Sent by Earth: A Message from the Grandmother Spirit After the Bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon

by Alice Walker

Now more timely than ever, Alice Walker’s Sent By Earth reflects on the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and addresses the anger many Americans felt at the presumed perpetrator of the Osama bin Laden. In powerfully reflective, nuanced, and above all heartfelt prose, Walker explores the seeds of hatred and resentment around the globe, and advances a surprisingly controversial that hatred can never be defeated by hatred, but only by love.

Genres: Poetry, Politics, Nonfiction, Feminism, Social Justice

64 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2001

About the author

Noted American writer Alice Walker won a Pulitzer Prize for her stance against racism and sexism in such novels as The Color Purple (1982).

People awarded this preeminent author of stories, essays, and poetry of the United States. In 1983, this first African woman for fiction also received the national book award. Her other books include The Third Life of Grange Copeland , Meridian , The Temple of My Familiar , and Possessing the Secret of Joy . In public life, Walker worked to address problems of injustice, inequality, and poverty as an activist, teacher, and public intellectual.

Reviews

[BookChampions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most moving, most effective anti-war messages ever written. Rereading it every few years is a spiritual practice.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am afraid of people who cannot cry / Tears left unshed turn to poison in the ducts / Ask the solider you are enjoying a massacre if this is not so / People who do not cry are victims of soul mutilation paid for by Marlboros and trucks / Violence does not work except for the man who pays your salary / Who knows if you could still weep you would not take the job.”

Alice Walker 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally a speech given to a Midwives’ Convention eleven days after Sept. 11, 2001, much of Walker’s message – especially the parts about violence and war – remains relevant nearly two decades on. Recommended.

[Ameenah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect way to start a Sunday.

[Cynthia S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and reread it several times before turning it in. There is wisdom throughout the book.

[Eba · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I firmly believe the only punishment that works is love."