Not exactly bad, but immensely over-rated. Walker isn't exactly a highly innovative prose stylist, and her success depends largely in appealing to popular opinion. Its not a bad read, but its very contrived. I'd give it a miss.

Did a term paper on this book, got a A. I guess it means it should five stars

I read this years ago. heartbreaking book. takes place from the early 1900s to 1930s. seen through the eyes of Celie. her life from 13 on up.she faces abuse, heartbreak of being raped then having her two babies taken from her. the forced marriage to an abusive man. who drove her sister away {one of the only persons she was close to} good story telling.

I FIRST READ THIS NOVEL SOME 10 YEARS AGO AND IT A PROFOUND AFFECT ON MY LIFE, THIS STOREY OF A BLACK WOMAN TRYING TO MAKE HER WAY SAFELY THREW LIFE TOUCHED MY HEART. WALKERS NOVEL MOTIVATED ME TO CHANGE MANY THINGS IN MY LIFE , IE TO LOVE AND VALUE MYSELF AND TO EMBRACE AND LOVE ALL THE BEAUTY THAT IS AROUND US . I LOVED ALL THE CHARACTORS FROM THE SASSY SHUG TO THE PROUD AND BIG SOPHIA ALL THESE WOMEN GAVE CELIE GREAT STRENGTH TO OVERCOME LIFES MANY TRAILS. READ IT READ IT AND BE PREPARED TO LERAN SOMETHING ABOUT THE HUMAN SPIRIT JA HUMAN

I feel this is an excellent read that doesnt just get your emotions flowing but makes you think and relate to the character. Its also educational as it brings up serious issues of the past and gives a clear insight into the life of a black women in that period of time. People may argue the representation of men is not fair in this book but infact the character of Harpo portrays a man thinking differently. May be men were just like that. An amazing read, well worth while!

I'm not a fan of 20th century books, but this one is rather good. . .I am stunned by the bizarre criticism I read here- Walker is damn talented and this is a good work of art.

A Truly awful book, terribly overated I feel this book is simply sensationalist for the sake of it, which detracts from what could be a very good story, my other main criticism is that i do not think walker develops her characters as well as she could, am i the only one who when reading thirty year old celies letters that still sees a young girl?

the book was sensational! A very moving and thought-provoking plotline, Alice Walker is quite a writer!.

This book moved me to tears. A classic story in which any feeling person can find some inspiration.

I like the way it's written- the style fits the book's goals. The language becomes clearer and more detailed as the main character learns and grows, both in her reading abilities and in her self. One of my favorites.

I thought that "The Color Purple" was one of the best novels that I have ever read. I read it so fast that I couldn't believe it was over so quickly. I recommend this story to everyone!!! You should read it no matter what anyone says! ITS EXCELLENT!

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful. One of my favourite books of all time, well written almost as if you were reading poetry. The creative aspect of using the books format as if you were reading a collection of letters made it all the more appealing and unique.

I liked the way this book is written in the form of letters, mostly to god. The characters are real and the story is more than heart touching.

Seen the film and liked it? Then you have to read the book. It's ten times better.

A great book that is a very quick read. Gets you involved from the beginning and keeps you until the end.

I read this book because a person told me it was great and totally worth reading. Well it sucked. I thought it was absolutely terrible. There were so many swares and vulgarities it made me sick. The author made very perverse characters that I defintely didn't appreciate reading about. Uggghh.

This book opened the wonderful world of African-American literature to me.

One of the most emotional books ever written

Excellent Book! No matter who you are, you can relate to these characters and feel their pain, sorrow and truimphs. Also, one of those rare instances where the movie was as enjoyable and enlightening as the book. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Color Purple is a great book which shows us that what matters is your own will power and faith in love

The Color Purple was an interesting book to read. It brought to life real issues concerning race and ethnic issues that are true to life.

The Color Purple was moving and heart felt.