The Source of 
Self-Regard: Selected 
Essays, Speeches, 
and Meditations
By Toni Morrison
(Knopf)

This is not an introduction to Toni Morrison’s work, nor is it written for readers unfamiliar with her novels. Instead, The Source of Self-Regard serves best as a complement to the Pulitzer-Prize winner’s collected works. Through essays, speeches, and meditations organized into three parts, Morrison tackles race, writing, revision, feminism, and the connections between art and politics. She also tempts readers to explore her influences, including Romare Bearden, Phillis Wheatley, Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa, and Gertrude Stein’s Three Lives.

Morrison’s strongest lessons here are those in which she clearly defines her relationships with writing, revision, and reading. She excavates how words are meant to impact readers, the importance of reading your own work, and the disciplined practice of writing, throwing away what you don’t like, and then writing all over again. 

By Robyn Smith

The Source of Self-Regard was released February 12, 2019
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2019 print edition of BUST Magazine.Subscribe today!

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This week, we’ve got a variety of albums, books, and movies to keep you entertained, from a new thriller to Aubrey Plaza’s Child’s Play remake. Keep reading for what’s on our radar.

MOVIES/TV

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

This documentary offers a close look at Toni Morrison’s life and career, featuring thoughts from luminaries like Oprah Winfrey and Angela Davis. Writes our reviewer, “Fans of Morrison’s work will fall even more in love with her here.” Out June 21, and catch our review in the July/August print issue of BUST.

Child’s Play

Starring Aubrey Plaza, Child’s Play is a comedic horror remake about a mother who gives her son what appears to be an innocent doll—but which then takes a life of its own and wreaks havoc around town. In theaters June 21. 

MUSIC

Patience by Mannequin Pussy

Mannequin Pussy’s third album—and debut through Epitaph Records—explores life after love. Out June 21, and check out our forthcoming review on BUST.com.

Keepsake by Hatchie

Breezy Australian native Hatchie delivers pure summertime bliss, emotion, and ’80s synth on her debut full-length album. Out June 21, and catch our review soon on BUST.com. 

The One by Trina

We’ve been even more excited for Trina’s sixth studio album since she released “BAPS,” her new collaboration with Nicki Minaj. Out June 21. 

BOOKS

I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution by Emily Nussbaum 

This collection of essays by The New Yorker’s award-winning culture critic is all about television: the showrunners, the fans, and the stories. Out June 25.

How Could She? by Lauren Mechling

Mechling’s novel follows three old friends navigating New York City, love, and their complicated relationships to one another. Out June 25.

The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone by Felicity McLean

In this thriller, three Australian sisters disappear—and years later, their friend is ready to divulge some secrets she’s been keeping. Out June 25. 

Top photo via Orion Pictures / Child's Play

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