Read a Banned Book!

In 1937, writer and ethnographer Zora Neale Hurston published her greatest work to little fanfare -- Their Eyes Were Watching God was largely ignored, and was even viewed as tawdry.  Decades later, scholars and readers rediscovered her classic and fell under the spell of its heroine, Janie Crawford, a strong-willed African-American woman who narrates the passionate and tragic events of her life in 1930s Florida.  It is now regarded as one of the most important works in 20th century African American literature.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is just one of many books that the American Library Association has recorded as being banned or challenged by various groups -- check out our Banned Books display in the Adult Department.  HM

It's Phenomenal!

April is Poetry Month! For a quick start, read a tiny book by Maya Angelou entitled Phenomenal Woman. It contains only four poems dedicated to the celebration of Women. Angelou incorporates rhyme and free verse to get her message across. Although Maya Angelou is best-known for her autobiographies, she has published eight volumes of poetry. Regardless of your preference, you’ll agree that this petite book is powerful. DB