Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston

This is a story told by Janie to her best friend Pheoby to keep the gossip from growing about why Janie returned to Eatonville.

Janie was raised by her Grandmother a freed slave in Florida. Nanny's biggest fear for Janie is for her to become a "mule" for some no-count man. So when she sees Janie getting friendly with a neighbor boy, Nanny sets a plan to have Janie married off to Logan a somewhat successful older farmer. Nanny hopes Logan will give Janie the "front porch" existence of Nanny's dreams. Unfortunately, Logan was looking for a helper (mule) not a partner or even a lover.

One afternoon Janie meets Jody walking down the road, he speaks like no one she has ever met. Jody is ambitious and has very big dreams and pulls Jamie right into them. They run off to Eatonville and get married. Jody gives Janie the "front porch" life of Nanny's dreams, but with that comes a high price, of giving up her own dreams.

In mid life Janie's world changes abruptly and maybe she will find the adolescent love of her youth.

This is wonderful fast paced story told of hope, love and honesty. The language of this book is beautiful, there are many great quotes and moments in it. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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