1. Sarah Silkey, Lyoming "If the project were pulled off successfully, it could provide a very engaging way of deconstructing not only the historical events and issues incorporated into Morrison's novels, but also the influence of contemporary debates which inspired their depiction." 2. Charissa Threat, Northeastern "The market for this type of book does seem to be growing with the cost of textbooks and other course materials. For a specific book that blends biography with history and law, I would again stress that the trend may be growing for this type of book in general survey courses that, attempt to do and teach students a lot in one course. Enrollments in course that blend popular current history and individuals with historical events and moments have become very popular." "The most appealing part of this project is the author's attempt to blend a traditional biographical narrative with the subject's own creative material and historical trends and themes. I believe that the author is correct in her assertion that placing the subject's life and writings within a historical framework helps audiences gain a fuller perspective on how Morrison's life and the life of African Americans in the United States between 1900 and the present. " 3. Brandi Hughes, University of Michigan "Toni Morrison's significant stature in multiple fields of literary studies and the lack of a definitive biographical study that studies her writings inter-textually will guarantee a strong market for this type of book." "This is a good book proposal. The manuscript, with some revision, has the potential to help guide a renewed consideration of the interconnected and evolving themes of race, gender, and historical reconstruction/remembrance that are developed across the body of Morrison's writings. The book can also help situate the discourses of belonging, law and (un)freedom that are central to Morrison's fiction in interdisciplinary analysis that sustains concern for the interdependence of literature and history in the praxis of critical race and gender studies."
1. Toni Morrison: Intersection of Writing and the World 2. Segregation and the Supreme Court 3. Desegregation and Damage 4. Love and Beloved: Morrison on Slavery 5. Life Outside the Law: Jazz and Paradise Documents