New Episode! Their Eyes Were Watching God
and links to southern literature, Jesmyn Ward, and Florida
Hey there, listeners!
Funny thing, but it turns out that the less time you spend on your phone, the more you read! I’ve been avoiding Instagram and turning the pages and it feels GREAT. I can’t wait to tell you what I’ve been reading lately.
But first, Sara and I have a brand new episode for you, all about Zora Neale Hurston’s Black feminist masterpiece: Their Eyes Were Watching God. Sara read and did not finish this classic in high school. We talk about where she stopped and why, and how we both have a greater appreciation for this work as adults. We gush about Hurston’s writing, bond over a love of Janie the dreamer, and share some tips for approaching this seminal work of southern literature.
Of course we have plenty of sweltering summer pairings. You can shop that list here. Plus, we spotted one of our pairings (and a mutual favorite) on this list of southern noir novels.
For more Hurtson-inspired reading,
Peruse the collection of Hurston’s stage plays at the Library of Congress.
How to tell a story about Florida.
Some of these links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Coming Up:
Next week, on July 28th, we’ll drop our interview with Jamise Harper of @spinesvines and @diversespines. This episode is SO FUN. Jamise is an avid reader and an incredible champion for the books she loves. During our chat, she told us all about what it’s like to interview famous authors like Jasmine Guillory and she offered a few “novel pairings” of her own by pairing some of her favorite books with just the right wine. We can’t wait for you to listen to this one!
Next on the summer lineup is Like Water for Chocolate, which leads us into Women in Translation Month. If you’re looking for translated titles to read in August, Sara recommends Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi.
Currently Reading:
I devoured The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin last week and cannot recommend it enough, even if you don’t love sci-fi or fantasy novels. I was completely swept away by her imagination, sense of humor, and the novel’s strong sense of place. I also enjoyed Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert on audio.
Right now, I’m reading We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry, and it’s giving me all of the high school field hockey flashbacks, though I didn’t grow up in the ‘80s. And next I’d like to pick up Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb, as I’ve been itching to read a memoir this summer.
I’m listening to an abridged BBC performance of The Fellowship of the Ring and contemplating my next audiobook from Libro.fm*. Have you listened to any great books lately?
*Listeners, we’re excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you two audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get two audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!
And click here to find a list of Black-owned bookstores to support when you sign up.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and my newsletter. Find me at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. We love hearing what you’re reading, so feel free to tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a lovely week, everyone!
-C