Classics

Book Style: THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD by Zora Neale Hurston

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Brandi Bailey

Staff Writer

Brandi can be found writing about books and dreaming up outfits on her blog, Book Style. She'll probably be reading something with mythology, Brits, unicorns, a feisty heroine, or (ideally) all of the above. She has lived in too many cities, but has settled down in Portland with her awesome husband and almost-as-awesome cat. Follow her on Instagram @PinkBBWhiskey.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston - Book Style

Today’s Book Style is a modern American classic. I can still remember the first time I read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. A lot of the subtext and symbology escaped me as a 16 year old high school student from the incredibly white suburbs of central Virginia, but it still gutted me. The more I’ve reread it over the years, the more I firmly believe everyone should read it at least once to help introduce themselves to the topics of racism and light privilege. From a feminist standpoint — or as I like to call it, a commonsense standpoint — Their Eyes Were Watching God is an equally powerful look at relationships and abuse.

This Book Style starts with a leaf-y pencil skirt & a pear print sweater. Toss an adorably ladylike pair of “Tea Cake” Mary Janes on your feet and let’s move on to accessories. A “Janey” watch, “Love Struck” wrap bracelet, “Love Slave” ring (so, so, so many double meanings within the novel for this piece… SO MANY!), “Horizon” earrings, and bee brooch  – which you absolutely must pin on that pear sweater – will add the perfect amount of golden shine to your outfit. Grab your “Front Porch” tote and coat those nails in “Reminisce” lacquer and you’re ready for checkers or whatever life throws your way.

What do you think? Is Hurston’s novel still relevant?