Solomon of the Bible).
While reading in public places, I had a couple people stop me and rave about this book and the author. I was dumbfounded because I didn’t think it was so special, but my opinion changed after reading the book in its entirety! The book was published in 1977 by Toni Morrison and the events of the book seem to be in the 1950’s.
The book journals Macon Dead III aka Milkman’s life from childbirth to around 35 years of age. It was rich in new vocabulary and although I sometimes struggled to stay interested, the story pieced together nicely at the end.
Milkman never really had any purpose in life. He thought his life was going to change and find meaning when his father told him about a bag of gold that was stashed in a cave back in Pennsylvania. I loved how he went treasure hunting, but instead of finding the gold he found his family history dating back to his great great grandfather Solomon.
I think this is a book that will be better appreciated on the 2nd read. As I mentioned earlier, it has a slow build up. I wouldn’t classify as one of my “must read” titles, but it will definitely give you “book reader street credit” lol. This was one of Obama’s 40 favorite books, chosen for Oprah’s book club and won many awards. I give it a very subjective 7/10. Have you read this and think otherwise? Leave me a comment with your thoughts!
Long Live Tobe 