Lasting Impressions

The power of books

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

As a child, my mom took me to the public library every weekend. I treasured these trips as they were adventures. Not only did I get a puppet show, but I was also allowed to take books and movies home with me at the end of each journey.

With this type of introduction to books, it’s no wonder I’m still in love with the written word. When I think of my favorite books, I remember stories that pulled me into worlds and three-dimensional characters which felt like they were beside me as I read. And themes that managed to leave lasting impressions.

Toni Morrison’s Sula ticks all these boxes and more. The first time I read it was during my junior year in high school. The teacher tasked us with reciting a scene from a pre-approved list of American writers. I chose her because she was the only woman and person of color present.

Morrison’s literary prowess made it impossible for even my bigoted English teacher to exclude her from the list. Still, I was the only student to choose her novel.

I don’t have one favorite quote from Sula; I have several. Many of these quotes take place in one scene, though. It’s the final confrontation between Sula and her childhood friend, Nel.

Sula’s on her death bed, and she’s as unapologetic there as she’s been throughout the novel…