Melissa Clay

Their Eyes were Watching God by: Zora Neale Hurston

This is the story of a young woman, Janine, who is in search of love. Instead, she is forced to marry a man that she does not love. Then she runs off with a man who dictates her every move. Janine ultimately meets Teacake, who is able to love her without ruling her life.

Due to the strong feminist overtone, the book was highly criticized by many. Alice Walker rediscovered this amazing story in the late 70s. It is my favorite book because Hurston dared to break barriers established by society to suppress women by writing this amazing book. In 2004, Hurston was honored by being placed on the US Postage stamp.