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: 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.
Rating:
Summary: a strange unique book
Review: the temple of my familiar deals with alot of spirituality which can often be doubted ..AT times walker captures the perfect images and analogies to life and human mankind and history. she tends to run on far too often and the book begins to get boring once she drones on the same subject. However it is a good book which stimulates you to think about life and people and i recomend it to those who have the patience to read the whole novel.
Rating:
Summary: YES
Review: there is so much that can be said about this book that one little paragraph will never do it justice. Alice Walker, like always, surprises me with her words. i read temple at during a period in my life where is was appaled by the contradictions in our society. I completely fell in love with Fanny and Miss Lissie. They reflected both sides of my thought. Their journeys were a map. Facinating people. It's as though they were almost the same character in different levels of their experience. It's alright to be confused, angry, but instead of demeaning others for that power, discover the power of memory and spirit within. read The Gospel According to Shug. Alice Walker says Yes. not once, but many times. Like Fanny.
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