This book would be an excellent resource for a theater arts class. It does not follow the flow of a traditional play, which might frustrate younger readers. It is, however, a creative alternative to traditional plays and presents the theme of black female identity, which many young females might find fascinating. ( )

This slim volume is set for stage performance. These poems ring true even today about women, love, family, abuse, relationships, identity, and friendship among women. Most would say that these poems are only about the African-American experience but I would challenge that notion in that women in society have common issues and goals. Shange has a gift in that she is able to transport the reader along as the women in the play feel and experience the retelling of their stories. The women are each dressed in a different color- of the rainbow perhaps. In the end they have each other even after all that they've been through, even after the pain of telling their stories these women continue to support one another. We see that the rainbow is enough, it is a celebration of friendship and support among women. ( )

Beautiful and lively. Would love to see this performed. ( )

Ntozake Shange fires out poetic reflections on identity, sexuality, abuse, and choice in this provocative collection of creative works. Written to be performed, the descriptive stage directions add visual cues to the reading that enhanced this reviewers experience. Others may find them distracting, but will still be touched by the rhythm in Shange's words. As a warning, it does contain mature content, so anyone hoping to assign it for a class discussion may want to limit it to certain selections. Raw and beautiful, I highly recommend this book for its powerful insight into one writer's world of being black & a woman in the 20th century. ( )