Member Reviews

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  • Rated 5 stars

  “I loved this book. The brutality and the beauty mixed together in the story painted an amazing picture. I enjoyed the format as well, the mini chapters being told from different viewpoints.”

  Maryann S wrote this review Monday, July 14 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “Deeply disturbing in its frank talk of female genital mutilation, it's a must-read for any feminist!”

  Tamia B wrote this review Tuesday, April 22 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 3 stars

  “I loved the perceptions and voices of the multiple characters.
  I loved the places where the voices overlapped.
  My favorite moment is the prologue.
  ”

  Valley V wrote this review Sunday, March 16 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “As with in the Color Purple, the heroine must find the strength to overcome difficult, often violent circumstances. You’re with her through her struggles and uplifted by her triumphs.
  ”

  Common Calluna wrote this review Thursday, January 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “This is a novel that takes on the topic of female genital mutilation with amazing skill. Alice Walker is a very gifted writer.”

  footnotefetish wrote this review Sunday, December 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “One of my favorite Walker reads. ”

  aalitfiend wrote this review Friday, November 2 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 3 stars

  “Trying so hard to fit into a culture, knowing its rituals are barbaric. Full of pride and eternal dedication, Tashi's story breaks my heart.”

  ancazur wrote this review Thursday, October 25 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 5 stars

  “This book blew me away like no other. The topic of genital mutilation would be a difficult topic for most authors, but Walker takes it head on and treats all sides of the topic with respect. Where most authors would be judgmental, Walker is understanding and honest. She understands the human condition like no other. Possessing the Secret of Joy is simply fantastic. It is a must read. ”

  Ken Harrison wrote this review Friday, July 27 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 0 stars

  “What happened to Tasha from Color Purple? Well, here she is. This is her story. A discussion of female circumcision or female genital mutilation. This one had Walker taking heat about cultural appropriation. And we thought we were in a Pan African diaspora? Anywho, a must read!
  
  If you like this book, you'll love Buchi Emechetta's The Joys of Motherhood ”

  Vizion wrote this review Saturday, June 2 2007. ( reply | permalink )