In her reflections, Alice Walker discusses her journey of discovering black women writers while grappling with her initial reluctance to engage with white author Flannery O'Connor. She felt a mix of admiration and shame that O'Connor's work resonated with her before she fully immersed herself in the voices of black female authors. This inner conflict highlights her desire to embrace a diverse literary landscape that includes all writers, regardless of race.

Walker emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in literature, asserting that true fulfillment as a reader can only come from engaging with a broad range of voices. For her, a "segregated literature" was insufficient, and she recognized the need to appreciate a rich tapestry of narratives, which includes both black and white authors. This realization shaped her understanding of literary culture and her quest for a more comprehensive reading experience.