The Cushion in the Road

Meditation and Wandering as the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm’s Way

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Color Purple, stunning new meditations on the intersections of spirituality and politics

“A lavishly gifted writer.” —The New York Times

In her newest collection of wide-ranging meditations on our intertwined personal, spiritual, and political destinies, Alice Walker writes that “we are beyond a rigid category of color, sex, or spirituality if we are truly alive.” For the millions of her devoted fans—and for readers of Walker’s bestselling 2006 book We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For in particular—here is a new “gift of words” (Essence) that invites readers on a journey of political awakening and spiritual insight.

The Cushion in the Road revisits themes the Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist, poet, essayist, and activist has addressed throughout her career: racism, Africa, solidarity with the Palestinian people, the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, Cuba, healthcare, and the work of Aung San Suu Kyi. In doing so, Walker explores her conflicting impulses to retreat into inner contemplation and to remain deeply engaged with the world. Through the evocative image of the meditation cushion in the road, she finds a delicate balance between these two paths and invites her readers to do so, too.

Rich with humor, wisdom, and Walker’s unique eye for the telling details of human experience and the natural world, The Cushion in the Road shows Walker at the height of her literary powers, reveals the depths of her spiritual and political understandings, and will surely be an inspiration for all.

Praise

“Walker’s compassion, courage, and humor gain strength and eloquence essay by essay. . . . Media attention will surge for this provocative collection by Walker, a revered writer of conscience.”
Booklist

News and Reviews

Utne Reader

Utne.com features an excerpt from Alice Walker's The Cushion in the Road

Oprah.com

Read an excerpt from Alice Walker's newest collection on Oprah.com

Maya Angelou was an indomitable spirit of great generosity, kindness, and love.

Democracy Now!

Amy Goodman interviews Alice Walker on Democracy Now!

Pages

Books by Alice Walker

Possessing the Secret of Joy
A Novel

Alice Walker

We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For
Inner Light in a Time of Darkness

Alice Walker

The World Has Changed
Conversations with Alice Walker

Alice Walker, Rudolph P. Byrd

The Chicken Chronicles
Sitting with the Angels Who Have Returned with My Memories: Glorious, Rufus, Gertrude Stein, Splendor, Hortensia, Agnes of God, the Gladyses, & Babe: A Memoir

Alice Walker

Goodreads Reviews