Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Fiction
1982 Washington Square Press
Finished on March 8, 1996
Rating: 5/5 (Superb!)
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 1983
National Book Award for Fiction 1983
Publisher's Blurb:
Published to unprecedented acclaim, The Color Purple established Alice Walker as a major voice in modern fiction. This is the story of two sisters—one a missionary in Africa and the other a child wife living in the South—who sustain their loyalty to and trust in each other across time, distance, and silence. Beautifully imagined and deeply compassionate, this classic novel of American literature is rich with passion, pain, inspiration, and an indomitable love of life.
My Original Notes:
Superb! I couldn't put it down. Saw the movie when it first came out (1984) and liked it. Some of it [the book] made me think of Beloved by Toni Morrison. I rented the video to watch again, since it's been 12 years. Highly recommend!
My Current Thoughts:
Well, I thought I still had a copy of this book, but I can't locate it anywhere, so maybe I decided it wasn't one I was going to read again. Actually, I think I did read it a second time, but it must have been prior to the creation of this blog. I sure don’t remember much about this book, though, and only have a vague recollection of the movie.
I haven't read anything else by Alice Walker, but I'm open to recommendations.
I remember loving the audio version and would recommend it if you decide to reread this book. Don't think I've read anything else by Alice Walker either.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, with all the books I want to read (and listen to), I doubt I'll try this one again, especially since I've already read it twice (I think!). It's been fun looking back through my book journal of 1996, but I sure don't remember a lot about the books I read! I wish I had taken better notes.
DeleteI really liked this when I read it, but I still have never seen the movie... Well, no, maybe I did a long time ago. I keep meaning to watch it. And maybe reread the book!
ReplyDeleteKailana, as I recall, the movie was quite good. I can still picture the girls sitting in a field, singing and clapping their hands together in rhythm.
DeleteI remember not being able to bear it.
ReplyDeleteNan, I remember it was a very emotional story, filled with lots of cruelty.
DeleteI haven't ever read anything else by Alice Walker which is strange because I did really enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I find this happens to me a lot. I love a book by an author, but never seem to read anything else by them. Wonder why that is?!
DeleteThe Color Purple remains one of the few books I read all in one go. Sitting on the floor of the spare bedroom, in front of my bookcase, I pulled it out for a glance through one day. Several hours later, I hadn't moved. I went on to read In Love & Trouble, a collection of Walker's short stories that I liked very much, but there wasn't that wallop that came with The Color Purple.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you've inspired me to get a copy at the library and give it another reading. Like you, I probably read it in a single day. I'm not a huge fan of short stories, so I doubt I'll try Love & Trouble, but thanks for mentioning it.
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