Their Eyes Were Watching God

Damn. What a book. A very powerful read. Trying to explain it won't do it justice, so I'll just say that this is one of those books always on those lists, and it is very deserving of being on those lists. Also, I read this on audiobook, and the narrator was excellent. I could see the characters so clearly through her voice.

Love is a choice now a days when love was found back then! I’ll have to listen to this book again and relish in all the protagonist was able to live out and seek for herself! My favorite quote was when Janie shouted she’s tired of living and grands way it was time for her to live her own!

I read this every big blow - another favorite

How in the world do I write a review for the most beautiful piece of literature I have read this year? How??

This book touched me and laid itself on my heart is such a personal way. I connected with the dialect and read it without any trouble or pause as I was raised in a tiny little town called Brooksville, Mississippi. I lived on what was considered the wrong side of the tracks and that is how we all talked there. The dialect was natural and second nature to me.

The fun part is where this story took place. Just so happens I moved to the Orlando area a little over a year ago and I am never every single one of the towns Hurston referenced in this book. Each one just gave me a smile as I read it.

I did a non spoiler review of this one on my channel if you're interested: https://youtu.be/v3OyRnq5MaA

The beauty of Janie's story - the heart wrenching sadness - the shared feeling of your family expectations - the soul stealing sadness - just took my breath away. I originally picked this book up on my Kindle to read with some other friends who were reading it. I read it in 2 days and immediately purchased a physical copy as I knew this would be a story I would be reading many, many times over the years.

I cannot express how wonderful this story is, but I can tell you I am about to start a journey through everything Zora Neale Hurston ever wrote!

"...No matter how far a person can go the horizon is still way beyond you..." In Jim Crow era Florida, Janie begins her adult life with an arranged marriage to a much older man. Soon, she wonders if there is more to live than being a dutiful and obedient wife to a man she doesn't love. As soon as the opportunity arises, Janie sets out on a quest for fulfillment. Much of the novel focuses on Janie's relationships with three different men: Logan, an older man who sees Janie as simply a body to help with his farm; Jody, an ambitious man who uses Janie as a trophy wife; and Tea Cake, a man who lacks polish or prospects but who makes Janie laugh and feel alive. Some have argued that Janie's seeking of the male gaze makes her a poor example of the modern woman. However, in the context of the period in which the story is set and when it was written, it's difficult to miss Hurston's strong feminist theme. Janie is smart, strong, and not afraid to stand up for herself, but has to navigate the tricky balance between self-assertion and sacrificing ones voice for the benefit of another. This story bridges beautifully written prose with riveting story, and well-crafted character development. I am in love with everything about this book. This literary gold standard is the obvious precursor to books like The Color Purple, Go as a River, and Where the Crawdads Sing.