This free virtual statewide book club is designed to bring all Ohioans together to discuss the 11 novels of the Lorain native and Nobel Prize-winning author. You can join to discuss just one novel or aim to read them all!
We will be reading the books in the order in which they are set during American history starting with A Mercy set in the 1680s through God Help the Child set in the 2000s. This way we can follow Morrison's journey through time, learn about historical context along the way, and
Each month we will send out information about the book to be read, then at 7pm ET on the final Sunday of the month we will gather with a special guest to discuss the book and share what we learned.
We encourage everyone to participate in a local book club in your area and then for all book clubs and individuals to join this virtual meeting at the end of the month to discuss together as a state.
This Statewide Toni Morrison Virtual Book Club will take place the final Sunday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm ET virtually online via Zoom. Register to receive the link to join.
February 22 - Intro
March 29 - A Mercy
April 26 - Beloved
May 31 - Sula
June 28 - Jazz
July 26 - The Bluest Eye
August 30 - Home
September 27 - Song of Solomon
October 25 - Paradise
November 29 - Tar Baby
December 27 - Love
January 31 - God Help the Child
NOTE: You can purchase Morrison books at a discount from our friends at the Black-owned bookstore ThirdSpace Reading Room at this link: Toni Morrisson Collection – ThirdSpace Reading Room
From February 18, 2026 through February 18, 2027, Ohio will celebrate the life, literature, and legacy of Toni Morrison, Lorain, Ohio native and the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of America and a time to reflect on the people and art that shaped our country. There are few figures more important in the literary history of America than Toni Morrison and together her novels tell the story of America.
Q: Do I have to live in Ohio to participate?
A: No! We're open to participants from all over! Just keep an eye on the time zone so you join at the correct time.
Q: Do I have to read all 11 novels?
A: YES YOU MUST! Just kidding. You can join to discuss just one book if you like. Of course we encourage you to join for as many discussions as you are willing. Bonus points if you read all 11 books!
Q: Where can I get the books?
A: Your local library will have copies or you can purchase books at your local indie bookstore. You can purchase books online from the Black-owned ThirdSpace Reading Room here and have them shipped to you. And you can listen to Toni Morrison read the audiobooks which are available through your library on the Libby app or for purchase at libro.fm.
Q: Do I have to come prepared to talk?
A: We encourage everyone to participate and chime in to make for a more vibrant discussion, but you are also welcome to just join and listen.
Q: What if I didn't finish the book?
A: The discussions will be more rewarding if you have finished the book, but you are still welcome if you didn't finish. Sometimes the discussion is helpful motivation to get to the end!
This free virtual statewide book club is designed to bring all Ohioans together to discuss the 11 novels of the Lorain native and Nobel Prize-winning author. You can join to discuss just one novel or aim to read them all!
We will be reading the books in the order in which they are set during American history starting with A Mercy set in the 1680s through God Help the Child set in the 2000s. This way we can follow Morrison's journey through time, learn about historical context along the way, and
Each month we will send out information about the book to be read, then at 7pm ET on the final Sunday of the month we will gather with a special guest to discuss the book and share what we learned.
We encourage everyone to participate in a local book club in your area and then for all book clubs and individuals to join this virtual meeting at the end of the month to discuss together as a state.
This Statewide Toni Morrison Virtual Book Club will take place the final Sunday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm ET virtually online via Zoom. Register to receive the link to join.
February 22 - Intro
March 29 - A Mercy
April 26 - Beloved
May 31 - Sula
June 28 - Jazz
July 26 - The Bluest Eye
August 30 - Home
September 27 - Song of Solomon
October 25 - Paradise
November 29 - Tar Baby
December 27 - Love
January 31 - God Help the Child
NOTE: You can purchase Morrison books at a discount from our friends at the Black-owned bookstore ThirdSpace Reading Room at this link: Toni Morrisson Collection – ThirdSpace Reading Room
From February 18, 2026 through February 18, 2027, Ohio will celebrate the life, literature, and legacy of Toni Morrison, Lorain, Ohio native and the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of America and a time to reflect on the people and art that shaped our country. There are few figures more important in the literary history of America than Toni Morrison and together her novels tell the story of America.
Q: Do I have to live in Ohio to participate?
A: No! We're open to participants from all over! Just keep an eye on the time zone so you join at the correct time.
Q: Do I have to read all 11 novels?
A: YES YOU MUST! Just kidding. You can join to discuss just one book if you like. Of course we encourage you to join for as many discussions as you are willing. Bonus points if you read all 11 books!
Q: Where can I get the books?
A: Your local library will have copies or you can purchase books at your local indie bookstore. You can purchase books online from the Black-owned ThirdSpace Reading Room here and have them shipped to you. And you can listen to Toni Morrison read the audiobooks which are available through your library on the Libby app or for purchase at libro.fm.
Q: Do I have to come prepared to talk?
A: We encourage everyone to participate and chime in to make for a more vibrant discussion, but you are also welcome to just join and listen.
Q: What if I didn't finish the book?
A: The discussions will be more rewarding if you have finished the book, but you are still welcome if you didn't finish. Sometimes the discussion is helpful motivation to get to the end!
