The Temple of My Familiar

Rating:
Summary: The Temple of My Familiar
Review: Alice Walker is a genius... she has a few problems with developing the male characters...but aside from that...PURE GENIUS. The messages were powerful and pure...the characters, particularly Lissie and Fanny was inspiring and the pace of the book left me hungry for more. It took me several weeks to read this novel because I didn't want it to end. I fell in love with the characters, the messages and myself. I know it sounds corny...but this book has changed my life...the way I think, the way I speak, the way I love. Those people who are satisfied with living a life of comformity will not like this book. Those who are rewarded for misusing others will not like this book. Those who are weak in mind and spirit will not like this book. Those who live with the guilt of causing misery will not this book. Those who want to be free...mentally, spiritually, and physically will "live" and "love" Temple of my Familiar.

Rating:
Summary: ASTOUNDING!!!
Review: Every woman should read this book. This is a very grounding book for women, especially those of us who may have problems with self-esteem, finding our "purpose" or "way" in life. This book speaks to the the natural power and beauty of womanhood; something I think we all too often overlook in the patriachal society.

Rating:
Summary: a good read
Review: I have read several of Alice Walker's books, and find The Temple of my Familiar the most powerful and captivating.

The novel is more than a story, it is a literary investigation into the origins, nature, foibles and follies of mankind. From man's first decent from the tree, to present-day struggles, Ms. Walker poetically contextualizes who we are.

This novel is as timeless as Hamlet, as pointed as The Naked Ape, and as poetically-written as I Know Why the Caged Bird sings.

Rating:
Summary: It can touch deep places inside you if you are open to it
Review: I have read this book twice so far (and a few times in pieces). I am always struck anew by something that I missed before. However, each reading always shows me that the people in the story are really committed to their own transformation and that makes the story even more real. In addition to being a beautifully written novel, there is much that can be learned from this book. As a woman of colour who has struggled, and continues to struggle, with the many chains that seem to make our "modern" and "civilized" societies, I am heartened and touched by Alice Walkers attempt to share herself with us and offer support and sustenance in what is sometimes a very painful world. But as she points out, one that we as humans have created none-the-less. But through the spirit in which Alice has given us this book, I am affirmed in my struggle for a better world. Thank You Alice. I am grateful.

Rating:
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: I love many of Walker's books, but this was not what I expected. The idea's are deep and fascinating, but it lacked plot. She should have just written essays and published them in a nonfiction book, instead of passing off her "prose" as a book.

Rating:
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: I love many of Walker's books, but this was not what I expected. The idea's are deep and fascinating, but it lacked plot. She should have just written essays and published them in a nonfiction book, instead of passing off her "prose" as a book.

Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Book
Review: I purchased my version of Temple of My Familiar when I was working in Frankfurt, Germany. I didn't speak the language and stumbled across a kiosk in the center of the city that sold a few books in English and this was one of them. Not having read any Walker before, but knowing her reputation as a wonderful writer, I purchased the book and devoured it in one sitting. At first hungry for English, I realized I was savoring a masterpiece. Walker deftly intertwines the lives (and past lives) of numerous characters from the US, England, and Africa and gives incredible perspectives of many different perspectives of the native/colonial African experience as well as the experience of men and women in the racially divided US. I ended up rereading the book numerous times while in Europe and I periodically find myself rereading it every few months. Each character is on a personal journey to find themselves and honesty and caring for others is a key component to their discovery. A great message and a skillfully written book.

Rating:
Summary: Mixed feelings
Review: I would be the first to praise Alice Walker's skill as a story teller, and her prose always entertains me and makes me think. That's why I gave this book the stars I gave it. I don't mind the 'out there' spirituality. I don't buy it, but I have no deep gripe against it either. What I find depressing and surprisingly childish about this book is the implied contention that if women of color ran the world, everything would be good and just. The simple truth of humanity is that it is power that corrupts, not whiteness or gender. If women of color ruled the world instead of white men, they would simply become the newest oppressors, in my opinion. I keep trying to enjoy Alice Walker's books for more than their style and skillful prose, but the message of reverse racism is still there. I am white, but I am not evil/privileged/pathetic/racist/oppressive/smug/whatever. If I were, I would not keep trying to read Alice Walker. I wish she would open her mind to that possibility.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Connections
Review: mmmm...a totally satisfying read. The characters are carefully and artfully woven together. It was bliss to read the past life memories & strength of the central female characters. Since I am aware of my own such experiences it was a joy to read, as well as the surrounding revelations & philosophical jewels Walker includes....Especially enjoyable for those who worship the Goddess & spiritual people. She doesn't hold anything back.

Rating:
Summary: what's that smell?
Review: Sometimes, you have to think while you read.
This book was so amazing to me. It articulated in words so poignant and lyrical concepts I only glimpsed in dreams. Things I knew were true. Things I suspected were true. Things I denied. Alice Walker shares with you not only her hope for black people, but the reflection of our struggle in the struggles of all other people in the world. The beauty that Shug sees, the realization that Suwelo comes to, Carlotta's eventual self-affirmation, all sing of the hopes the author has for us all. The hatred we have for each other is an impression of the ignorance we have of our own interwoven souls. I picked up the book again 10 years after I had read it and was again laughing and crying and seeing myself. Don't pick this book up if you're looking for a trashy beach read. Pick this up if you're ready to read about yourself.