Amazingly, I have seen this new book and thought of getting it and have not. I will, today. I have not seen the FCG movie either. I have reasons: I love Tyler, am glad for the purpose he is living out with passion, and even more grateful that He knows now that his living is not in vain. However, the book and the play FCG are not the poster banner for males who have been sexually abused. The movie cannot be that either - so there are two separate works going on here. I have not seen the movie because I cannot imagine the translation of poetry in prose into film, and I need to to prepare my mind for the journey. I dont want to walk into the theatre a critic and miss the beauty of the moment. I am not ready.

You're right Crystal, we should have a spirited debate about the two media. I would never want to stifle debate. It's in my bones, but I'll try to say something original if and when I comment.

I have read For Colored Girls... three times, and we produced it at my university while I was an undergrad drama major. I loved the play, and I auditioned for Lady in Red because she moved me...I love Tyler Perry's work and his courageous sharing of his abusive and molestation in childhood. He is a mega mogul and an extremely talented, a brilliant talent. I give Ntozake credit for her groundbreaking work, and I commend Tyler for undertaking this project. He had been approached three times about directing and producing it, and the third time was the charm. What a creative artist he is. And he helped me with my own healing journey. Therefore, I will have difficulty comparing the two talented author's work. They are two different media -- theater and movie -- therefore, I'm not sure I would consider it fair to compare. But I know people will. I've always said that theater's always the best medum probably because I'm prejudice since I majored in drama/speech/journalism. In this case, I will reserve my comments for comparison because I am torn between the two talents and their work. I won't say never though. If my instincts and my experience with the movie moves be to compare them, I will do so. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to express myself. I love doing it.

I hope we can all have a great discussion when the film is released. I know that millions of dollars arent' invested in her book but we need to support books too.

Thanks for this post! I will take a look as well.

I will definitely check out Shange's and Bayeza's new book and I appreciate this post about it. I have never read For Colored Girls... so I don't have an opinion about Tyler directing the new movie. I just hope for everyone's sake that it's very good.