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The Color Purple: A Memory Book of the Broadway Musical

lise funderburg jennifer s. altman oprah winfrey marsha norman allee willis

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From the Pulitzer-prize winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, has come a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway hit that has critics and audiences on their feet. A musical that evokes a unique emotional response, it tracks the story of its heroine, Celie, from sexual abuse by her stepfather to physical abuse by her husband to "a roof-raising story of triumph." This gorgeously producedcompanion volume revisits what is so powerful about the show. The Color Purple: A Memory Book has the look and feel of a beautiful antique scrapbook, a keepsake for those who have experienced the musical and want to be able to experience its soaring emotions at any time, or who want to share Celie's journey with their loved ones. But it will also be a memory book of the road The Color Purple took — from Alice Walker's memories right through to the sketches for the costumes and sets, from the cast's own struggles to the entire libretto, all of which have given Celie's against-the-odds triumph new life. Revealing, poignant, and stunning, The Color Purple: A Memory Book is a must-have book for anyone moved by Celie's story.
    Genres

176 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8,2006

This edition

Format
176 pages, Hardcover
Published
November 9, 2006 by Carroll \u0026 Graf
ISBN
9780786718443
ASIN
0786718447
Language
English

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About the author

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lise funderburg

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I'm a writer based in Philadelphia. I've written for many national magazines and newspapers, and my latest book is called "Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking My Father Home." It's a memoir/social history about race, filial duty, mortality, and barbecue."

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 19 votes)
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19 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Nami955
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Loved it.

Nettie is such a beautiful name. It so happens that my sister's name is also Nettie.

When I read this, it immediately brought a smile to my face. It's truly awesome to have such a coincidence.

Names have a special significance, and Nettie holds a dear place in my heart because of my sister.

Every time I hear the name, I think of her and all the wonderful memories we share.

It's amazing how a simple name can evoke so many emotions and connections.

I'm sure that the person named Nettie in this context is just as special as my sister.

Overall, it's a great feeling to have this commonality and to know that the name Nettie is loved and cherished by many.

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FloralFlames
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Two sisters find themselves on two extremely different paths in life. One sister, let's call her Emily, pursues a career in the fast-paced world of business, climbing the corporate ladder with determination and ambition. She spends her days in meetings, making important decisions, and striving for success.

The other sister, named Lily, has a passion for art and creativity. She chooses to follow her heart and dedicates her life to painting and expressing herself through various art forms. She lives a more bohemian lifestyle, often found in her studio, lost in her work.

As the years pass, the sisters grow apart, each engrossed in their own worlds. But will they ever re-unite? The story remains to be seen. I've heard that the movie adaptation of this tale, perhaps starring Whoopi Goldberg or Oprah Winfrey, was really good. It makes me curious to watch and find out if the sisters eventually find their way back to each other.

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Isabella_S
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is my favorite book.

It has always held a special place in my heart. The story within its pages is like a magical journey that takes me to different worlds and introduces me to a plethora of interesting characters.

The author's writing style is captivating, making it impossible for me to put the book down once I start reading.

Each chapter is filled with excitement, mystery, and emotions that tug at my heartstrings.

Whether it's the thrilling adventures, the touching relationships, or the profound lessons learned, this book has it all.

I have read it countless times, and every time I discover something new and wonderful.

It has become a source of inspiration and comfort for me, and I will always cherish it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read and wants to embark on an unforgettable literary adventure.
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Dr_Nefaryous
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had the impression that this book was truly enjoyable to read.

Not only did reading the book provide me with great pleasure, but also watching the movie based on it. The combination of the two, reading the book and watching the movie, was extremely beneficial to me.

It allowed me to have a more in-depth understanding and exploration of the story and its characters.

The details presented in the book, which might not be fully captured in the movie, added another layer of depth to my perception.

Conversely, the visual and auditory elements of the movie enhanced my imagination and brought the story to life in a different way.

Overall, this experience of reading the book and watching the movie was a wonderful one, and I would highly recommend it to others.
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Catlas
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is not Alice Walker's 1982 epistolary novel.

Rather, it is a promotional, coffee-table style book that focuses on the 2005 musical.

The musical has a libretto crafted by Marsha Norman and features songs composed by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray.

The book offers a comprehensive look at the musical, encompassing the entire libretto and lyrics.

In addition to that, it includes dozens of interviews and other commentary from various individuals involved in the production, such as the producers, designers, and the cast.

This makes the book a valuable resource for those interested in delving deeper into the creative process and behind-the-scenes details of the 2005 musical.

It provides a unique perspective and allows readers to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the work that went into bringing this musical to life.

Whether you are a fan of musical theater or simply curious about the making of a production, this book has something to offer.

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oppaigamer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I firmly believe that this book has bestowed upon me a profounder understanding of the true essence of life. It has effectively silenced my complaints about hardships.

It articulates things that are beyond my ability to describe. Through reading this book, I discovered that it has broadened my perspective, exposing me to numerous conflicts and ideas that I had never previously contemplated.

The book presents a distinct writing style and approach to storytelling, to such an extent that initially, one may become lost in comprehending the language, only to later become immersed in the characters' emotional burdens, traumas, and pains.

In a sense, this book has paved the way for me to gain a deeper understanding of people, their thoughts, and motives. However, it has also left me confused as to how individuals allow themselves and others to be drawn into such experiences.

Undoubtedly, this book is one that should be read at least once, if not twice. It has the power to transform one's perception and offer valuable insights into the human condition.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Rasmusweet
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In school, we were assigned a project where we had the freedom to pick any book to read. I decided to choose "The Color Purple." I absolutely loved this book as it was extremely interesting.

This book is centered around a girl named Celie who endures a great deal of hardships throughout her life. However, in the end, everything works out well. At the conclusion, she gets the opportunity to see Nettie, her sister whom she hasn't seen for a very long time, and she also gets to see her children.

Celie writes letters to God, sharing with him all the details of her life. Nettie also writes letters to Celie, but unfortunately, Mr. __, her husband, never gives them to her to read. Eventually, Celie is able to read her letters when Shug Avery comes to visit. Shug Avery is a singer that Mr. __ is truly in love with.

I really adored this book. It was exceptionally good and had a profound impact on me. The story of Celie's struggles and her ultimate triumph was both inspiring and heartwarming.
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Animeliaddict
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have heard so much about this book.

To be honest, I have never seen the movie based on it.

This made me even more curious about what the book holds within its pages.

Interestingly enough, the book was given to me as a gift.

It came as a pleasant surprise, and I couldn't wait to start reading it.

I was eager to explore the story, the characters, and the world that the author had created.

The anticipation was building up inside me as I held the book in my hands.

With each turn of the page, I hoped to discover something new and exciting.

I was determined to immerse myself in the narrative and see where the story would take me.

Who knows what adventures and revelations awaited me within the confines of this book?

I was ready to find out.
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