7 Must Read Books By or About Zora Neale Hurston

7 Must-Read Books By or About Zora Neale Hurston
by DuEwa Frazier

Zora Neale Hurston

 The famed novelist, folklorist, anthropologist, essayist, playwright, and beloved member of the Harlem Renaissance Zora Neale Hurston has a birthday on Tuesday, January 7th!  Hurston is considered to be one of the great American writers and literary foremothers, with heirs such as Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Tayari Jones, and many others. 

Check out this list of seven must-read books from children's stories to novels and autobiographies, by or about Zora Neale Hurston.  

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston (January 14, 2020)

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance 

A collection of short stories Hurston wrote while in college at Barnard College in New York City. The collection features stories about love, migration, gender, class, racism, and sexism. Includes eight of Hurston's "lost" stories.

Zora! The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Dennis Brindell Fradin and Judith Bloom Fraddin (2019)

Zora! The Life of Zora Neale Hurston

A biographical children's book on the author's life for ages 10-12.

Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston (2018)

Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" 

Zora Neale Hurston tells the story of a former African slave, Cudjo Lewis, after interviewing Cudjo in Plateau, Alabama. 

Read: Common is Bringing Zora Neale Hurston's Barracoon to TV

Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground by T.R. Simon (2018)

The second book in the Zora and Me series gives a fictionalization of Zora's childhood 

discovery and adventure with her friend Carrie Brown. 

Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon (2011)

The first title in the Zora and Me series, set in a town like Eatonville, Florida which follows the fictionalized childhood of Zora and her friend Carrie (narrator). 

Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography 
by Zora Neale Hurston (1942, 2006)

Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography 

The writer tells her own story, revealing her childhood growing up in the rural South to her experiences studying anthropology and her eventual rise to becoming one of the leading intellectuals and artists of her time.

Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston 
by Valerie Boyd (2004)

Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston 

Valerie Boyd gives a historical account of Hurston's life and times as a author, anthropologist, playwright and major icon in the Harlem Renaissance.  Hurston's career spanned over thirty years. 

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Check out DuEwa's latest children's book Alice's Musical Debut (2019)

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NEW BOOK! Quincy Rules by DuEwa Frazier

I'm excited to announce my newest title, Quincy Rules (October 2016, Lit Noire Publishing/CreateSpace) a teen novel!  Read the description below, and check out Quincy Rules in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon.com!

Book Description

Quincy Rules $9.99 192 pages

Imagine receiving mysterious letters and cards with no return address, only colorful stamps from all around the world. These letters and cards tell little about the person who sends them, other than the fact that the sender, is the father you have never met. Quincy Lyles is a 15-year old teen who mastered yoga at a young age, gets straight A's in school and never gets into trouble. That is, until she starts to search for her birth father. Struggling to understand her true identify and background, Quincy goes on an adventurous quest to find her father. The one friend Quincy can depend on, Delaney Rojas, helps her in her quest. Quincy begins to develop parts of herself she never knew existed within her new found "sleuthing" abilities. Quincy Rules is a young adult mystery with hints of humor and mysticism. Grades 6-9.
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Author Interview: Keke Chanel

Author Interview:  Keke Chanel 

Author, Keke Chanel

Silence by Keke Chanel

Keke Chanel is a delightful author who I meet online a few years ago.  She promotes via her blog and websites and is the author of several books to date. Read my interview with Keke to find out more about this powerhouse author! 

~ DuEwa

About the Author 

KeKe Chanel grew up in the small town of Greensburg, Louisiana in a home filled to the brim with siblings and personalities, so it’s a wonder how she found a quiet space for anything. “I hid under my bed.” That’s the answer she is likely to give if ever asked how she managed it. Sharing a house with three other children was very trying at times. Yet, KeKe always found solace in a book. In third grade, KeKe began writing poetry. Over time, her collection of notebooks expanded as did her love for the art of writing.

In 2006, she started work on her first book “Wicked Love” which will be released sometime in the near future. Starting a blog in 2010 opened up a great platform to showcase her work. Receiving positive feedback from her audience, KeKe decided to put her short-stories into book form and published her debut novel Deadly In Stilettos in 2012. KeKe Chanel won her first Literary Award in 2014 “The Artie Award for Literature,” and has been featured in VTWILLI Magazine. She is also a recipient of the BWABC Literacy Rocks Author of The Year Award. KeKe has been showcased on blog talk radio shows such as My Cultural Conversations with Verona Mitchell and Let’s Talk with Ms. Shanell.

KeKe attends events within her community and throughout the state, as well as meet and greets with local Book Clubs who feature her work. In January of 2014, KeKe along with her best friend and Manager Latarra started The Purple Hugs Foundation. A non-profit organization geared to help teenagers, grades 7-12 prepare for life after high school. Their goal is to inspire and motivate youth with a positive mindset and environment. For more information about The Purple Hugs Foundation, please visit www.thepurplehugsfoundation.org.“Giving back to the people who support me is very important.”

KeKe is a wife and mother. She enjoys reading, making up her own songs, watching football and movies, shopping, spending time with loved ones, and playing games on her IPad. She resides in Louisiana with her family. For more information about Keke Chanel visit her website: www.thekekechanel.com.

Tell us about your journey as a writer.  When did you start? 
My Journey as  a writer began in the third grade. It started due to my love for poetry after being introduced to it by my teacher. Years later, I would make up short stories about my family and friends, and as they say, the rest is history. I didn’t write my first novel until 2005, but it was lost when Hurrican Katrina hit. My computer hard drive was destroyed and I hadn’t saved it anywhere else. I took that as a sign to pursue a different path and stopped writing for a while, but I wasn’t able to escape it long. I found myself writing something daily at my job. So, in 2006 I started what would become my debut novel Deadly In Stilettos. Since then, I have released ten books. 

Who are some of your favorite writers? 
That list can become quite long. Lol. There are so many writers a love and admire. My top five would have to be: Eric Jerome Dickey, Brenda Jackson, Stephen King, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Octavia Butler. Since becoming a full-time author, I’ve met many amazingly talented authors that are now on my list of favorites. I am an avid reader when I’m not writing. Books ROCK!! 

Tell us about your current book (s). 
My current book is called Silence. It is my first paranormal suspense. I’m super excited about it because paranormal suspense is my favorite genre. It is set in the fictitious small town of Milledgeville, where an eight-year-old girl was taken and never found. She is trapped in limbo and blames the town for her current state, so she seeks revenge on anyone deemed fit. Savannah Rose, the main character is out for justice and won’t stop until it’s had.   

What inspired you to write this book? 
I was inspired to write this book from a dream. The concept just kinda happened and I was hooked. The questions plaguing me were: “What would happen if people saw but wasn’t really paying attention to their surroundings? Through all the Noise, can we truly hear the Silence?” Silence is the deadliest scream! I want readers to place themselves inside the story. As I developed the plot, it played out in my mind like a movie. I wanted the story to evoke every emotion to the reader as they take the journey through the eyes of Savannah Rose and what happened to her. 

Who is your audience? 
My audience is very broad, from age 13 and up, male or female. It doesn’t matter the cultural background. Silence has a cast of characters that will challenge readers. Some you can figure out, others, you cannot. I don’t like to totally give away the ethnicity of my characters. I want readers to see themselves within the story. 

What do you hope your audience will get from your work? 
In any KeKe Chanel work, readers will definitely be entertained and inspired. I want my audience to feel they can handle any obstacle thrown their way and come out a better person. My stories and characters are all faced with challenges, but they always persevere. My goal is to uplift, as well as provide an escape to a world of wonder, intrigue, and unpredictability.         

What has been the reaction to your book(s)? 
I’ve received great feedback about Silence. Just the other day I received an inbox via Facebook from a reader saying how much they enjoyed the story. Silence has been out a few weeks, and I’m very pleased with what readers are saying. If I can get them to post a review, that would be even better. I don’t know why, but lots of readers don’t post reviews. My other books are receiving amazing reactions as well. I don’t like reading the same plots and storylines, so I do my best to stay away from that. You can bet your last dollar that a KeKe Chanel book won’t be like any other. There will always be something different, special, and genuine within each and every one of them. I pour more and more of myself with each new work. I’ve had readers to tell me that. It makes me a better writer. 

In what ways do you keep a connection to your readers and audience? 
I keep a connection to my readers by inviting them to join my Facebook group KeKe Chanel Books. I also engage with them via various social media platforms. I have a blog: www.kickinitwithkeke.blogspot.com where I encourage them to comment and connect. I have a page on my website www.thekekechanel.com. where they can leave comments and send emails to me, which I manage myself. I do several events where I personally interact with the people. I take photos, sign books, etc. to stay connected with my readers. It’s essential in maintaining relevance and longevity in this industry. People tend to support someone they can relate to or feel comfortable with. Saying “hello” or offering a warm smile has never hurt anyone. 

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? 
My advice to aspiring authors is to study your craft, practice makes perfects, and never allow a negative comment about your work to deter you from pursuing your passion. Surround yourself with people who support you and return the favor. Write daily whether it’s a sentence or a paragraph to keep your creative flow. And lastly, humble yourself accordingly. People don’t have to support you, appreciate the ones who do. 

What’s next for you (projects, events, etc.)? 
I am working on my next book project as we speak. It will release in 2017. It’s called Deliver Me From Darkness. This upcoming year will be wonderful for KeKe Chanel. I have a few things brewing. I will also be attending several events throughout the year as always. Go to my website and subscribe to stay in the know.

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The Jumbies are COMING! NEW RELEASE by Tracey Baptiste

I met fellow children's writer, Tracey Baptiste at the First Annual Kweli Children's Book Writers Conference in New York City earlier this year.  She's a writer with great energy, and like many of us, is on a mission to add diversity to the world of children's books.  I wish to congratulate Tracey on the release of THE JUMBIES.  She will have a second book launch event on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at La Casa Azul Bookstore from 6-8pm. 

Check out reviews of The Jumbies:

“Endlessly addictive and hypnotic.” —Essence Magazine 

“This girl’s got guts . . . Corrine La Mer brings badassery and wisdom beyond her years. Launching brave kids into the world of the horror novel, and leading them through it with lyrical prose, author Tracey Baptiste knows just how to seize kids’ attention.”—Foreword Reviews

“It’s refreshing to see a fantasy with its roots outside Europe . . . this is a book worth reading simply for its originality.”—Kirkus Reviews

New Book: Drinking From a Bitter Cup by Angela Jackson Brown

Drinking From a Bitter Cup by Angela Jackson Brown

Order a copy of Drinking From A Bitter Cup right now at Amazon. Click here.  At Barnes and Noble. Click here.  The publisher's website, WiDo Publishing. Click here.

Listen to Angela Jackson Brown's interview on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio!

10/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Author, Quanie Miller on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

Author, Quanie Miller

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio is ALL NEW on Saturday, October 19, 2013 featuring novelist, Quanie Miller!  Listen live to the show @ 1pm EST and hear Quanie Miller discuss her new novel It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy!  Call in at (646) 716-9474 to join the discussion.  Listen to past and archived shows hosted by DuEwa Frazier. 

Tips for Teaching the Novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, is my favorite book.  Why?  Hurston's mastery of poetic language, vernacular, metaphor and "telling a story, within a story" makes Their Eyes a delectable read.  I am teaching the novel to one of my English classes.  I have heard from several friends and relatives that Their Eyes was a difficult read for them because of the vernacular throughout the story.  The dialect, they cited, makes is hard to "get into" the story.  If you are not familiar with reading or teaching different dialects in literature, read on.

I have tips for educators interested in teaching Their Eyes Were Watching God so that it can be enjoyable for students to read again and again.  You cannot teach this novel without helping students understand the author's background and what inspired her to write.  Here are my suggestions.

1.  Share the cultural background of the author.  Zora Neale Hurston was an African American woman novelist, playwright and anthropologist. Students should read and study the author's background, including her childhood, cultural and artistic influences and background as an African American who sought to explore the lives of Blacks in the south. What makes Zora Neale Hurston so fascinating is that she lived her life, to create art and make herself happy, not to fit into society's mode of what a woman or African American woman should be.

2.  Include multi-media.  Students have varying learning styles.  Straight lecturing and discussion from reading does not engage students - whether they are in high school or college.  Show videos and images connect to Zora Neale Hurston's life, the lives of the artists and scholars she surrouned herself with and the people of Eatonville, FL - the setting for Their Eyes Were Watching God.

3.  Analytical writing tasks.  As students read chapters of the book, give them areas to focus on and analyze:  Hyperbole and characterization, Janie's identity and relationships, Mule talk and Signifyin' in the novel and feminism. You can also have students rewrite chapters from the perspective of a different character, instead of Janie.  How does the novel change then?  The Common Core State Standards call for students to study information text and write in a variety of genres.  The articles you find on Hurston's life and the town of Eatonville, FL can provide students with the opportunity to fully characterize the author and analyze her intent for Their Eyes Were Watching God.

4.  Critical thinking.  Have students create and pose their own questions for each other about the novel.  Have them debate amongst themselves about the choices Zora Neale Hurston made as an author.  Questions which can serve as the foundation for a debate include: Why did the author choose to make Janie a mulatto person? Why do you think Hurston did not allow Janie's mother to make an appearance and have a greater presence in the novel?  Students can give their perspective as to whether the questions point to a significant enough factor in the final outcome for Janie, the protagonist.

5.  Lastly, secondary students love to craft projects.  Have them create their own multi-media presentation, using video, audio, text and images to report on characterization and various literary elements in the novel.  Require the students to reveal the "Big Learning" they received from reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, and how what they learned from the novel may impact how they study future novels. 

To learn more about how to teach the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, including suggested resources, Contact English Educator, DuEwa Frazier, M.Ed., M.F.A. at duewa (dot) frazier (at) gmail (dot) com.  DuEwa will be a featured workshop facilitator at the 2012 Mosaic Literary Conference at Hostos Community College on Saturday, November 10th at 2pm. 

11/4 RADIO INTERVIEW: R. Kayeen Thomas, Author of ANTEBELLUM

 

Rhymes, Views & News Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier is all new on Sunday, November 4, 2012 @ 5pm EST!  Featuring author R. Kayeen Thomas.  R. Kayeen will discuss his latest book ANTEBELLUM (July 2012, Atria/Strebor Books).  

Listen to the interview via Blog Talk Radio or call in to join the discussion at (646) 716-9474!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R. KayeenThomas is one of Washington, D.C’s hottest writers.  Having lived in the nation’s capital since the age of 3, he self-published his first book, Light: Stories of Urban Resurrection, during his junior year at Carleton College in Northfield, MN.  Upon returning home to D.C to market his first work, Thomas sold 1,000 copies of his book in the Washington Metropolitan area before returning back to finish his undergraduate studies.  Now, at age 27, he is an author, poet, playwright, hip-hop artist, journalist, and social justice advocate.  He resides in Southeast D.C. with his wife and daughter.