Their Eyes Were Watching God

Who it's for

Janie tells her own story to her friend Pheoby, so the frame itself models claiming authorship of one's life.

Feelings it meets

• Identity
• Starting Over
• Self-Worth
• Boundaries
• Gender Expectations
• Toxic Relationship
• Grief

What it is

Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel is framed as Janie Crawford telling her life story to her friend Pheoby after returning to her hometown. Raised by her grandmother Nanny, who experienced slavery and values security over love, Janie is married off to the farmer Logan Killicks, then leaves with Joe (Jody) Starks, who becomes mayor of the all-Black town of Eatonville, Florida, and treats her as a trophy wife.

Where to find it

In print; libraries (Libby/Hoopla); audiobook read by Ruby Dee available.

Before you start

Heads up: Domestic violence and drownings.

Age: Ages 14+

Insist on yourself; never imitate.Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series, “Self-Reliance”