Living by the Word (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The universe sends me fabulous dreams!..." (more)
Key Phrases: weapons station, Uncle Remus, The Color Purple, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"An uneasy mix of journal entries, short essays, travel notes, speeches and dream fragments, this miscellany by the author of The Color Purple is most satisfying when Walker relates small personal victories," wrote PW. Pointed pieces tackle the modern dilution of black folklore, controversy surrounding the film of The Color Purple , nuclear escalation and homophobia.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This collection of recent prose reflects Walker's belief in the spiritual connections among all peoples and between them and the earth that sustains them. It further examines how this precept, and themes of race, gender, sexuality, and political freedom, illuminate her life and the lives of friends, family, and ancestors. Entertaining and often stirring, it ranges widely, moving from observations made on trips to China, Bali, and Jamaica to Walker's views on her connection with San Francisco's lesbian and gay communities and her valuable insights into the controversies surrounding the filming of The Color Purple . Included are public addresses, letters, and journal entries published for the first time. An important book. Mollie Brodsky, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harvest Books; 1 edition (October 23, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156528657
• ISBN-13: 978-0156528658
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #384,355 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A political and spiritual testament, June 25, 2001

By	Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

"Living by the Word: Selected Writings 1973-1987" is an excellent collection from prolific author Alice Walker. In this collection of essays and journal entries, Walker demonstrates the essential union of her political, spiritual, and artistic "selves."

Walker writes about many topics: animal rights, her daughter's smoking habit, her father, the problematic legacy of Joel Chandler Harris, pioneering African-American thinker Benjamin Banneker, vegetarianism, Reggae legend Bob Marley, her own 1983 trip to China, and more. Particularly fascinating are her thoughts on the controversies surrounding her great novel "The Color Purple."

Although the "New Age" vibe of much of the book may be too much for some readers, I found the book to be well-written and consistently interesting. Walker is a writer who has created a remarkable body of work, and "Living by the Word" is an excellent example of her passion and insight.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Travel with Alice, July 18, 2000

By A Customer

Thoroughly enjoyed her essays! You had an opportunity to travel with Alice as she journeys all over the world and other worlds greeting her ancestors. Each essay gave you the feel that she was in your living room, sharing from her life. Really enjoyable.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my very favorite books, March 18, 2002

By	[e-mail] (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

How could I not give it 5 stars?? All the emotion that is evoked coming from her soul & compassion for all living beings truly make for a beautiful compilation. Each new story is precious & makes one feel the need to pass this book around to all friends & acquaintances...