The Woman That I Am: The Literature and Culture of Contemporary Women of Color

by D. Soyini Madison

Selected to represent a diversity of voices, styles, and genres, The Woman That I Am gathers 126 works of contemporary fiction, poetry, drama, autobiography, and culture criticism by American women of color—African American, Asian American, Latina American, and Native American. This collection includes writings by new voices, as well as by Alice Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maxine Hong Kingston, Louise Erdrich, Paule Marshall, Amy Tan, Toni Morrison, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Leslie Marmon Silko, Maya Angelou, Rita Dove, June Jordan, Lucille Clifton, Ntozake Shange, Nikki Giovanni, and others.

Genres: Poetry

720 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Taylor]

This book proved to me that people don't write poetry when they're happy.

As a mother, feminist, and a mixed-race person from black and white families, I could relate to much of the exasperation of the authors -- but unfortunately that is all these authors seem to be dwelling upon: exasperation, anger, suffering. Yes, those feelings are absolutely valid, but I wish more positive aspects of the WOC experience were included, too: traditions, music, religion, family bonds, and so on. When I read the title "The Woman That I Am," I expected the complete package, not just the anguish. I'm certainly not saying that any voice should be censored or any experience sugar-coated, but if life were just the experiences and emotions described in the first 200 pages, it would not be worth living.

Perhaps this book would be better suited to white folks who don't understand why people of color are still talking about racism or to men who don't understand why women are still complaining about sexism.

[Lynne Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable, compelling reading for all women of color and others who may want to know "What the heck are they complaining about?"