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For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
by
This revolutionary, award-winning play by a lauded playwright and poet is a fearless portrayal of the experiences of women of color—“extraordinary and wonderful…that anyone can relate to” (The New York Times) and continues to move and resonate with readers today more than ever.
From its inception in California in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at Joseph Papp' ...more
From its inception in California in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at Joseph Papp' ...more
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Paperback, 80 pages
Published
September 1st 1997
by Scribner
(first published 1975)
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Start your review of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf

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If there is ever a time in the future when people are able to gather together in groups again, I want to see a performance of For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf.
It is beautiful, passionate, real, gritty, lyrical. I felt like I was reading a song.
It's a poem performed by 7 women, each one of them representing a colour of the rainbow, and one the colour brown. They speak of their experiences as Black women, their dreams and their sorrows. Of abortion and AIDS ...more
It is beautiful, passionate, real, gritty, lyrical. I felt like I was reading a song.
It's a poem performed by 7 women, each one of them representing a colour of the rainbow, and one the colour brown. They speak of their experiences as Black women, their dreams and their sorrows. Of abortion and AIDS ...more

The ish. A pivotal work in theatre. I once heard Ntozake Shange explain that one of her goals as a writer was to break down the English language, to undo, redo, replay, and rework the English language, in such a way that its power for white supremacist goals and idea transfer would be rendered useless. Now that's all types of deep - this idea that language can teach us destruction and prejudice and by deconstructing that language those who have been oppressed can reclaim and enter into the very
...more

This is a choreopoem and is a series of twenty poems for a cast of seven principals: they are Ladies in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple and Brown. It expresses the struggles and problems that African-American women face; and amazingly it’s 45 years old now. The poems are linked by music. Subjects addressed include rape, domestic violence, loss, abortion and being abandoned. This is based on Shange’s own experience.
I have read this rather than seen a production of it and obviously it wo ...more
I have read this rather than seen a production of it and obviously it wo ...more

For Colored Girls who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf has been the most profound, interesting, mind- blowing books I have come across this year. This was my first time being introduced to a chore poem, which is simply a collection of poems that have been strategically put together into one novel. One thing I learned from Shange, the author, is the attention to the title of the book. Upon reading the first three words of the title, "For colored girls..." you assume that the word
...more

Sep 19, 2007
Beth
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone Going Through...
Shelves:
blerd-books
This is one of those books I refer too a lot. Like written prayers sometimes say things in a way that resonates so well with me, so too does this book of poetry.
Ever since I realized there waz someone callt/
a colored girl an evil woman a bitch or a nag/
i been tryin not to be that & leave bitterness/
in somebody else's cup... ...more
Ever since I realized there waz someone callt/
a colored girl an evil woman a bitch or a nag/
i been tryin not to be that & leave bitterness/
in somebody else's cup... ...more

“my spirit is too ancient to understand the separation of soul & gender”
― Ntozake Shange, For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
I never forgot this. I first saw the play way back in my childhood years and it's raw power absolutely stunned me. We also had the album. It remains, in my mind, one of the best plays I ever saw.
Do consider reading this book especially if you have not seen the play. ...more
― Ntozake Shange, For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
I never forgot this. I first saw the play way back in my childhood years and it's raw power absolutely stunned me. We also had the album. It remains, in my mind, one of the best plays I ever saw.
Do consider reading this book especially if you have not seen the play. ...more

'coloured' (minoritised, othered in their skin, colonised OR vibrant, various, multifaceted) 'girls' (infantilised, sexually exploited and pathologised, excluded from woman/lady OR youthful, spirited, free, pure-hearted) , five Black women… speaking in the safe space of loving affirmation between them, poetising rawness of pain and beauty, passion and exhaustion...
No respectability politics. Don't start telling these women what they should have done. These are words of possibility and impossibil ...more
No respectability politics. Don't start telling these women what they should have done. These are words of possibility and impossibil ...more

To see the full review go to my blog, Introvert Interrupted.
This play was very interesting to read.
Without seeing the work in action, I would have just chalked this read up as an overblown classic, but the visual representation made this piece one of my favorite...movies. ...more
This play was very interesting to read.
Without seeing the work in action, I would have just chalked this read up as an overblown classic, but the visual representation made this piece one of my favorite...movies. ...more

I read this book a million years ago.Well, to bespecific back in 1975, around the time of its original publication. However, I have read it several more times since then, and I have seen the Play performed more than five times. The play presents an overwhelming expereience that embraces the audience member in a cultural experience of the African American woman and other women in the African Diaspora. The reading of the text and the viewing of the original play present a sometimes bleek, daunting ...more

Read this before seeing the film, it is worth it. This play is one of the strongest stories about abuse and discrimination, from almost all aspects that I have had the great pleasure of reading.
I have seen many people criticize how the characters were represented, some even claiming that the characters could have taken more “responsibility” for what happened to them, and I am very sure that these people missed one of the messages of the story, that people are flawed, and that sometimes it is har ...more
I have seen many people criticize how the characters were represented, some even claiming that the characters could have taken more “responsibility” for what happened to them, and I am very sure that these people missed one of the messages of the story, that people are flawed, and that sometimes it is har ...more

“Ever since i realized there waz someone callt a colored girl an evil woman a bitch or a nag i been tryin not to be that & leave bitterness in somebody else’s cup.”
My first read of 2020 is a journey that should not be taken lightly. A cheropoem that is for women, written by a woman, and be stopped by no one. Ntozake tells the story of 7 women who have endured sexism, rape, body shaming, racism, and more. These women are represented as colors of the rainbow and are connected as they put on a perf ...more
My first read of 2020 is a journey that should not be taken lightly. A cheropoem that is for women, written by a woman, and be stopped by no one. Ntozake tells the story of 7 women who have endured sexism, rape, body shaming, racism, and more. These women are represented as colors of the rainbow and are connected as they put on a perf ...more

I have to say that I loved this play. It was a bit weird to read the stage directions along with the poetry that was being said by these characters, but it was quite easy to read and follow.
For colored girls is considered a choreopoem (i.e. there are monologues that also include dance and music) with seven women in different colors speaking to the audience.
The seven women are the lady in red, lady in orange, lady in yellow, lady in green, lady in blue, lady in brown, and lady in purple.
Some of t ...more
For colored girls is considered a choreopoem (i.e. there are monologues that also include dance and music) with seven women in different colors speaking to the audience.
The seven women are the lady in red, lady in orange, lady in yellow, lady in green, lady in blue, lady in brown, and lady in purple.
Some of t ...more

Jan 25, 2020
The Artisan Geek
marked it as to-read

i loved you on purpose3.5/5
i was open on purpose
i still crave vulnerability & close talk
& i'm not even sorry bout you bein sorry
you can carry all the guilt & grime ya wanna
just dont give it to me
i cant use another sorry
next time
you should admit
you're mean/low-down/triflin/& no count straight out
steada bein sorry all the time
enjoy bein yrself
I knew I was setting myself up for a less than complete experience by reading this play script rather than seeing the play performed, but after such a lo ...more

I have seen the play version twice including the touring company with some of the original cast members like the amazing Trazana Beverley. Yesterday, reading the actual choreopoem in its entirety for the first time gave me more insight and understanding of the poets' intentions. There are moments of joy as well as sheer despair in this piece. In other words, Shange covers a wide range of colored girl emotions. Her work is also ground-breaking because of its experimentation with form and content.
...more

Jul 25, 2014
La Tonya Jordan
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to La Tonya by:
Myself
Shelves:
favorites
Words that do not truly come to life until you see the theatrical stage version. Life is painfully and joyfully at the same time.
Quote:
little sally walker, sittin in a saucer
rise, sally, rise, wipe your weepin eyes
an put your hands on your hips
an let your backbone slip
o, shake it to the east
o, shake it to the west
shake it to the one
that you like the best
lady in purple
you're it ...more
Quote:
little sally walker, sittin in a saucer
rise, sally, rise, wipe your weepin eyes
an put your hands on your hips
an let your backbone slip
o, shake it to the east
o, shake it to the west
shake it to the one
that you like the best
lady in purple
you're it ...more

"This is for colored girls who have considered suicide/but are movin to the ends of their own
rainbows. . . "
AND for poets, lovers of language, and all travelers who seek to find treasure. ...more
rainbows. . . "
AND for poets, lovers of language, and all travelers who seek to find treasure. ...more

This book is so much more powerful than the movie that is made from it. This book showcases beautifully the experience of African-American females. While I never can fully understand their experience as a gay white male I feel that I was drawn into their world by Shange's words. I was able to feel their joy, pain, and suffering. This book moved me to emotions that I didn't believe a book would be able to do and now I find myself sometimes saying one of the poems to myself in my head frequently a
...more

Well...god damn.
This is a "choreopoem"--sort of play. It felt a lot like one of the American tragedies, but distinctly Ntozake's take on the plight of being a woman of color. Evocative, rageful, sorrowful, coy and loving, I could almost see the dancers and the lighting direction.
So, so good. I would have loved to have seen it performed!
CONTENT WARNING: (view spoiler) ...more
This is a "choreopoem"--sort of play. It felt a lot like one of the American tragedies, but distinctly Ntozake's take on the plight of being a woman of color. Evocative, rageful, sorrowful, coy and loving, I could almost see the dancers and the lighting direction.
So, so good. I would have loved to have seen it performed!
CONTENT WARNING: (view spoiler) ...more

I enjoyed the read and hope to see this on stage at some point.
"From its inception in California in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and on Broadway, the Obie Award-winning for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf has excited, inspired, and transformed audiences all over the country. Passionate and fearless, Shange's words reveal what it is to be of color and female in the twentieth century. First published in 1975 when ...more
"From its inception in California in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and on Broadway, the Obie Award-winning for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf has excited, inspired, and transformed audiences all over the country. Passionate and fearless, Shange's words reveal what it is to be of color and female in the twentieth century. First published in 1975 when ...more

This series of poems (choreopoem/monologue) pulled me into a roller coaster of emotions that I wasn’t really prepared for, whew! Seven nameless Black women, only identified by colors (lady red, orange,yellow, blue, green,brown,and purple) talk about their experiences with rape, abandonment, abortion and domestic violence.
Based on my knowledge of Shange and her distinctive writing style (she mimicked how real women spoke so she could draw the readers’ in to focus and listen.) I was worried tha ...more
Based on my knowledge of Shange and her distinctive writing style (she mimicked how real women spoke so she could draw the readers’ in to focus and listen.) I was worried tha ...more

"for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" by Ntozake Shange is a powerful choreopoem that explores many different arenas: rape, sexually-transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, murder, etc... It is written in a way that conveys to the reader the physical and emotional stance of the women in the play. While delving into many social topics that seem to plague all women(not just colored girls) today, Shange creates an atmosphere in which these women are m
...more

I was asked to watch the film by my employer and was so moved by the poems, I had to read the book. I've been rewatching and rereading and I want to memorize the play. I'll try to separate my thoughts about the two mediums and write a review soon, if possible.
One important note: the way both the play and the movie link domestic violence and mental illness is a problem. I'm a therapist who specializes in domestic violence and a lot of that portion of both is depicting a unique situation rather t ...more
One important note: the way both the play and the movie link domestic violence and mental illness is a problem. I'm a therapist who specializes in domestic violence and a lot of that portion of both is depicting a unique situation rather t ...more

I’m grateful to Seji @theartisangeek for hosting the #blacklitchallenge and pushing us out of our comfort zones, and to Anna @never_withouta_book for highlighting this play on her feed! I haven’t read a play since school and I have never read a play that is also a poem, full stop.
.
Surprisingly I got on okay with this one. It was challenging but in a good way, and it made me wish I could see a version performed live on stage one day.
.
Shange presents us with seven women, all unnamed, referred to b ...more
.
Surprisingly I got on okay with this one. It was challenging but in a good way, and it made me wish I could see a version performed live on stage one day.
.
Shange presents us with seven women, all unnamed, referred to b ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black Coffee: for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf - April Group Read | 50 | 37 | May 11, 2016 12:21PM | |
The Broadway Show | 4 | 31 | Jul 06, 2012 03:45PM |
Ntozake Shange (pronounced En-toe-ZAHK-kay SHONG-gay) was an African-American playwright, performance artist, and writer who is best known for her Obie Award winning play for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf.
Among her honors and awards are fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, and a Pushcart Prize. ...more
Among her honors and awards are fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, and a Pushcart Prize. ...more
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“one thing I don’t need
is any more apologies
i got sorry greetin me at my front door
you can keep yrs
i don’t know what to do wit em
they don’t open doors
or bring the sun back
they don’t make me happy
or get a mornin paper
didn’t nobody stop usin my tears to wash cars
cuz a sorry.”
—
260 likes
is any more apologies
i got sorry greetin me at my front door
you can keep yrs
i don’t know what to do wit em
they don’t open doors
or bring the sun back
they don’t make me happy
or get a mornin paper
didn’t nobody stop usin my tears to wash cars
cuz a sorry.”
“without any assistance or guidance from you
i have loved you assiduously for 8 months 2 wks & a day
i have been stood up four times
i've left 7 packages on yr doorstep
forty poems 2 plants & 3 handmade notecards i left
town so i cd send to you have been no help to me
on my job
you call at 3:00 in the mornin on weekdays
so i cd drive 27 1/2 miles cross the bay before i go to work
charmin charmin
but you are of no assistance
i want you to know
this waz an experiment
to see how selifsh i cd be
if i wd really carry on to snare a possible lover
if i waz capable of debasin my self for the love of another
if i cd stand not being wanted
when i wanted to be wanted
& i cannot
so
with no further assistance & no guidance from you
i am endin this affair
this note is attached to a plant
i've been waterin since the day i met you
you may water it
yr damn self”
—
156 likes
More quotes…
i have loved you assiduously for 8 months 2 wks & a day
i have been stood up four times
i've left 7 packages on yr doorstep
forty poems 2 plants & 3 handmade notecards i left
town so i cd send to you have been no help to me
on my job
you call at 3:00 in the mornin on weekdays
so i cd drive 27 1/2 miles cross the bay before i go to work
charmin charmin
but you are of no assistance
i want you to know
this waz an experiment
to see how selifsh i cd be
if i wd really carry on to snare a possible lover
if i waz capable of debasin my self for the love of another
if i cd stand not being wanted
when i wanted to be wanted
& i cannot
so
with no further assistance & no guidance from you
i am endin this affair
this note is attached to a plant
i've been waterin since the day i met you
you may water it
yr damn self”