Journal Entry 1 by hotflash from Tucson, Arizona USA on Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Bought to expose myself to more writing by Alice Walker. " A story of love, Crossing Over, and the Sexual Healing of the Soul". Sounds fascinating. 

Journal Entry 2 by hotflash from Tucson, Arizona USA on Thursday, September 02, 2004

Alice Walker's ability to tell a story, making you laugh out loud one minute and making you pause and reflect on her insights the next, has me reaching for more of her novels.

This book's explicit sexuality is offered with the observation that it is sex, the act of sex and passion, that links us to God, to the creative forces.
Walker also offers laugh-out-loud insights into the always-on-the-make male mind: "Funerals are an opportunity to grow more steadily capable in one's protector roll. The shoulder to lean on... And it is not as far as one would think from the graveside to the bed."

The undertone of the book is the sacred feminine, and the suggestion that it been trampled (and stolen from the culture of many native people) under the heels of onwardly marching, pre-dominantly white, Christian soldiers. It is also the story of family ties and how we can mortally hurt each other.
My one criticism is that the over-glorification of native people: i.e., peoples with brown rather than white skin. Many African tribes in particular conduct violent, vicious attacks on other tribes and practice extremely anti-female rituals. Native people of color are not necessarily all deeply spiritual and are not necessarily living lives more connected to the creative forces than are peoples of white ancestry.

If female-female sex offends you, this is not the book for you to read. If the idea that the dead can hang around and observe us in our most intimate moments, this is not the book for you. BUT, if like to be entertained by a great story and challenged to think at the same time, if you lean a bit towards the Pagan view of the world, or are just curious and not easily offended, I highly recommend giving this novel a read. I loved it.

Because of the sexual content, I will not wild release this book. Also, it is just too good a book to 'throw out to the wolves'. I would consider a trade, but would prefer to offer it as a book ring at some point.
 

Journal Entry 3 by hotflash from Tucson, Arizona USA on Sunday, May 01, 2005

This book is heading out on Monday, May 2, to start its journey on a short book ring.

The list of particpants (as of May 1) is as follows:
(additional BXers might be added so, once you have read the book, please check this journal entry for updated information regarding who might be next in line)

Tiredngrumpy in FL COMPLETED
Judester in NY COMPLETED
BigJohnLefty in IA PMs didn't go through, finally contacted, added in again at the end.
Then, a quick trip back to me to be forwarded overseas !
Sujie in Malaysia COMPLETED
Hellie in England ON THE WAY TO HELLIE, AUG 17
Arturogrande in England
BigJohnLefty in IA, USA
TheBowieFollies in NY, USA
and then back to me in Tucson, Arizona

Please make a journal note that you have received the book as soon as it is in your hands. PM the next person in line for their address. PLEASE journal your thoughts on this book after you have finished reading (whether positive, negative, or indifferent). Enjoy
 

Journal Entry 4 by Tiredngrumpy from Palm Springs, Florida USA on Thursday, May 05, 2005

I received this in the mail. It goes to the top of the TBR pile to be read next. 

Journal Entry 5 by Tiredngrumpy from Palm Springs, Florida USA on Wednesday, May 11, 2005

I found this to be a beautifully written book. Walker speaks of the damage which can be done to the psyche through repression of one's sexuality, but also the damage caused by holding onto one's anger and pain, and of the healing of forgiveness. I found myself quite absorbed in the book while I was reading it; the world receded and I forgot myself. I loved Magdalena and Manuelito and got rather exasperated with Susannah, though I loved her too. Thank you, hotflash, for sharing this book with me. 

Journal Entry 6 by Tiredngrumpy from Palm Springs, Florida USA on Thursday, May 12, 2005

This book is on its way to Judester. 

Journal Entry 7 by Judester from Bloomington, Illinois USA on Sunday, May 15, 2005

very much looking forward to reading this one ... I WILL get to it in the next week or so ... thanks for including me in the book ring :)

I actually didn't finish it. I read about 50 pages into it and was not either 'getting it' or enjoying it enough to continue... sorry. It just wasn't for me. 

Journal Entry 8 by hotflash from Tucson, Arizona USA on Thursday, June 16, 2005

Received book back Judester.
Attempts were made to PM BJL but he did not respond. Sent to sujie on June 21. 

Journal Entry 9 by Sujie from Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Friday, July 29, 2005

It has arrived! Safe and sound, if very slow...which I think is fault of department here. (Currently on the hunt for other promised mail which has mysteriously disappeared between govt. depts.) Thanks, hotflash. Have two other ring books but will try to read very soon. 

Journal Entry 10 by Sujie from Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Monday, August 15, 2005

Oh, hotflash, I've agonised over giving another of your ring/RABCKs a thumbs down, because you've been so giving! I loved Alice Walker's "Colour Purple" and was really looking forward to this, but I found it sententious. I kept feeling she was giving me the benefit of her wisdom through fables and myths that have been better written about elsewhere, that there was a hubris about it all. And yet, some of her writing was not up to her usual standard. I was often confused over whose voice she was using. Occasionally I said out loud "Oh, rubbish!"
On the plus side (yes, there was one!) I did love the story of Irene interwoven through the other characters. Also, the sexual scenes were written with vivacity and style.
I've reserved this until Hellie gets back from travels and emails me with her address.
Don't give up on me, hotflash. Third time lucky! 

Journal Entry 11 by hotflash from Tucson, Arizona USA on Tuesday, August 16, 2005

I'm jumping in here with a quick entry before Sujie changes the status to travelling (which will get the entries back in the "right" order).
This is an unusual book. I think it is definitely one of those love-it-or-hate-it books. I was a bit cautious about even offering it as as ring, but I just love a good discussion and couldn't resist the chance to see what kind of reaction this book would evoke. PLEASE journal honestly. If you hate it, if it offends you, if you love it, if you think it's a piece of crap, write it down....I am truly interested in everyone's take on this particular piece of work by Alice Walker and you certainly aren't going to offend me, I'm not the author :). I just wish I could pull everyone together in my living room for a really rousing book club discussion !!! I think we would all have a blast. 

Journal Entry 12 by Sujie from Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Posting to Hellie today. I'd love to join your bookclub, hotflash! 

Journal Entry 13 by lostbookisland on Friday, January 27, 2006