鈥The Color Purple鈥 by Alice Walker (Mariner, 304 pp.) is one woman鈥檚 journey from degradation to empowerment. Abused by her father, and later her husband (Mister,) Celie looks to her sister Nettie as a source of love and support. For years Celie doesn鈥檛 hear from Nettie 鈥 until the day that she discovers Mister鈥檚 stockpile of her sister鈥檚 letters. The rage Celie feels at this revelation convinces her to take back her happiness and life.