Zora and Me: Valiant Stories of a Young Girl, Future Author

Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent African American novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist. Her love of storytelling and her inquisitive mind as a child allowed her to become a famous author as an adult. Born and raised in the all-black community of Eatonville, Florida, Zora was always getting into trouble and defying the rules to get an insider story. She quite frequently told largely exaggerated, or even entirely false, tales to her family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who would listen. She coveted books in the town's local bookstore, and one day she would find her own books at the same store. Having written over twenty books, short stories, plays, and articles, Zora's 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was her most successful product. The ultimate tale of life and identity, Their Eyes Were Watching God was, and still is, a book that caused huge improvements in women and African Americans lifestyles. Zora received much acclaim for this novel and many of her other pieces of literature. She received the chance to work alongside Langston Hughes, a Harlem Renaissance poet and playwright, and is well respected in today's literary community. I recently read a book about Zora Neale Hurston before she was a famous novelist, Zora and Me, by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, a tale narrated by Zora's best friend, Carrie.

Zora Neale Hurston, as an adult

Carrie, a fictional character, but based on real friends from Zora's life, has always been Zora's best friend, always following her around. Zora's shadow, you could say. But Carrie's quite alright being the shadow; she's quieter than loud, flamboyant Zora. Carrie always has a great time with Zora, hearing her recite her wacky stories. One day, Zora declares that there's a half-man/half-gator living in Eatonville. Of course, no believes her except Carrie, who is slightly skeptical herself. But if there is one thing that Zora is, it is determined. She stands by her story and will fight until she proves it. While traveling to their favorite tree, Zora, Carrie, and another friend discover a young man with a guitar, named Ivory. He is traveling to collect sap from the trees in Eatonville, and to sell it in the city. The friends like the kind man and enjoy his music.

Two children playing in Eatonville, FL

However, one day it is discovered that a "guitar-playing, hippie" is found dead, decapitated on the train tracks. Without needing to look, Zora and Carrie know who it is, their new friend Ivory. Saddened, the two friends go to the local swimming pond and discover that a local elderly woman, who considers herself a physic, has fallen off the edge of the cliff. The fall is declared accidental, but Zora thinks different. She believes that the same person that killed Ivory, attempted to kill the old woman. However, Zora doesn't think it was a person. She thinks it was the half-man/half-gator.

This leads the two friends on thrilling adventures, talking to the local officials, trespassing, eavesdropping, spying, and the most fun part: putting all the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery.

This short, but fun, book gives, in amazing detail, the life of Zora. The reader is in advantage because the narrator is Carrie. If the book were to be narrated by Zora, we would be unable to get the descriptive words and imagery that come with viewing Zora's different journeys. Beautifully written and surprisingly thoughtful, Zora and Me is the perfect book for those that wish to know more about Zora Neale Hurston, or for those that have never even heard of her.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars