1st read (2021): This is also another book (besides “The Bell Jar”) that’s been on my TBR for YEARS. I can’t believe that I’ve waited this long to read it. Let this be a sign that you should read the books that have been on your TBR list (of course, after reading “The Color Purple” 😉). 

This book has me in a choke hold. Rarely do I finish a book and feel completely broken (in a good way). “Circe” by Madeline Miller and “Against the Loveless World” by Susan Abulhawa are two books I read that made me feel undone. And now, “The Color Purple” has joined this list. What I really loved about this novel is the writing style. Walker wrote in a way that drew you in so much that you could see and touch each and every character. You might think—“well, duh, that’s what a book is supposed to do.” That’s not entirely true. I’ve read so many books where the authors’ styles were stilted, and the characters felt static and flat. Not the case with “The Color Purple.” When I finished this novel, I wanted to know why Walker called her book this. Purple symbolizes hope and according enotes (don’t judge me, okay), the book’s main message is that anyone who lives through so much pain (like Celie) can find hope.

2nd read (2023): I can't explain it but a few days ago, I was drawn to re-read this. And I'm so happy that I did. I was a little concerned at first because re-reads can be so dangerous. But I immediately was hooked. The writing style was so engaging (both Celie and Nettie's POVs). And like before, I loved Celie. Her transformation was so beautiful to witness. She truly became her own person, and wasn't ashamed of herself. But she wasn't the only one that transformed--the other characters did. I really love that detail. The people around her evolved for the better, in their own authentic way. 

I highly recommend this one. It's powerful story about race, sexuality, and identity. Check for trigger warnings. They're kind of graphic.