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Books on the Bayou 2009

"The wind came back with triple fury, and put out the light for the last time. They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God."
~ Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

HOUSTON READS TOGETHER

Celebrate the 8th Annual Books on the Bayou and share a great book with your neighbor!  This newsletter focuses on books by and about Zora Neale Hurston, the author of this year's selection Their Eyes Were Watching God and events at your neighborhood library. For more great books, check out:

Readalikes for Adults 
Books on the Bayou for Kids
Readalikes for Teens

Happy Reading!
~ Sarah Borders, editor

Can't make it to one of our Books on the Bayou discussions? Check out HPL's Books on the Bayou discussion group on Goodreads.com!

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora Neale Hurston

Lauded as the intellectual and spiritual foremother to a generation of black and women writers, Zora Neale Hurston began her career as an anthropologist. This lifelong passion to collect, record, and broadcast the everyday idiomatic communication of her people would inform four novels, two collections of folklore, an autobiography, and dozens of stories, articles, plays, and essays. The protagonist that readers most often associate with Zora Neale Hurston is Janie Crawford – a woman who, like Hurston, not only survives against long odds, but triumphs.

- Adapted from The National Endowment for the Arts, "The Big Read"


Their Eyes Were Watching God - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1991
 ISBN-13: 9780252017780
 ISBN-10: 0252017781
 Call Number: HURST
Fiction. Initially published in 1937, this novel about a proud, independent black woman has, since its reissue in trade paper in 1978, been the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature. When Janie Starks returns to her rural Florida home, her small black community is overwhelmed with curiosity about her relationship with a younger man.
More Works by Zora Neale Hurston


The Complete Stories - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: HarperCollins
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1995
 ISBN-13: 9780060167325
 ISBN-10: 0060167327
 Call Number: HURST
Short Stories. A complete collection of the great African-American author's short works includes "John Redding Goes to Sea," "Spunk," "The Gilded Six Bits," "The Conscience of the Court," "Possum or Pig," "Cock Robin Beale Street," and "Book of Harlem."

Dust Tracks on a Road - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: HarperPerennial
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1996
 ISBN-13: 9780060921682
 ISBN-10: 0060921684
 Call Number: 810.9 H94
Autobiography. "I have been in Sorrow's kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows with a harp and a sword in my hands." First published in 1942 at the crest of her popularity, this is Zora Neale Hurston's unrestrained account of her rise from childhood poverty in the rural South to prominence among the leading artists and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance. Full of wit and wisdom, and audaciously spirited, Dust Tracks on a Road offers a rare, poignant glimpse of the life -- public and private -- of a premier African-American writer, artist, anthropologist and champion of the black heritage.

Every Tongue Got to Confess: Negro Folk-Tales from the Gulf States - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: HarperCollins
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2001
 ISBN-13: 9780060188931
 ISBN-10: 0060188936
 Call Number: 398.2089 H966
African American Folklore. Recently discovered, this first new book to be published by the master of African-American folklore in more than fifty years features an abundance of folktales about love, slavery, faith, family, race, and community, collected in the late 1920s, that represent a large part of the author's literary legacy and detail African-American life in the rural South.

I Love Myself When I Am Laughing ... and Then Again When I Am Looking Mean and Impressive: A Zora Neale Hurston Reader - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: The Feminist Press
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1979
 ISBN-13: 9780912670669
 ISBN-10: 0912670665
 Call Number: 818. H966
Anthology. The most prolific African-American woman author from 1920 to 1950, Hurston was praised for her writing and condemned for her independence, arrogance, and audaciousness. This unique anthology, with 14 superb examples of her fiction, journalism, folklore, and autobiography, rightfully establishes her as the intellectual and spiritual leader of the next generation of black writers. The original commentary by Alice Walker and Mary Helen Washington, two African-American writers in the forefront of the Hurston revival, provide illuminating insights into Hurston the writer and the person, as well as into American social and cultural history.

Jonah's Gourd Vine: A Novel - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: Perennial Library
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1990
 ISBN-13: 9780060916510
 ISBN-10: 0060916516
 Call Number: HURST
Fiction. Zora Neale Hurston's first novel originally published in 1934, Jonah's Gourd Vine tells the story of John Buddy Pearson, "a living exultation" of a young man who loves too many women for his own good. Lucy, his long-suffering wife, is his true love, but there's also Mehaley and Big 'Oman, as well as the scheming Hattie, who conjures hoodoo spells to ensure his attentions. Even after becoming the popular pastor of Zion Hope, where his sermons and prayers for cleansing rouse the congregation's fervor, John has to confess that though he is a preacher on Sundays, he is a "natchel man" the rest of the week. And so in this sympathetic portrait of a man and his community, Zora Neale Hurston shows that faith, tolerance, and good intentions cannot resolve the tension between the spiritual and the physical. That she makes this age-old dilemma come so alive is a tribute to her understanding of the vagaries of human nature.

Moses, Man of the Mountain - by Zora Neale Hurston Hurston
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1984
 ISBN-13: 9780252011221
 ISBN-10: 0252011228
 Call Number: HURST
Fiction. In this 1939 novel based on the familiar story of the Exodus, Zora Neale Hurston blends the Moses of the Old Testament with the Moses of black folklore and song to create a compelling allegory of power, redemption, and faith. Narrated in a mixture of biblical rhetoric, black dialect, and colloquial English, Hurston traces Moses' life from the day he Is launched into the Nile river in a reed basket, to his development as a great magician, to his transformation into the heroic rebel leader, the Great Emancipator. From his dramatic confrontations with Pharaoh to his fragile negotiations with the wary Hebrews, this very human story is told with great humor, passion, and psychological insight--the hallmarks of Hurston as a writer and champion of black culture.

Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: Perennial Library
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1990
 ISBN-13: 9780060916497
 ISBN-10: 0060916494
 Call Number: 299.67 H966
Nonfiction. As a first-hand account of the weird mysteries and horrors of voodoo, Tell My Horse is an invaluable resource and fascinating guide. Based on Zora Neale Hurston's personal experiences in Haiti and Jamaica, where she participated as an initiate rather than just an observer of voodoo practices during her visits in the 1930s, this travelogue into a dark world paints a vividly authentic picture of ceremonies and customs and superstitions of great cultural interest.

Zora Neale Hurston: A Life in Letters - by Zora Neale Hurston
Publisher: Doubleday
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2002
 ISBN-13: 9780385490351
 ISBN-10: 0385490356
 Call Number: 816 H966
Correspondence. A groundbreaking collection of more than five hundred letters, written to such people as Langston Hughes, Dorothy West, Fannie Hurst, and many others, paints an intimate portrait of the enigmatic woman who became one of the greatest literary figures in American history.
Books about Zora Neale Hurston


Zora Neale Hurston - by Harold Bloom
Publisher: Bloom's Literary Criticism
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2008
 ISBN-13: 9780791096109
 ISBN-10: 0791096106
 Call Number: 810.9 H94Z 2008
Bloom presents expert critical analysis of the themes, symbols, and ideas that appear in the Hurston's works, along with biographical information. Harold Bloom is a recognized literary critic on the writers that are most commonly read in high schools, colleges, and universities

Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston - by Valerie Boyd
Publisher: Scribner
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2002
 ISBN-13: 9780684842301
 ISBN-10: 0684842300
 Call Number: 810.9 H94B
Traces previously unexplored aspects of the career of the influential African-American writer, citing the historical backdrop of her life and work while considering her relationships with and influences on top literary, intellectual, and artistic figures.

Zora Neale Hurston: A Literary Biography - by Robert E. Hemenway
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1980
 ISBN-13: 9780252008078
 ISBN-10: 0252008073
 Call Number: 810.9 H94H
Reconstructs the events, relationships, and achievements that marked the life of the black novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist, assessing her important works and commitment to the black folk tradition.

Speak, So You Can Speak Again by Lucy Anne Hurston is not currently available at Houston Public Library, but you may request it through our free Interlibrary Loan service.  Select the "Check Library Catalog" link to search for this title in WorldCat; you will need your library card to access this database.
For further assistance with Interlibrary Loan, please call 832-393-1313.


Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston - by Lucy Anne Hurston
Publisher: Doubleday
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2004
 ISBN-13: 9780385493758
 ISBN-10: 0385493754
 Call Number: N/A
Complemented by an audio CD of the noted author speaking and singing, an interactive biography of Zora Neale Hurston combines personal memorabilia, never-before-published writings, period photographs, and facsimiles of historic papers in a study that describes her journey to fame as a literary icon, role during the Harlem Renaissance, and beyond.

Sorrow's Kitchen: The Life and Folklore of Zora Neale Hurston - by Mary E. Lyons
Publisher: Scribner's
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1990
 ISBN-13: 9780684191980
 ISBN-10: 0684191989
 Call Number: 810.9 H94L
Lyons describes the life and work of the prolific black author who wrote stories, plays, essays, and articles, recorded black folklore, and was involved in the Harlem Renaissance.

Every Tub Must Sit on Its Own Bottom: The Philosophy and Politics of Zora Neale Hurston - by Deborah G. Plant
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
 Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1995
 ISBN-13: 9780252021831
 ISBN-10: 0252021835
 Call Number: 810.9 H94P
In a ground-breaking study of Zora Neale Hurston, Deborah Plant takes issue with current notions of Hurston as a feminist and earlier impressions of her as an intellectual lightweight who disregarded serious issues of race in American culture. Instead, Plant calls Hurston a "writer of resistance" who challenged the politics of domination both in her life and in her work. One of the great geniuses of the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston stands out as a strong voice for African American women.
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Books on the Bayou Events

For a complete listing of Books on the Bayou events, please visit the Books on the Bayou section of HPL's Website.

Book Discussions

Join us for a discussion of this year’s Books on the Bayou selection, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.


Thursday, October 1 | 6 PM
Heights Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 1 | 6 PM
Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library
This Book Discussion is held in conjunction with the Houston Great Books Council.

Tuesday, October 6 | 12 NOON
Central Library

Thursday, October 8 | 2 PM
Jungman Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 8 | 4:30 PM
Smith Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 8 | 6 PM
Park Place Regional Library

Saturday, October 10 | 1 PM
Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 12 | 6:30 PM
Dixon Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 15 | 1 PM
Collier Regional Library

Friday, October 16 | 2 PM
Central Library

Saturday, October 17 | 4 PM
McCrane-Kashmere Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 19 | 6:30 PM
McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 22 | 6:30 PM
Stanaker Neighborhood Library

Saturday, October 24 | 2 PM
HPL Express Discovery Green

Tuesday, October 27 | 4:30 PM
HPL Express Frank

Film Screenings

Join us for a screening of the Harpo Productions film, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” starring Halle Berry.

Saturday, October 3 | 2:30 PM
Scenic Woods Regional Library

Tuesday, October 6 | 4 PM
Kendall Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 8 | 5:30 PM
Looscan Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 12 | 12 NOON
Pleasantville Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 15 | 5 PM
Moody Neighborhood Library

Saturday, October 17 | 2 PM
Lakewood Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 19 | 5:30 PM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 19 | 6:15 PM
Hillendahl Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 19 | 4 PM
Young Neighborhood Library

Wednesday, October 21 | 4 PM
Kendall Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 22 | 6 PM
Henington-Alief Regional Library

Saturday, October 24 | 3 PM
HPL Express Frank

Monday, October 26 | 6:30 PM
Collier Regional Library

Wednesday, October 28 | 7 PM
Scenic Woods Regional Library

Special Performances

Join us for special musical and theatrical performances at your neighborhood library. Provided by MoShows Entertainment.

Monday, October 5 | 6:30 PM
Mikki Holland | “Mom’s Mabley”
Stanaker Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 8 | 6:30 PM
Cassandra Tyson | “Sassy Jazz”
Scenic Woods Regional Library

Saturday, October 10 | 4 PM
Terry Parker | “Mr. Entertainer”
Acres Homes Neighborhood Library

Monday, October 12 | 5PM
Terry Parker | “Mr. Entertainer”
Young Neighborhood Library

Thursday, October 22 | 6:30 PM
Fanci Dancer & Mr. Smooth
“Swingout & 2-Step”
Park Place Regional Library

Central Library Events

Join us for the following special Books on the Bayou events at HPL's Central Library.

Books on the Bayou Celebration featuring Lucy Anne Hurston
October 3
11 AM – 5 PM
Join us for a day of entertainment and other activities as we celebrate the 8th Annual Books on the Bayou.

Book Discussion | 11 AM
Join us for a discussion of this year’s Books on the Bayou selection, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and enjoy a FREE beverage from the Inversion Café on the first floor.

Louie Carrington, Jr. | 12 NOON
Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Louie Carrington presents "Route 66/The Music of Harlem".

Lucy Anne Hurston | 1 PM
Author and sociologist Lucy Anne Hurston will discuss and sign copies of her book Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston is the niece of literary luminary and Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Film screening of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" will commence after the author presentation.

Wednesday, October 7
JAWAD presents “Rainbow Colored Sounds” | 6 PM
Dr. Nicole A. Waligora-Davis | 7 PM
Join us for a musical performance by JAWAD, followed by featured speaker, Dr. Nicole Waligora-Davis, Assistant Professor of English at Rice University.

Wednesday, October 14
TWEED! presents “Ladies of the Blues” | 6 PM
Dr. Elizabeth Brown-Guillory | 7 PM
Join us for a musical performance by TWEED!, followed by featured speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Brown-Guillory, Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas Southern University and former Professor of English at University of Houston

Wednesday, October 21
Bill Milligan presents “The Electric Poet Unplugged” | 6 PM
Storyteller Kathy Culmer | 7 PM
Join us for a performance by Bill Milligan, followed by a presentation from storyteller Kathy Culmer.

Wednesday, October 28
Kijana presents “Harlem Poets & Vaudeville Love Songs” | 6 PM
Book Discussion | 7 PM
Join us for a musical performance by Kijana, and stay for a discussion of Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Books on the Bayou Closing Event featuring Valerie Boyd
October 31
2 - 5 PM
Join us for an afternoon of musical entertainment and a visit from author and scholar, Valerie Boyd, as the 8th Annual Books on the Bayou comes to a close.

Valerie Boyd | 2 PM
Zora Neale Hurston scholar Valerie Boyd will discuss and sign copies of her book Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston. Valerie Boyd is the Charlayne Hunter-Gault Distinguished Writer in Residence at the University of Georgia.

Cassandra Tyson | 4 PM
Vocalist Cassandra Tyson presents "Sassy Jazz", a performance that pays tribute to the jazz legends.

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