Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker, 1965–2000

Alice Walker is a complex woman. This is a worthy read. There were moments when I saw more of myself than I wanted in her. But I am an Aquarian from the south so there's that. I love that she can be generous. She can be quite selfish but realizes it later and even knows how to sort through the source of her pain. Perhaps it is tied to her body's rhythms and what-not. The beginning and end are lumpy. I didn't understand the explaining. So not necessary. Just dive right in. Am not sure a Vol. 2 is needed. 500 pages is enough. I'd rather see a movie myself. Just before the ending when she seems to hit rewind unnecessarily she is the age I am presently 55. I loved that! I felt so seen and now I suppose she must continue so we can know the rest altho' how much we should know I am not sure. Blessings to Valerie Boyd for assisting. A capable and generous soul herself. Rest in peace. Will close with one of the many things I underlined, which is always a good sign: The key is to begin, to persevere. Work. The motivation darling will be your love of people, of the earth, and gratitude for your having been offered role and a tool in healing both. Sing! Preach, Alice.

I have not yet read this book, but I am going to spend the next several hours, I'm sure, immersed in Alice Walker's life. What could be a better way to spend an afternoon? Why am I writing a review prior to reading the book? Because I saw Alice Walker's interview with Gail King this morning. In this interview, Alice Walker makes a statement (when asked) about whether she had talked to Tracy Chapman about if she (Alice Walker) would be saying anything about their relationship in her book. Alice said "no". "Why not?", said Gail King. "Because we are not talking and it's my life", said Alice Walker. Yes, I agree, Alice Walker. But, you are also providing others, worldwide, with private information about another human being without their consent. It's not just about you. You know this! It's not just about you. And...I will now read her book about her life and appreciate it and her talent and her depth. But, unless I get to the otherside, and at this book's conclusion unless I am convinced otherwise, I believe I will feel disappointed with her decision to reveal details of a love affair without the other party's permission..Reserve final opinion

the history put forth by this book is easy to understand, making it the history book of all times. Yes, miss Alice will forever be my hero in so many ways... this book is every detail you'd care to know of such a significant historical person. It covers topics seldom fully understood by massive populations. Thank you for making this book available.

To take the journey of watching Alice Walker live her life over the course of 35 years was a truly fascinating trip. She unapologetically allowed us to meet the men and women who helped her to come to terms with the person she is today. Whatever Alice Walker’s intention was in writing this book I believe that she accomplished in letting us see that a life well lived is a life that is lived in truth, honesty and gratefulness for all the pleasures that the universe allows us to experience.I like who Alice Walker is.

I like the book but I keep having to refer to the footnotes for explanation. Haven’t even gotten halfway yet but I’m hopeful to get to the good stuff before I get exhausted. Saw the author being interviewed by Gail King. Bought it as a bday gift for myself. Gonna take some time to finish!

Valerie Boyd says Alice Walker is a faithful diarist. And the penned pages show the inner life of Alice Walker as well as her writer’s life and the love she shares. Alice Walker diary entries symbolizes the evolving identity of the Black woman.

So pleased that I’ve found Alice that I’ll be reading her from now on! Wonderful honesty and brilliant expression of her truth. Inspiring to be sure.

It's so amazing to be able to get a look into the day to day personal life of an amazing artist. I've read a few entries so far, and I can't wait to delve deeper.