The Bluest Eye
By Toni Morrison

Oprah introduced me to this novel when we started filming Beloved. It was the first book I'd read that touched on the experiences of young black girls in a society that doesn't seem to embrace us. It was amazing to see how it spoke to the pain and confusion I felt—and to realize I wasn't the only one. Morrison tells Pecola Breedlove's story so honestly and tragically. Thankfully, I was given a strong base by my parents, an understanding of who I was and my strength.