read for PopSugar 2019 Advanced Reading Challenge: a book with no chapters/unusual chapter headings/unconventionally numbered chapters

"Anyhow, I say, the God I been praying and writing to is a man. And act just like all the other mens I know. Trifling, forgitful and lowdown.

She say, Miss Celie, You better hush. God might hear you.

Let 'im hear me, I say. if he ever listened to poor colored women the world would be a different place, I can tell you."

WOW this was so excellent. I've never seen the film so I went into this knowing absolutely nothing, which I think was a real benefit to me. I'm still so enthralled from finishing this last night that I can't seem to put my thoughts into words! The book moves at a very quick pace since it covers about 30-40 years and a lot of plot happens, but it was never overwhelming. I never felt confused about what was going on. The language is primarily Celie's Southern accent and lower class tone - I'm not quite sure how to phrase that. Celie isn't dumb, she's just black and poor and therefore doesn't speak "proper white English." But you understand her regardless and it firmly cements you in the rural segregated American South. I guess my point is Mark Twain who? Alice Walker is superior at writing dialect. Plus, the epistolary style of the letters to God (and later other characters) provides the reader and immediate intimacy with the story.

But the real joy is the characters. This book is filled to the brim with dynamic, interesting, developed female characters. Even the secondary characters are given a lot of space to grow and shine. No one stays the same from who they are when they are first introduced. It just beautifully reflects life, especially black female life. They are the center of this story and they are so beautiful.

Honestly, I'm gushing and not giving a critical detailed review, but I loved this. The final scene had me in tears. I cannot wait to watch this film and revisit this book when I need it!