Zora Neale Hurston : Novels and Stories : Jonah's Gourd Vine / Their Eyes Were Watching God / Moses, Man of the Mountain / Seraph on the Suwanee / Selected Stories (Library of America)

This novel is an amazing work and gives us a real glimpse of what life was like for poor black people in 1930's Florida. It is also quite simply the story of one woman's search for love in a harsh world. Hurston uses wonderful symbolism, metaphors and beautifully poetic language to tell the story of Janie. Some of the novel is written in the language of the people and some is written in the third person by the narrator. The book is now being taught regularly in high schools and is considered a classic. Some people call it a feminist novel, but I believe it is just a great story about a very strong young woman who learns how to survive and love. I first heard this as an audio book read by the great Ruby Dee. As I read the book recently I could hear her voice wash over me and I loved the book enough that I plan on reading it again.

enjoyed the collection of her short stories in this volume as wells as a few of her novels

Good to find favorite books in one place.

Thank God Zora Neale Hurston's work was discovered. Tragic as it was that she died without getting the acknowledgment she so justly deserved, new generations of admirers can sit back and bask in the greatness that was her. Hurston's quick wit, charm, and zest can be imagined as we read pages full of imagery and life. Cheers to Ms. Hurston and the millions who get to discover what it means to be unapologetically excellent.

The first paragraph of Their Eyes Were Watching God may be one of the most profound and intuitive words written by any American author.To coin a trope: WORD.I am amazed by Zora Neale Hurston's wisdom and those who read her work will know - or better yet- FEEL the meaning of awe and respect for her artistry with every page turned and read.

What an incredible story! Her words are so real you can taste them. The images she brings up are like whispers in the ears to bring up pictures. The story is one of deep love that can be felt by the audience. Janie's life is told so simply, yet so profoundly. You can feel her life as a female, as a woman, as a black woman living with her people in the south. I recommend this book be read at least once by everyone.

This is an important work for its contribution to our understanding of issues of race, gender and regional/local history. But it also a great story, made great by the humanness of its characters. I didn't want to put it down--not because of the plot--but because I cared about what happened to the people so vividly portrayed by Zora Neale Hurston. Her anthropologist's eye and ear for the richness of lived experience gives the reader the feeling of knowing and understanding real people. Read this book and you will find new friends.

I remember reading of Zora's passing years ago and always wanted to read some of her work. Thanks to Amazon I was able to read a piece of it today. It was so interesting I read straight through today-- stoping only long enough to make a pot of fresh tea. What a talent! I look forward to others.

All American Library editions are a great collection and often feature hard to find material. I've just discovered Hurston and am very happy to have this edition

Received the book well in time and in great quality. I love how the paper feels in my hand. Soft and somehow feels silky.