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Home > ATLarts > Archives > 2008 > March > 25 > Entry

Alice Walker, phenomenon

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Alice Walker will read from her works at 6 p.m. today at Emory University’s Glenn Memorial Auditorium, 1652 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta. Admission is $5 for Emory staff and students and $10 for the public, but I will bet you $10 right now that if you show up close to showtime hoping to buy a ticket it will be sold out and you won’t get in.

Walker is the author of numerous novels, including “Meridian” and “The Temple of My Familiar,” collections of short stories and of poetry. But it’s safe to say that her great public acclaim rests almost entirely on the success of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple.” It’s one of those novels that has become bigger than a novel, with the movie and then the stage musical.

When the happens to a novel — when it becomes a pop culture phenomenon, in other words — is that generally a good thing or a bad thing? Just asking.

Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Books

Comments

By OESTAR

March 25, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Ms. Walker. I am currently doing a research paper on her for an English class-Possessing the Secret of Joy. Unfortunately, I have that class tonite. I wish her the best.

By Old Hippie

March 25, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I liked his music back in the 70’s but his make-up was strange. I never did care for the snakes too much.

By sk

March 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

I think Old Hippie has Alice WALKER confused with Alice COOPER…

By Old Hippie

March 25, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Sorry man (cough, cough) it’s been a long strange trip (cough, cough). Here - you want (cough, cough) some of this?

By sharon

March 25, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Old Hippie that was funny. No I am not a fan of Alice Walker. I hated the Color Purple

By JJ

March 25, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

The Color Purple was probably one of the best movies I have ever seen.

Sharon Why did you HATE it?

I didn’t see it until about 5 years ago, but I loved it.

By Lily Toad

March 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

To Phil’s question — a Pulitzer and movie certainly raises a writer’s profile. I really like Ms. Walker and have been to her readings twice before so I’ll pass tonight. Unfortunately, her last four or five books have been light and new-agey compared to her earlier work. Is it fame that increased her output and lessened the quality?

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