Song of Solomon

AI Rating: 8/10 - Toni Morrison's 1977 novel (not 1634) follows Milkman Dead's quest for identity, rooted in African American folklore, family secrets, slavery's legacy, and racial heritage. It weaves social justice themes—black empowerment, critique of racism, masculinity in oppressed communities, and cultural disconnection—deeply into the narrative, prioritizing exploration of black identity politics over pure adventure, making it heavily "woke" by modern standards despite masterful storytelling.