Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart

Alice Walker's Now is the Time to Open Your Heart is a must read for all of you out there searching for a new view of life. This book is so on target, so filled with wisom, so evocative, so fair minded that I plan to re-read it immediately because I'm sure I missed things the first time around. In order to transform the world we need to transform our imaginations, get out of the stale mental processes that have led us to our impasse. Alice Walker has fulfilled this beautifully in this wonderful truthful novel.

Honestly, I haven't read this particular Walker work, though I just ordered it. But I had to laugh -- and respond -- to Mamala's statement that Walker "insists on seeing everything through the lens of a person of color" and that while beautiful in The Color Purple (in which the primary antagonists and oppressors are black men, themselves, of course, deeply damaged by racism) it's somehow less warm and fuzzy in this work. How dare Alice Walker insist on writing through the eyes of a black person! How dare John Updike insist on writing always through the eyes of a suburban white American well-to-do man! (Even when trying, and failing miserably, to write about a teenaged Muslim). Mamala, your words are self-evident. Stick to Ann Coulter

I frequently found myself remembering how I felt years back reading Walker's "Temple of My Familiar" -- a compelling plotline that encourages the reader to learn about new places and peoples while questioning his/her own beliefs. That being said, "Open Your Heart" may be more treasured by readers who have already opened up to broad spiritual concepts (ex. the feminine divine) as opposed to traditional formalized & Western religion. For those readers, I would also highly recommend "Dance of the Dissident Daughter" by Sue Monk Kidd. As for me, I got "Open Your Heart" from the library & plan to buy my own copy to re-read again & again as I predict I will get more from it each time. I don't see Walker attempting to promote any "philosophy" except a willingness to accept those who find God outside of church or temple walls.

When Alice Walker, the earthy literary wordsmith, releases a new book, I feel an unmistakable pull that compels me to not only buy the book but to read it. So, when NOW IS THE TIME TO OPEN YOUR HEART was released I did as the unforeseen forces commanded, I bought and read the book and I haven't regretted one solitary reflective moment since I did. In NOW IS THE TIME TO OPEN YOUR HEART, we meet Kate, a successful author who is pondering her life. She seems to have reached a crossroads of sorts where she is trying to unearth the meaning of her existence. This search leads her on a number of soul-searching journeys that ultimately leads Kate to a truer understanding of herself and others around her. In true Walker style, this novel is filled with wonderful symbolism and experiences which draw the reader in and makes him/her a part of the main character's quest. Walker's characters deal with a myriad of issues including aging, sexuality, religion, abuse, and defining oneself. I found myself disappointed when I read the final words. I wanted the journey to continue and somehow, after reading NOW IS THE TIME TO OPEN YOUR HEART, I think Walker wants it to as well. Reviewed by Diane Marbury of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Alice Walker has done it again. She has created a deeply rich world full of amazing characters that you hate to leave when the book is finished. Unlike most of her other works, this book has an extremely modern feel to it. It takes place in the present, and although it happens mostly in the jungles, it still feels like home.Kate, the main character inspired by Walker's grandmother, channels a lot of Walkers feelings about the world today, and growing older. In the past, I've always felt the ancestors in Walker's work, but never much of herself. This book combines the two elements beautifully. Do yourself a favor and big pick up this remarkable book, by one of the greatest voices of our time.