This is one of the most powerful books I've read in a long time. Pecola's story is devastating, while Claudia's is empowering. I was riveted from the first page to the last, and I came away from the book with understanding about the effects of poverty on multiple generations. Certain sexually explicit scenes made me feel uncomfortable (and most of them were meant to). The overall message and social commentary of The Bluest Eye were both challenging and unforgettable.