Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Zora Neale Hurston | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0060931418 Global Overview for this book
Registered by VoxPop of Brooklyn, New York USA on 7/19/2007
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14 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by VoxPop from Brooklyn, New York USA on Thursday, July 19, 2007
Classic

Journal Entry 2 by VoxPop at Vox Pop in Brooklyn, New York USA on Thursday, July 19, 2007

Released 16 yrs ago (7/19/2007 UTC) at Vox Pop in Brooklyn, New York USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Drop Box inside

Journal Entry 3 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Thursday, July 19, 2007
I got an automatic notice that this book was at Vox Pop. It was lunch time. Hmmmm. Sounds like a match. I pitched in a couple of my own books, as well. Looking forward to reading this one.

Journal Entry 4 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Tuesday, August 21, 2007
From the back cover:

"There is no book more important to me than this one." -- Alice Walker

"There Eyes belongs in the same category -- with that of William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway -- of enduring American literature." -- Saturday Review

"The prototypical Black novel of affirmation; it is the most successful, convincing, and exemplary novel of Blacklove that we have. Period." --June Jordon, Black World


This book has a foreword by Mary Helen Washington and an afterword by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., both of whom put Zora Neale Hurston's work and life in context. This was a great help and added to my enjoyment of the book. Most of the story is told in the vernacular and is sometimes tough going, but worth the effort. The language is rich and the story observant of human behavior. One of the best descriptions of sexual awakening I've ever read:

"She was stretched on her back beneath the pear tree soaking in the alto chant of the visiting bees, the gold of the sun and the panting breath of the breeze when the inaudible voice of it all came to her. She saw a dust-bearing bee sink into the sanctum of a bloom; the thousand sister-calyxes arch to meet the love embrace and the ecstatic shiver of the tree from root to tiniest branch creaming in every blossom and frothing with delight. So this was a marriage! She had been summoned to behold a revelation. Then Janie felt a pain remorseless sweet that left her limp and languid."

The story is Janie's - how she seeks and finds that pear tree feeling in her life and marriages.

Journal Entry 5 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Monday, March 3, 2008
Reserved for the 1001-library.

Journal Entry 6 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Requested by perryfran. In the mail tomorrow!

Journal Entry 7 by wingperryfranwing from Elk Grove, California USA on Saturday, March 8, 2008
Received in today's mail! Thanks MarysGirl. I will read soon and make it available to other readers of the 1001-library.

This is No. 609 on the 1001 books you must read before you die list.

Journal Entry 8 by wingperryfranwing from Elk Grove, California USA on Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Just finished reading this today and thought it was a wonderful novel. It was full of joy, humor, sorrow, and all the emotions in between. I really enjoyed Hurston's writing and her use of African-American dialect. This reminded me a lot of Mark Twain's writing. She alternated the conversational dialect with eloquent prose to describe the events in the novel - a really great piece of literature! When this novel was first published in 1937, it received a lot of critism especially from Richard Wright (another African-American writer) who "excoriated Their Eyes as a novel that did for literature what the minstrel shows did for the theater, that is, make white folks laugh... The novel exploited those quaint aspects of Negro life that satisfied the tastes of a white audience..." However, this novel has come to be proclaimed as one of the finest black novels of all time. It is studied today in many college literature courses.

I also saw the TV adaptation of this novel starring Halle Berry when it came out a few years ago. I don't remember much of the details but do remember enjoying it.

Thanks MarysGirl for making this wonderful book available through the 1001-library. It is now available for another reader to enjoy.

Journal Entry 9 by wingperryfranwing from Elk Grove, California USA on Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Bookray
Starting a bookray for this book. This is one of several books donated to the 1001-library. Rather than have them sit on my shelf, I am sending them out as bookrays. The last person on the ray should return the book back to the library or if he/she prefers, the book can be returned to me.

Please PM me if interested in joining. Bookray will remain open until last person has the book.

Participants so far:

. cat207 from Australia (Australia preferred - will ship international)
. tqd from Australia (Australia preferred - will ship international)
. davemurray101 from Australia (international)
. Caroley from UK (international)
. nikel27 from Germany (international)
. ajsmom from Canada (international)
. Danielle23 from UK (UK preferred)
Donate to:
. 1001-library<----Book is here

Note: Order is subject to change based on shipping preferences and others joining the bookray.

How the bookray works:
* Someone will PM you for your address, PM them back and provide your address
* When you receive the book, please make a journal entry letting everyone know that you received it
* Put the book at the top of your TBR pile (under other rings/rays that arrived first)
* Read the book (take your time and enjoy the book, don't feel rushed to finish it but try to get it out to next reader within a couple of months)
* When the end is in sight, check the book's journal and PM the next person to get their address
* Finish the book, make another journal entry and let everyone know what you thought of the book
* Send the book to the next person on the list (please use the cheapest shipping method available), make release notes (Controlled Release) or journal entry to let everyone know that it's in the mail
* Last person on the ray: Please donate this book to the 1001-library or return it to me.

Please feel free to PM me at any time with questions


Bookray now completed and the book is back with the 1001 library. Thanks everyone!


Journal Entry 10 by wingperryfranwing at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, January 9, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (1/9/2009 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On its way to cat207

Journal Entry 11 by cat207 on Friday, January 16, 2009
Arrived in today's mail. Thank you perryfran. X

Journal Entry 12 by cat207 on Friday, January 23, 2009
I felt the story was rushed towards the end and the dialect didn't make for smooth reading but, all in all, a compelling read.

I hold on to this one till I've read 'The Iron Heel' and send them on to tqd together.

Journal Entry 13 by tqd from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thanks cat207, I'm looking forward to reading this! I do have several (*gulp*) bookrings before this, so I'll have to buckle down to get to this in a reasonable timeframe! If I take too long, someone remind me, and I'll pass it along unread if I have to.

Journal Entry 14 by tqd from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bumped this one up the queue a bit, because I had another book to send davemurray101, so it made sense to send them both together...

I was a bit horrified when I first saw this copy, because of the comments and highlighting throughout. Generally I find a book fairly unreadable if someone has scrawled all over it, it's just too distracting. I thought I might have to pass it on unread and unreadable! But the story however kept my attention so well that I barely noticed them after a while.

The dialect was a bit difficult to read initially, but once I got into the swing of it, it was quite easy to get the cadence going in my mind.

And it was great to read a positive african-american experience! Sure, it wasn't all skittles and beer, there were some horrible stories behind the characters. But it wasn't the misery-fest that Beloved was! (I did think Beloved was a beautiful magnificent book, btw, but it did make me want to slash my wrists afterwards.) The sheer energy and smarts of Janie kept it all bubbling along nicely, and made it a very easy read.

And it was beautifully written as well, I don't think I've ever read anything so close to poetry in prose format before.

I'll get this to davemurray101 in the mail tomorrow. Thanks for organising the ray, perryfran!

Journal Entry 15 by tqd at Balmain, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (2/11/2009 UTC) at Balmain, New South Wales Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Popped in the post to davemurray101 today.

Happy reading!

Journal Entry 16 by davemurray101 from Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on Saturday, February 14, 2009
Just recieved this one in the mail. Looking forward to reading this one. thanks to TQD and Perryfran..

Journal Entry 17 by davemurray101 from Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Can't say I really liked this one much. Although I can see it is important in that it used everyday language for African-Americans in the Southern States and presented the internal conflicts rather than the external like a lot of simmilar literature, I thought it lacked a lot of interest and direction. Hard to compare it favorably to other classics of the period such as "native son", "Passing" or "I know why the caged bird sings".
Posting to Caroley as soon as i have confirmed her address.

Journal Entry 18 by davemurray101 at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, February 26, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (2/26/2009 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to Caroley in the post.

Journal Entry 19 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Received today thanks.


Journal Entry 20 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, March 9, 2009
When I started reading this, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. I usually have problems reading books that use a lot of dialect, as I have to think about what I'm reading more instead of losing myself in the story. Also the highlighting and notes were distracting, as I kept finding myself reading the notes and wondering why some bits were highlighted...

It took three or four chapters before I got used to it, but once I did I was completely hooked by it. The character of Janie came alive for me and I needed to keep reading to find out how she got to the point that the book started at.
It's only a short book, but well worth reading. Thanks for sharing the book Perryfran, and thanks to Dave for sending it on to me.

I've PMd for the next person's address and will get it sent on as soon as I have it.

Journal Entry 21 by Caroley at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (3/11/2009 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posted airmail to Nikel27

Journal Entry 22 by nikel27 from -- Irgendwo / Somewhere --, Hessen Germany on Wednesday, March 18, 2009
arrived safe at my house, 1 more bookring to read before I can start here.

update:
Good read, thanks for sharing with me.

Journal Entry 23 by ajsmom from Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Friday, April 17, 2009
Book arrived today, thank you!

Journal Entry 24 by ajsmom from Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Sunday, April 19, 2009
For once, I am going to make a JE without reading anybody else's. I thought this book was powerful - and would like everybody I know to read it! The foreword and afterword were really helpful to put it into context for me. I thought it was an amazing feminist novel; I kept having to remind myself of when it was written. I loved the character of Janie and could empathize with her the whole way along. The most disturbing part of the novel for me was when Mrs Turner started talking about how much she hated black people - the depth of her self-hatred made me cringe. Actually, the depth of her racism made me cringe. I have no tolerance for people like her, so was waiting for Janie to throw her out on her ear - but then Jody's response was far more effective.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Will PM next in line now.

Journal Entry 25 by ajsmom at Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (4/21/2009 UTC) at Quesnel, British Columbia Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent via air mail to Danielle.

Journal Entry 26 by Danielle23 from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Monday, April 27, 2009
Arrived safely today and is next on my TBR pile, thanks ajsmom and perryfran for sending and sharing this book xx

Journal Entry 27 by Danielle23 from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I really enjoyed this book and loved the relationship between Janie and Tea Cake, the love they had for each other was amazing. How they were parted so soon into their relationship was great to read but a little upsetting thinking about it now.

A great book, thanks for sharing Perryfran xx

Journal Entry 28 by 1001-library from Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Wednesday, April 29, 2009


This book is now back on the 1001 library bookshelf and can be borrowed by PMing Danielle23:)

If you want to take this book from the library but don't know how to proceed, please refer to the library bookshelf.

Wow, what a great Library Ring!!! says the librarian of the week. Made my day :).


Journal Entry 29 by Danielle23 at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Saturday, January 29, 2011
Placed in soffitta1's VBB xx

Journal Entry 30 by Danielle23 at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Saturday, February 5, 2011

Released 13 yrs ago (2/5/2011 UTC) at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Requested by Jaynereader from soffitta1's 1001 VBB. Hope you enjoy it xx

Journal Entry 31 by rem_IUM-600892 at Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
This well-travelled book is now safe and sound in Sheffield, thanks Danielle23

Journal Entry 32 by rem_IUM-600892 at Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, February 25, 2011
A great story about a strong, sassy lady who has a sexual awakening while watching the bees and goes on to explore love and life with a series of men. The dialect took some getting used to (and all those black pen notes are really distracting), but overall very enjoyable.

back to the library

Journal Entry 33 by 1001-library at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Wednesday, March 30, 2011


This book is now back on the 1001 library bookshelf and can be borrowed by PMing jaynereader:)

If you want to take this book from the library but don't know how to proceed, please refer to the library bookshelf.


Journal Entry 34 by rem_IUM-600892 at Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Being put into a 1001 book box

Journal Entry 35 by bookowl1000 at Chepstow, Wales United Kingdom on Sunday, May 8, 2011
Picked out of the 1001 library book box and put back in as I finished it while the box was still with me.

SPOILERS

At first I was not too impressed by this novel, I think that the style of language and dialogue at the start was off putting. I suspect that If it not for the fact that I was on a long bus journey from Southampton back to Wales I may have put it aside. I persevered and then did become engrossed. I admired Janie's 'spunk' at the way she ran away from her first husband and married the second without bothering with a divorce. She then did become lost in a marriage to a man who wanted to own her, she ended up keeping all her thoughts to herself until she is finally freed by his death. She had financial security but no fulfillment, not until her third husband Tea Cake, where she discovers true happiness.

I know that this novel is supposed to be some great feminist novel of a woman finding herself and independence, by experiencing true love but I did not see it that way. Yes, she and Tea Cake were obviously deeply in love, but does that make the way that he treated her ok? He stole $200 from her, spent it on having a party and then told her it was ok because he would win it back by gambling; she was only upset because he had done it without her as she became so needy that she could not bare the thought of being away from him. Hardly sounds like a strong independent woman.

We do not know her thoughts on when Tea Cake beats her, but she obviously had not problem with it - she was financially independent and could have left if she wanted, but the thought would never have occurred to her because she was so much in love with him. Janie became a slave to the strength of her emotions and feelings for her husband, so he owned her more than the previous two ever did.

Journal Entry 36 by rem_BGQ-488500 at Birchington, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, May 21, 2011
Picked from Soffitta's 1001 Bookbox. Thanks for sharing! =]

Journal Entry 37 by rem_BGQ-488500 at Birchington, Kent United Kingdom on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Found a copy of this book in a charity shop. So, as I haven't managed to get around to reading this one, I'll pass it on and put my copy at the bottom of Mt TBR. That way I won't be hanging on to it for any more time (already feel guilty enough).

Thanks to bookowl1000 for putting this in the box, and I apologise for holding on to it for such a long time. It will be travelling as soon as I can find a new host :)

Once I've got around to reading my copy I'll rate this copy too and edit in my thoughts here.

Journal Entry 38 by 1001-library at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
This book is now back on the 1001 library bookshelf and can be borrowed by PMing Lemon-Crisis:)

If you want to take this book from the library but don't know how to proceed, please refer to the library bookshelf.

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