Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

2017 Reading Challenge - Read a Classic by an Author of Color

I've come across this title now and again and was thankful for this month's challenge to give me a reason to read it.

A fairly short read (219 pages), but a slower read due to the southern African-American vernacular that Hurston writes the dialogue in.  And while not an epic novel, it has considerable depth.  A romance, a coming of age, statements on race and feminism in a post-slavery era.  The assertion of feminist independence at a time of oppression.  Not only does this describe the lead female character, but exemplifies the struggle of a black female author in 1937.  I'm glad Ms. Hurston persevered - her writing is lyrical and significant.

Mini-Spoiler:  Interesting to read this book in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma just this past month.

Quotes:  "He wanted to be friendly with her again....He was longing for peace but on his own terms."

"In the cool of the afternoon the fiend from hell specifically sent to lovers arrived at Janie's ear.  Doubt."