Wired for Books guestbook for the discussion of Raymond Carver, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, and Leo Tolstoy

Thank you for visiting Wired for Books: Community Reconsidered. We would love for you to join the discussion we are having here. This is where you can post your comments, questions, ideas and opinions about the readings.

Listen to Marilyn and Edgar with special guest scholars, Daniel Born, Annette Oxindine, Peter Heidtmann, and Vattel Rose as they discuss the works of Raymond Carver, Zora Neale Hurston, Leo Tolstoy and Toni Morrison. If you'd rather read the transcripts the old-fashioned way, they are available here: Carver transcripts, Hurston transcripts, Tolstoy transcripts, and Morrison transcripts.

And now we have the questions and answer recordings in RealAudio. Listen as Marilyn and Edgar discuss the questions and comments that you had about the novels and short stories in Carver Q&A, Hurston Q&A, Tolstoy Q&A, and Morrison Q&A.

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Our guestbook is now closed. The postings (1997-2003) are in reverse chronological order. The oldest post is at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for visiting!

I really enjoyed Zora Neale Hurston's, "Their eyes were watching God". It taught an important lesson about valuing your own opinion about yourself over the judgments and accusations of others. In the end, Janie learns to accept the lot she has come out with in life, and has made the most of her situation and struggles with racism/prejudices about being female. At first, I was frustrated about the difficult dialect of this book, but after you get through the first few chapters the story is interesting and enriching in an abundance of ways.
Melisa <anonymousnemo52@ yahoo.com>
Pa USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 10:54:55 (EST)

What is meant by writing an essay in "PRINT" only.
Jose Philip <rocklandboys@hotmail.com>
Nanuet, NY USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 08:43:10 (EST)

I have to write a term paper by monday...and i cannot find criticisms on raymond carver....if anyone knows where i can find any please e-mail me!
Suzie <SuzieSweets23@aol.com>
Bronx, ny USA - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 20:58:37 (EST)

very nice site....i come again, Jörg.
Senftenberg Hotels Pensionen <info@pension-senftenberg.de>
Senftenberg, Brandenburg Deutschland - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 12:51:59 (EST)

Thought I would sign! "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written." Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)
Dani
USA - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 10:02:45 (EST)

If you are interested in Toni Morrison's "Sula", "Tar Baby" and "Jazz", visit my website: www.morrisontoni.org/
Dr. Amrik Singh Saini <amriksaini@yahoo.com>
Sacramento, CA USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 20:54:01 (EST)

what are the 10 questions the women have, starting on page 2, about Janie. "their eyes were watching god".
Joe <AmrcnGrl27S@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 12:24:59 (EST)

I HAVE ONE QUESTION, CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT THE SEVEN ELEMENTS WHICH ARE : HOUSE, FAMILY, MOTHER, CAT, DOG, AND FRIEND CORRESPOND TO OR COMMENTS ON PECOLA BREEDLOVE'S LIFE?
YVONNE WILLIAMS <GLAMOURGIRL1982@MSN.COM>
DETROIT, MI USA - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 12:17:21 (EST)

I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THE BLUEST EYES WAS A VERY ASTONISHING BOOK, AND THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT ALL ENGLISH TEACHERS SHOULD TEACH A LESSON ON THIS BOOK. IT WAS SO WONDERFUL TO READ, AND IT ALSO WENT INTO DEPTH WITH THE REALITY WORLD OF THE PAST AND ALSO OF THE FUTURE ON HOW MOST "POOR BLACK" PEOPLE VIEW THERE LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THE "RICH WHITES".
yvonne williams <glamourgirl1982@msn.com>
detroit, mi USA - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 12:14:03 (EST)

Hello! I'm a french student, and i've chosen the matter "Women in Carver's work" as a subject for my thesis. Could you help me to find more links about this subject? Thanks for your help, I really enjoy your discussions!!
Eva <evanthony@aol.com>
toulon, france - Friday, November 29, 2002 at 06:19:19 (EST)

In Morrsion's Paradise, does anyone know who the white girl is that they shoot first? If so, how did you figure that out? I've read the book twice!
Alison
USA - Monday, November 25, 2002 at 21:41:14 (EST)

I loved reading the book. I was just wondering about Hurston and "Janie." They are similar in some ways. How is the book related to Hurston's view on marriage.
Shauna Jenkins <elz99@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 21:35:55 (EST)

Hi, can anyone explain what the role of music is in T.Morrison's The Bluest Eye?
Anna
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 11:48:17 (EST)

I am so glad to find so many people so completely mad of Raymond carver's writing i have to say i really enjoyed reading his short stories in which any advised reader may find answers to any everyday life issue. Being a third year english student i have to tell the truth: in France i had never before read so realistic stories being so deep. i hope my English is understandable i am sorry not to be able to produce a better English but i must tell i do the best i can.To finish with i 'd like to say i would be thankful to anyone who could help me find more information about the theme of the visible and the invisible in his collection "where i am calling from"
melanie pierre <fat78190@yahoo.fr>
st quentin, France - Monday, November 11, 2002 at 09:18:42 (EST)

KMOV-TV Channel 4 in St. Louis is hosting a live online chat with Anchor Vickie Newton on "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Please join us on Tuesday, November 12, 2002, at 7 p.m. Central Time. To join us, go to http://kmov.com/education/bookclub.html or http://www.kmov.com/cgi-bin/discuss/postlist.pl?Cat=&Board=bookclub.
Stacey Bohning <sbohning@kmov.com>
St. Louis, MO USA - Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 20:52:38 (EST)

Can you tell me where I can find a FREE critique/analysis of Raymond Carver's "Popular Mechanics"
Skip
USA - Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 20:44:45 (EST)

This is the worst book ever next to "house on mango street". Hurston is a worthless leftist who couldn't write her way out of first grade test. I hate this damn commie book. I'm trying to find negative reviews of this book for English and for some reason everybody likes this. send me any negative reviews you can find. Death to Zora!
John McCool <johnmccool21@yahoo.com>
Austin, Tx USA - Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 09:38:11 (EST)

A Great Website, thanks
Vrindavan <vrindavan2378@yahoo.com>
USA - Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 21:08:12 (EST)

Greetings to Lovers of Zora Neale Hurston's Work's. I attended the Zora Neale Hurston Tea Salon at Central Park. I would like to know if any members of this forum attended. And I would like to know your comments. -The NY Times Newspaper published an informative review. In the Spirit, Cassandra-Meroe Wimbs, MS. MA.
Cassandra M. Wimbs (Meroe) <cmw8351@hotmail.com>
NY USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 22:41:07 (EDT)

I was first introduced to Raymond Carver in my Literature class in college. I truly enjoyed reading his short story, "Neighbors." I am actually in the process of doing some research on his work and am having difficulty locating resources depicting the area in which I would like to analyze this particular story. Any suggestions?
Jaclyn <jumpingjax2000@yahoo.com>
Glenolden, PA USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 23:14:03 (EDT)

Just surfing. A wise man will always change his mind . . a fool never will
Peter aus dem Saarland <pHoffman@t-online.de>
Saarland, Germany - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 06:37:27 (EDT)

i read the Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and i was wandering why it's called the The Bluest Eye(singular), and not the Bluest Eyes(plural). If it is possible, can someone answer my question?
Simone <sassiebutclassy3@aol.com>
pembroke pines, fl USA - Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 15:54:12 (EDT)

Be sure to listen to the interviews with Toni Morrison and Raymond Carver, available in RealAudio at Wired for Books.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 16:08:34 (EDT)

Greetings, My main areas on Hurston's works are 1) Her color system and their comparative meanings 2) HIgh John de Conquer', Shango and Jesus 3) Her traditional Healing Systems as compared with others of the African Diaspora. My favorite works of hers are 1) Mules and Men 2) Moses Man of the Mountain 3) High John de Conquer' Now since she said that the Bible was the best Conjure, I am thinking that she knew of a psalm system as some spiritual workers' I've met do. I have reason to suppose that psalm 56 is the psalm for High John. We are planning to have a High John and 7 African powers event just to see if there is enough interest in doing one for the Harlem Book Fair. I was going to do it in December,but a Sango priestess objected. I respected her wishes, but I could tell that she hadn't done much research on his retentions and survivals in the West, i.e. Junkanoo. For many reasons, I keep missing the Eatonville Festival. This January I will be there. I used her works in my UC Berkeley Folklore Thesis on Black belief,practices and theory and in my Traditional Healing Systems of the AFrican Diaspora Conference, which has been transcribed and published on a small run. Stay in touch, Cm Wimbs ROOTS Institute Let me know what else is known about High John as an African Retention.
Cassandra M. Wimbs of R.O.O.T.S. Institute for African Diaspora Folklife <cmw8351@hotmail.com>
Jamaica, NY USA - Monday, August 26, 2002 at 03:15:48 (EDT)

I've done research work on the novels of Toni Morrison. She has inspired me beyond words and I've left my country and my cushy job of a principal in a high school in India. I've joined as a Faculty in Kempner High School, Houston, TX last month and look forward meeting this charismatic writer soon. She's a rare treasure for the whole world indeed.
Dr. Ritu Basant <drritubasant@rediffmail.com>
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, August 31, 2002 at 01:22:55 (EDT)

If someone can help me answer these questions by 7/15 that would be most appreciated: What role does Mrs. Turner play in the novel? What role do the Porch Sitters play in the novel? Doest Hurston use the role of these characters to make universal statements? How do they contribute to the novel?
Teresa <liltrace86@hotmail.com>
Orlando, FL USA - Monday, July 15, 2002 at 19:49:20 (EDT)

alt.authors.raymond-carver ask that it be added to your news server
f sheff
USA - Saturday, June 22, 2002 at 18:51:23 (EDT)

HI there, it is a great site but i want a favour from anyone from u which is.to wirte to me essay on(in well argumentative essay discuss the significant of sula presence in the novel mainly to shadrack,the bottom community,eva and nel......and thanks very much please send it to me at my email which is suheir00@hotmail.com or at hugo4woman2000@yahoo.com
suheir <suheir00@hotmail.com>
Palestine, USA - Saturday, June 22, 2002 at 11:28:33 (EDT)

I would love to get an opinion on the writing styles of Carver.. and the interpretation of some of his work
Merry <gatorpooks@hotmail.com>
Gainesville, fl USA - Friday, June 07, 2002 at 08:54:16 (EDT)

Great site! Like to submit a recommendation. I’m always on the lookout for quality fiction that’s off of the beaten path and recently found a real gem. The book is called STRIP CUTS and is written by David Drayer. It’s sort of a coming-of-age story, but it’s also about numerous characters in a small Pennsylvania town. Think Catcher in the Rye and Winesburg, Ohio with a twenty-first century kick. Very funny, but touching and sad too. Our reading group is a very mixed bag: seven women and three men ranging in age from twenty-four to fifty-one and everyone LOVED IT. I’ve yet to see it a bookstore but Amazon has it, of course, and there are a lot of good reviews of it there too. Check it out! Zachary
Zach Whitmer <zwhitmer@socal.rr.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 01:07:04 (EDT)

I think that this book would have been more interesting to me if the dialect wasn't so confusing.
Marcus Parker <marcusxx2bellsouth.net>
birmingham, al USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 23:49:11 (EDT)

hi, my name is Matan. i'm sorry to bother u. i was wondering if u could help me. long time ago i bumped into a ray carver song. it was something about old friends, and how good they are. i don't remember anything about this song. i thought maybe u know something and u can help me. so please, if u know a song like this, copy-paste it for me if u have it, or tell me how to find it. if not, maybe at lease u can tell me where to search. forums maybe, or i dont know... thanx very much. sorry again matan
matan <matan_b@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 20:02:33 (EDT)

I have a question on the short story "Cathedral". Why has Carver chosen this name for his story. Any idea?
Tobias Aumüller <t.aumueller@t-online.de>
USA - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 10:09:34 (EDT)

It seems like a lot of people are sort of missing the point in discussing Carver here. The way I look at things, literature is not a puzzle to be put together, and all discussion of "themes" and "what this or that symbol 'means'" is entirely irrelevant to the experience of the art itself. If after reading something, you are told that some event "signifies" this or that, this really does not change the experience you had with it. Instead of wondering what the "theme" of a story is, or what some symbol "means," it makes more sense to me to just enjoy the experience for whatever it was, and not worry about trying to express in words what exactly was good about it (which very often is not really something that can be expressed in words). Most of the time, it just seems like people discuss these things just to sound "deep." It's pretty dumb, I think, and most authors I've talked to agree--they hate literary analysis. Just some thoughts, feel free to email if you agree or disagree, whatever.
Jay Green <jjgreen8@hotmail.com>
USA - Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 00:58:10 (EDT)

I am writing a paper on the story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" by Raymond Carver. My thesis is: The final word in the story "What We Talk..." is 'dark'. In what ways does the story end in moral, emotional and physical darkness? Will you please comment on it? I need all the help I can get. Thank You :)
Iwona Fracz <kielichowa@o2.pl>
Elblag, Poland - Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at 17:19:25 (EDT)

Their Eyes Were Watching God symbolizes a transitional period in African American Literature. Hurston takes the African American novel to the genre of romance, and a liberation of the protagonists (Janie) through three different marriages. Hurston uses beautiful symbolism throughout the novel, and she implies that an African American women can be free. Janie learns what the struggle is like to break away from the stereotypical notions that were placed on African American women during the early 19th Century. Though not well accepted at first, this novel is finally getting the recognition that it deserves among the scholarly merits. Finally, this novel gave me a new impression of the African American culture, and I formulated a deep respect of what this culture has had to endure throughout the ages of slavery, early post-slavery (separate but equal law passed in 1896), and today.
Ron Yorko <ryorko@hotmail.com>
Chester, WV USA - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 15:58:10 (EDT)

i think this sucks it has like no info and i dont think iam going to come to this website i mean info place again THIS SUCKS
lindsay <the_stiffmister_20@htoamil.com>
coquitlam, B.C canada - Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 14:30:03 (EDT)

I need information about "song of Solomon" by tony Morrison, I´ll be thanked if you send me any kind of information, esp. about chapter 1
Marcela Calerame <marciaemarelac@yahoo.com>
Bs.as., Argentina - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 14:16:46 (EDT)

I am writing a paper entitled Self And Community In Beloved. My thesis:The recuperation of African American history cannot be achieved independent of black community Any comment on the the thesis. I need some help.
pweiqiang <pweiqiang@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 12:22:54 (EDT)

I am writing a paper entitled Self And Community In Beloved. My thesis;The recuperation of African American history cannot be achieved independent of black community Any comment on the the thesis. I need some help.
pweiqiang <pweiqiang@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 12:21:56 (EDT)

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Akranes, ICELAND - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 22:37:12 (EDT)

Is there anyone with a good psychoanalytic analysis of the Raymond Carver's short story "Cathedral," defining the id, super-ego, and the ego?
Jason Barron <jasonb98383@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 07:09:34 (EDT)

I am writing a paper on the short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" the author Raymond Carver. My thesis: Portrays the conflicts various characters fail in their quest to find their own interpretations of love. Will you please comment on this thesis? I need all the help I can get. A.S.A.P Thank You
Betty Owens <Willie_Betty Owens>
Covina, Ca USA - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 16:08:32 (EST)

Will you please give me a literary analysis on What We Talk About When We Talk About Love Thank You
Betty Owens <Willie_Betty@hotmail.com>
Covina, Ca USA - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 02:13:55 (EST)

Invented by engineers from CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences), patented in both UK and China, OO EED is designed for the improvement of both the eye blood circulation and ourishing of the histiocyte. By means of alternately exercising the eye muscles-contraction and relation during the therapy period, it can reach the goal of removing visual fatigue and improving eyesight. visit our website for details,thx
Leonard Neo <nlx2k@yahoo.com.cn>
beijing, bj china - Wednesday, April 03, 2002 at 02:22:36 (EST)

I am not the Famous One I am not the famous one! But my pain was equal to his! He became Chekhov. I became Alfie. The meanness of the streets that spawned us, made him a literary oak, while I became the hollow man, looking both outward and inward for substance not yet there. His legend established, his journey ended. My mediocrity lingers long, yet unexplained! He lived close to the ‘Fairgrounds’ while I climbed it’s fence in a black leather jacket, collar turned up, white T-shirt underneath, scowling, announcing a manhood not yet achieved. He was raised by an alcoholic, itinerant father. My flesh grew as the devil ranted, my spirit beneath his feet, no handhold to raise itself. He had no inside plumbing on 15th street. In the alley at 407 and a half North 1st, I had beer bottles on Sunday and hunger by Wednesday. His father wrested a living from the same mill that filled my friend Jimmy with water, taking away his profanity and leaving his mother with hair turned white overnight. Death still not understood, I laughed at his funeral. His house too full, he wrote his stories in cars. Bereft of self, cars became the vessel in which I conducted a fruitful search for meaning, if only for the briefest of moments. Words were his refuge. Mine was spherical and a talent to manipulate my body in fluid physical form, pleasing to others, giving birth to more brief moments of wholeness. His was the class of Monda, Golphnee, Majors, Irwin and Keith! They lived in the light while our equal to Russian brilliance groped in the darkness, unseen. His star, fully risen, he kissed his Tess goodbye and surrendered himself to the infinite untold story. Still lost in the forest, I look back over my shoulder and ponder the complexities of that mean little town, still mostly unaware of the stature of the man who emerged from the loins of it's east side, to take his place alongside Hemingway, Mailer, Thoreau and Wilder.
Gary Zimmer <glzimmer@mailexcel.com>
Federal Way, Wa USA - Monday, March 25, 2002 at 04:50:16 (EST)

Thanks for your wonderful page on the Great American Writer, Zora Neale Hurston. To my mind Hurston could be writing about any people pulling themselves up from the bottom of society. She writes eloquently and poetically. Her words and the story flow. As a white American I see my own poor immigrant family in this story. Men and women fighting, drinking and or succeeding as Jody did are in my frame of reference just as they are in Hurston and those she peoples her book with. It's that connection, that intrigues me about the book. I see myself as the grandmother wanting my daughter to marry for safety, not love. That's a very real and even today among people middle class and below. Maybe even the rich might think in what those of us more "enlightened" might think of as awful terms. I say this to suggest that while Hurston doubtless had issues she'd like addressed about her people, she also spoke of universal themes as much as the particular one's applied to a people not long out of slavery. Note: the immigrants who came from serf conditions also were breaking loose from a yoke, and Middle Eastern and Eastern people were also fleeing poverty and different types of enslavement. Some of the problems in the Black Community are universal. The color-black color-is particular to them. Thank God we live in an era when black can be considered and accepted as beautiful. I love and pay tribute to how well Hurston addressed the degrees of acceptable color at the time. Tea Cake represented the best in a Black Male. She portrayed him as very dark and with a good deal of integrity. Using Mrs. Turner's as a mockery of "color judgment" was a wonderful device. I promote this book wherever I am as a springboard to reading other Black Writers. Because when people read they comment on what a wonderful writer Hurston is and that her book makes them realize how few Black Writers they've read. If Zora Neale Hurston does nothing more than introduce others to Langston Hughes, W.E.Dubois, Alice Walker and Paula Woods she's done a lot. Wish she was here for me to shake her hand and give her a hug of thanks. PSHow wonderful Oprah's bought the movie rights! And, this isn't even a victim book! Janie never could be a victim. Zora couldn't let her be. She was too wise for that.
Betty Payton <cnbpayton@cs.com>
Lancaster,93534, ca USA - Monday, March 25, 2002 at 03:41:43 (EST)

In my English Literature class we are reading and discussing short stories from the book Where I'm Calling From and I am the only one in class besides my professor who enjoys the reading so far. I just have one question, though. I have to give a presentation on April 1st, 2002 on the short story "Nobody Said Anything" and I was told that there was biblical symbolism in the story, especially involving the fish, but I don't really understand what it is. If someone could please help me out I'd be really thankful.
Jessica <jl7t@uwrf.edu>
Andover, MN USA - Sunday, March 24, 2002 at 19:42:14 (EST)

I found many excellent essays on Song of Solomon, Beloved and many other works by Toni Morrison at http://www.123helpme.com/search.asp?text=solomon+beloved I think that this site will help you to better understand these works.
Robert Hines <rhines@hotmail.com>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 15:04:58 (EST)

THIS BOOK SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
bob <?>
g-ville, ga USA - Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 13:20:04 (EST)

Question about Toni Morrison's Beloved. I am wondering if anyone out there has been able to determine if Sethe, Beloved or any of the other main characters carry any white blood. I am specifically wondering about Halle, Sethe's husband. We know that he is the last of Baby Suggs' 8 children, and that they were fathered by 6 different men, some of them white, but do we know specifically who is Halle's father?
chris <cmpeters@usc.edu>
los angeles, CA USA - Monday, February 18, 2002 at 14:10:47 (EST)

Has anyone read the short stories / poems in this book? Is there a relationship here? www.booklocker.com/bookpages/sunday.html KJ qwe3@www.com
Kelman Joos <qwe3@www.com>
Santa Monica, CA USA - Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 19:10:17 (EST)

hello
bill
USA - Thursday, February 07, 2002 at 21:08:38 (EST)

I would love to join the discussion on Zora Neale Hurston. I have many questions and comments
Tiffany Cohen <nauticac@hotmail.com>
Dunwoody , GA USA - Sunday, December 09, 2001 at 13:24:46 (EST)

What exactly is the difference between the poems "The Bath" and "A small Good thing"? I can not seem to figure out why Raymond Carver wrote the same story twice. Please help, thank you.
Nicole Rector <Abeni77@hotmail.com>
Savannah, GA USA - Friday, December 07, 2001 at 10:45:33 (EST)

I am writing a paper on the role of clothing in "Their Eyes.." Any helpful insight would be great!
Rebecca Barker <Rebecca_Barker>
USA - Saturday, December 01, 2001 at 10:46:55 (EST)

I am writing a paper on the role of clothing in There Eyes Were Watching God. If anyone has any helpful insight, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Rebecca Barker <Rebecca_Barker@brown.edu>
Providence, RI USA - Friday, November 30, 2001 at 18:53:37 (EST)

I am needing any information about "what we alk about when we talk about love" by Raymond Carver ASAP. I am writing an analysis paper and if anybody has anything that yall think could help, please email it to me at willi_14@hotmail.com thanks
Kristen Williams <willi_14@hotmail.com>
allen, TX USA - Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 20:45:15 (EST)

"When we sat down at the table for dinner, we had another drink. . My wife heaped Robert’s plate with cube steak, scalloped potatoes, green beans, I buttered him up two slices of bread. I said, "Here’s bread and butter for you." I swallowed some of my drink. "Now let us pray," I said, and the blind man lowered his head. My wife looked at me, her mouth agape. "Pray the phone won’t ring and the food doesn't get cold," I said. "We dug in. We ate everything there was to eat on the table. We ate like there was not tomorrow. We didn’t talk. We ate. We scarfed. We grazed that table. We were into serious eating. "We finished everything, including half a strawberry pie. For a few moments, we sat as if stunned. Sweat beaded on our faces. Finally, we got up from the table and left the dirty plates. We didn’t look back." (from Raymond Carver's "Cathedral") Happy Thanksgiving!
David <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 18:59:38 (EST)

I think it is wonderful that so many people still understand how powerful the pen was in Ray's hand. I am what Maryann calls a shirt tail relative. I lived in Maryann's sister's house. I spent qhite a bit of time with Douglas Unger back then also who is married to another of Maryann's sisters. I can remember Ray when I was young during the holidays but I wish I knew then what I know now. As I look back at those times I now realize how amazing that family is. Even though they don't know it, they have inspired me.
Glen <gac47@aol.com>
Tacoma, WA USA - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 01:45:27 (EST)

need motivations and obsessions in wasp factory and perfume
jess <jeffizagirl@myself.com>
USA - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 06:35:35 (EST)

Wired for Books is a fantastic idea!! Go OU! Say hi to Miss Barringer for me.. :)
dedicated servers
USA - Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 04:50:00 (EST)

i'm preparing a séminary on raymond carver's where i'm calling from and i would like to talk about the lack of communication within a community.
saloua ayat <aliskandria@aol.fr>
paris, france - Monday, October 29, 2001 at 15:25:51 (EST)

I have to write a paper on Their eyes where watching god need some insight. Topic question analysis the challenges the protagonist janie crawford faces in her attempt to achieve subjectivity against intraracial male hegemony.
S. Greene <sng145@ztel.com>
brooklyn, ny USA - Monday, October 29, 2001 at 00:36:59 (EST)

hi! i'm from argentina. i would like to receive some information because i have to make a work, and i have to include some quotations related to characterization and alcoholism of carver could someone help me? thanks a lot! this page is great.
monica <mnuccelli@ciudad.com>
rosario, sta. fe argentina - Friday, October 26, 2001 at 19:38:09 (EDT)

Really enjoy your website. Thank You. anime anipike cats ilovecats dogs petfinder
Rachel Sutherland
USA - Friday, October 26, 2001 at 04:41:34 (EDT)

This book was very interesting, i started reading it in my college english class. At first i thought that it was going to be boring, but after i started reading it for i while, i got into it, and couldnt stop reading it.
Michael Campbell <mspikel510@aol.com>
Kalamazoo, Mi USA - Monday, October 22, 2001 at 16:28:38 (EDT)

i have to write a paper from the bluest eye. i have to explain how two characters from the novel to help illustrate one of the author's important themes.
crystal donlon <crystal317690@yahoo.com>
phila., pa USA - Friday, October 12, 2001 at 10:50:49 (EDT)

I have to read this book for my class at Cal State Hayward. I find the language very hard to read. On the other hand I feel the language is appropriate for the time when it was written. Zora apparently very intelligent and I feel that was the only language she new enought to be able to write this book. Despite the challenge I enjoy reading the book.
Denise <btownja@yahoo.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 19:29:51 (EDT)

I am doing a research paper about African American Literature, with the emphasis on Zora Neale Hurston and the black woman of that time(Woman movemet,etc.). If anyone would like to help, please send your suggestions to my E-mail
Goran Drobac <gogy_d@yahoo.com>
Split, HR CROATIA - Monday, October 08, 2001 at 08:34:39 (EDT)

what is the purpose of Zora including Mrs. Turner in the novel,"Their Eyes Were Wacthing God"?
Tim <tpp11126>
winter haven, fl USA - Sunday, October 07, 2001 at 17:44:51 (EDT)

I am trying to settle a query--in 'What we Talk about When we Talk about Love' is Laura blind? Angone who can help me please respond!
Sarah <sl1000@aol.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Saturday, October 06, 2001 at 15:17:55 (EDT)

Tea cake is such a good man considering the way of the times. Janie and him are really in love and its sad the way Tea cakes life had to end. I don't think he should have had to die.
Monica Hawkins <Moneybones199690@aol.com>
Kalamazoo, MI USA - Thursday, October 04, 2001 at 21:21:47 (EDT)

do you know the places janie visited, what she did there, what she learnedfrom the place, and words or phrases to describe the place
TRice' <Prencezz@aol.com>
Gainesvilee, GA USA - Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 11:07:40 (EDT)

What do you think Janie's attitude is toward her life and toward other people during the first course of Chapter nine?
Collins <MACSpeed@aol.com>
Little Rock, AR USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 21:57:55 (EDT)

The book rocked. I loved how well she wrote in the African American dialect and the way that she showed Janie's struggle to find true love and herself.
ds <d>
d, d USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 16:26:49 (EDT)

I really liked this book. I had to readit for an English anssignment. I signed on to this web sight to get some info. so I could write my paper on the book. I think this book has a lot of positive points, and people can really relate to it in some sense.
Cara <caralikescookies@aol.com>
Audubon, NJ USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 15:50:51 (EDT)

Does anyone know where Carver got the title
Megan <Megs2900@aol.com>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 20:40:14 (EDT)

i need some help with "what we talk about when we talk about love" what is the theme of this book and how does the style and point of view add to this perception. please email me if u have the answer to the theme of this book and pov.
tony pillips <tdog_9@yahoo.com>
burbank, ca USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 23:46:14 (EDT)

what do u think is the style/theme and p.o.v. that raymond carver uses in his short "what we talk about when we talk about love." Also how does his style of using Nick as the narrator add to this
tony pillips <tdog_9@yahoo.com>
burbank, ca USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 23:41:42 (EDT)

I need some contrasts in Janie's life?
Joe <kbnike32@aol.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 21:59:32 (EDT)

Does anyone know what the theme or themes were in Raymond Carvers Cahedral?
Tali
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 00:19:33 (EDT)

Nice site...
backgrounds <eklavnu@sunsgame.com>
USA - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 17:36:28 (EDT)

Hey everyone~ I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on this following question about Their Eyes Were Watching God: What is the "spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation" evident in the ending of Their Eyes.. and explain its significance in the work as a whole. This is for a school assignment. Any ideas that you can give me would be sooo helpful(please send them to my email)- I have a few ideas but I dont know how to piece it together. Thanks again! ~Kathryn
Kathryn <sevens@gte.net>
USA - Sunday, July 29, 2001 at 20:05:27 (EDT)

Need Help with the "nature" of Janies quest. What are its ramifications and in what ways does she succeed or fail? ANY help is greatly appriciated...I am stuck with this!!!!
Nicole <AFgirlee15@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 15:11:46 (EDT)

i really need a review on the book 'Flowers For Algernon' seriouly!!! i need to know it's setting, main characters, and to describe the first chapter and the ending of the book!!! please help me!!
Evon <evonhaw8@singnet.com.sg>
Singapore, Singapore - Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at 01:51:58 (EDT)

HELP!!!!!! I need a to read an overview of the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. Could someone please tell me what they thought about the book!
Ashley <Ashley_Dawn0018@hotmail.com>
Greenup, Ky USA - Friday, June 08, 2001 at 18:54:48 (EDT)

i want to ask about the novel their eyes were watching god . its for my school project . in that i have to tell about the places Janie visted and what she did there. and discription about that place . some other im=nformation on Everglades and Eatonville.
nudrat <nudratmir@hotmail.com>
lynnwood, wa USA - Wednesday, June 06, 2001 at 21:40:57 (EDT)

what was the zora hurston's stance as a investagator of her own culture. How did she write books with that kind of culture ethnic background. I am a big fan of hers
noeun mork <ken9888@yahoo.com>
long beach, ca USA - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 17:28:27 (EDT)

I need to know the biographical info for Their Eyes Were WAtching God for a works cited page
erienne <eriennelovesjesus@hotmail.com>
Danville, VA USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 23:07:02 (EDT)

iam doing a paper on the aspects of racism present in Their Eyes Were Watching God and how historians have said that in the 1930's this book related to the racist aspects of life
Rachel <Jensoc6@aol.com>
Agua Dulce, Ca USA - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 20:19:07 (EDT)

mostly just wanted to say thanks. i'm fascinated with contemporary american lit. and have only just discovered carver. after having read the discussion transcript i feel compelled to go out and watch 'shortcuts' and get my hands on carver's rewriting of his stories (i'm particularly interested in 'so much water so close to home' as the version i have read is, i believe, different from the one discussed. i love this story, by the way. it's so terrifying and i find it quite alarming at how easily i identify with claire, and through her, the victim). anyway, like i already said, thanks heaps!
rachelwilliamson <rwi16@student.canterbury.ac.nz>
USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 01:13:04 (EDT)

i want to just ask some coupe question, may be you guys can help.
Jeneffer M. Bagirimvano <jenefferb@hotmail.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 09:47:25 (EDT)

i have enjoyed reading the book zora neale hurston.
mindy jones <klinger654@hotmail.com>
augusta, ga USA - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 13:19:41 (EDT)

Hi! I need help on Raymond Carver's story "Kindling". I am doing an setting analysis paper and need some help on the geographical, temporal and socio/economic settings. And how those settings influenced our understanding of the story and of the character. Thanks!
Kimberly <avengersrules@yahoo.com>
PA USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 00:37:14 (EDT)

Do you know anything about the theme of womens opression in the book Thier Eyes Were Watching God?
Alexia
Columbus, OH USA - Sunday, April 29, 2001 at 19:59:31 (EDT)

i want to know what others think about the meaning of the porch
sandra garcia <coriagurl @aol.com>
long beach, ca USA - Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 20:29:25 (EDT)

cool site
hemanth
USA - Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 13:21:40 (EDT)

i need help om Raymond CArver" why don't you dance" in the end of the story the girl trying to talk out her experience with middle age man. what has she seen that suggests that he is desperate and which alarms her about her own future
linda <vloraime@aol.com>
wayne, nj USA - Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 07:53:20 (EDT)

I am trying to write a paper on TEWWG and I have hit a bump in the road. I am talking about the signigicance of the pear tree and I would love some insight on this from anyone who is willing to help me.
Eileen <leen0529@hotmail.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Monday, April 23, 2001 at 21:17:10 (EDT)

I'm having trouble understanding Raymond Carver's short story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, can someone please e-mail me the significance of the ending??
Dulce <dulcita9@yahoo.com>
Austin, TX USA - Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at 20:56:03 (EDT)

Can anyone help me find irony in Jonah's Gourd Vine and Mules and Men? Also, anyone have any good quotes from Zora herself?
NG <twinky115@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, April 09, 2001 at 11:34:38 (EDT)

lookin for some input on Phoebe being Janies best friend and how she was hungry to hear about Janies experiences
Donna M. Bassano <DeMaree39@aol.com>
Minotola, NJ United States - Saturday, April 07, 2001 at 23:16:33 (EDT)

When " How it feel to be colored me" by Zora Hurston has been written?
Margot Féougier <margotfeou@hotmail.com>
Montpellier, France - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 10:00:43 (EDT)

curious
FK
USA - Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 18:47:01 (EST)

After reading "There Eyes Were Watching God," I was a bit dissapointed because I felt that I never true got to know Janie. There wasn't anytime when the reader was in Janie's mind in her thought, but I presume this because she was always telling the story to Phobie. And also I don't understand how the book only states that Phobie is her best friend, but the author really doesn't give any background on there relationship. I feel that as readers we would have gotten to know Janie better if we had seen more conversation between Janie and Phobie throughout the story. I relieze in the community of Eaton that Joe did not want her to talk, but if Phobie was her best friends, then they must have talked previously. I enjoyed the story, but I felt that Janie went to too many place in location and personality to be full described in what I would consider to be a short novel. I believe that I would have enjoyed this book more if it was longer and gave more opprotunities to her Janies voice, even if it was just her talking to herself. I was told of drama, that when the character is by themselves, this is when the audience gets to really understand the character. But Janie was never alone. Perhaps though, that is why Janie is alone at the end of the novel, because at that point she truely knew herself. Another thought that I have heard brought up, was that this book is perhaps so widley acclaimed and taught in schools, because it is written by a African American Woman, and perhaps it is not acclaimed because of her literary talent.
Billie
USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 03:50:05 (EST)

In Toni Morrison's Paradise, who is the "white girl" ? I have read the novel three times, and it is driving me nuts !
Marcia <Kim_and_Marcia@Juno.com>
USA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 13:02:55 (EST)

I am looking for a complete list of Zora Neale Hurston's, Toni Morrison's and Alice Walker's work. Please tell me where I can find these. When I go to a web page, I'm never 100% sure that the list is complete. Thanks :-) Chantal Gagnon Graduate Student Concordia University Montreal
Chantal Gagnon <gagnoch@yahoo.com>
Montreal, PQ CANADA - Sunday, March 11, 2001 at 17:08:24 (EST)

I personally have found this book to be an overhyped catharisis of Hurston's. According to all of the chats that I have seen, I am in the minority in that I do not like the book. Most likely people who don't like the book want to discuss it; however, I would like to discuss it and find out why this book is so acclaimed. My question: would this book have any reputation without Alice Walker?
Daniel Whitney <madwacker69@hotmail.com>
USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 22:55:48 (EST)

What is the significance of Carver's story "Tell the women We're going.? Email me any thoughts.
Anne <gregoram@muohio.edu>
USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 17:11:36 (EST)

I forgot to mention that we have also added a Toni Morrison interview (1987) by Don Swaim on the Wired for Books home page.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 14:48:42 (EST)

I think you'll enjoy the Raymond Carver interview (1983) by Don Swaim that we have added to Wired for Books home page. You'll need the free RealPlayer to listen. There are links to the download site on the home page, also.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 14:42:22 (EST)

Want to get alittle information on Raymond Cavers style of writing
sarsa <hoop_@hotmail.com>
Tampa, FL USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 08:58:25 (EST)

I am preparing to write a 20 page paper on Hurston's "Sweat". I would be thankful for any kind of hints on a possible topic (thesis), and helpful links.
Doreen <ds79@gmx.de>
Germany - Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 13:23:57 (EST)

I would like to know when Zora Neale Hurston was really born? I am doing research on her for English and I have came up with three different dates. 1891, 1901, 1902.
Tiffany <tiffany24@earthlink.net>
chicago, il USA - Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 00:27:54 (EST)

Your site is really good but insted of asking us to give you letters try saying,please leave your address and we will write to you.
Ruth Bourke <Miriam@indigo.ie>
Dublin, Ireland - Monday, February 19, 2001 at 06:35:42 (EST)

i want to know when her novel Thier Eyes Were Watching God was published.
Chenee Johnson <stokes6@msn.com>
Baltimore, Maryland USA - Sunday, February 18, 2001 at 17:47:19 (EST)

Master and man is like lot`s of Tolstois works deeply religious but highly critical towards the church...."The Te Deums and icons couldn`t help Vasily in the storm.."
Dominik <rodak@newsclub.at>
Vienna, Austria - Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at 16:56:57 (EST)

C-SPAN2's "Book TV" program recently had Toni Morrison on for a three-hour interview. Here's a link where you can watch the show in RealVideo.
--David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at 11:19:42 (EST)

I am also working on an essay about Their Eyes... It is about how the character's names reflect on their personalities/ relationships with Janie. I have been looking for any quotes from Hurston, Hughes, Walker (or any one else who knew her personally) regarding this topic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
Sara <mangopassion@glitter.com>
USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 20:42:06 (EST)

I have done a PhD thesis on Toni Morrison on the topic "Revisioning of Black Consciousness in her novels" I want to publish my work in the U.S. Can anybody help me?
amrik singh saini <amriksaini@yahoo.com>
Chandigarh, UT India - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 09:51:26 (EST)

what would be ZNH reasoning behind her use of narritive authority and metaphor (not her folk metaphors)? thanks
matt <stangina00aol.com>
orlando, FL USA - Sunday, January 21, 2001 at 10:51:15 (EST)

I have been given an important assignment to do for school. The assignment is to do a book report on the book Their Eyes Were Watching God. This is due next week and I can't find this book. If the assignment is not turned in on time I can't graduate this month like I have really wanted to. Can you please help me learn about this book. I would really appreciate your help. Thanks.
Beth Davis <abooble@earthlink.net>
Mazon, IL USA - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 22:59:38 (EST)

TEWWG gave me so many things to think about. Everytime I look at someone I could be looking at the visage of a Janie or potential Janie.
Lisa <Moguls2001@aol.com>
Kalamazoo, Mi USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 15:48:07 (EST)

I have a final that's due tomorrow. I need to know the postion in relation to the narratives present in Julie Dash's film Daughters of the Dust. by Richard J. Powell
Vida Gilbreath-edwards <nevergiveup900@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 04:05:46 (EST)

Sorry in my last posting the adress to my site for "Art, science and transcendece" was incorrect. I have added a classic picture gallery of sites and musea in Turkey I visited. Soon I will add my Tolstoy pics made in Moscow of his former residence and museum. Have a look. Theo Kuijl
Theo Kuijl <euterpe@xs4all.nl>
USA - Saturday, December 09, 2000 at 01:50:14 (EST)

Hi.I am looking for critical material on 'Sula' by Toni Morrison and there is nothing much for me to go on.I'd really appreciate it if anyone could help me find what I need.
Niyati Dhulhoya <niyatid@hotmail.com>
Bombay, India - Wednesday, December 06, 2000 at 03:18:29 (EST)

Does anyone have any biblical children's book recommendations?
Nadia Mitchall <DR_Mitchell@godspeople.com>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 23:15:22 (EST)

For some time I posted an article named "Art, science and transcendence, a comparison between Plato and Tolstoy". It relates Plato's doctrine of Eros as in Symposium and the Phaedrus wth Tolstoy's opinion. Feel free to comment. Theo Kuijl
theo kuijl <http://xs4all.nl/~aikikai/plato>
amsterdam, netherlands - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 00:24:27 (EST)

For some time I posted an article named "Art, science and transcendence, a comparison between Plato and Tolstoy". It relates Plato's doctrine of Eros as in Symposium and the Phaedrus wth Tolstoy's opinion. Feel free to comment. Theo Kuijl
theo kuijl <euterpe@xs4all.nl>
amsterdam, netherlands - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 00:23:34 (EST)

Can anyone give me their takes on how epiphany is significant in the story "Cathedral"?
Grace
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 22:05:02 (EST)

Could someone please give me an analysis of how Tolstoy describes "Family Happiness" in his short story.
Hobbes <hobbes_incarnate@hotmail.com>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 15:31:11 (EST)

Hi!Everybody ....I am looking for Roman & Juliet's comment ar !If you have ,please send to me la !
Snoopy <saloui_sumsum@kittymail.com>
UK, UK - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 06:50:48 (EST)

Hello! My name is Tiffany James. and I will like to know is there any kind of way that I can get some information off the first one through fifth-teen chapters in the book? So I can do an eassay before going out and buying the book? may you please give me an answer in the next ten minutes? thank You Tiffany James
Tiffany James
Memphis `, Tn USA - Monday, November 13, 2000 at 10:55:56 (EST)

What is your point of view on incest in the novel?
Tyra Beaufort <asacha_01@hotmail.com>
Andrews, Sc USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 08:07:18 (EST)

Hi, I am looking for any information about Raymond Carver's "Cathedral" Anything you could provide would be great help. Thank you.
Daina <Metantera@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 10:52:58 (EST)

Hi, I am doing a project on "Cathedral" I need to find an analysis or criticism as soon as possible. Any information on this story would be a great help. Thanks a bunch
Daina <Metantera@aol.com>
Hatfield, PA USA - Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 10:51:19 (EST)

What do you beleive to be Hurston's entire phiosophy on life? I think somewhat that she feels it is quite important to fit in, but not so much as conform. She may think that fitting in may be finding someone or something that interests you and then attaching yourself to that object or person. What do you think about that theory?
Lisa <Acapulcocliffdiver@hotmail.com>
Fayette, GA USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 17:14:02 (EST)

what is so important about the root doctor trying to cure joe
kevin harrison <kwh884u@aol.com>
waverly hall, ga USA - Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 21:53:53 (EDT)

Hey everyone out there! I was just looking for any ideas for symbolism in Eyes. In particular, objects representing changes in Janie's life when she's either involved with or married to Tea Cake. If you can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanx
Erin <poet422@hotmail.com>
Portland, OR USA - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 15:28:12 (EDT)

I need help understanding the symbolism in this book.
Destiny
USA - Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 00:53:02 (EDT)

question for school,from the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" I need help in understanding the tension between economic stability and love and instinct. To be more specific;how is the tension between economic stability(and safety and protection?)and the love and instinct(and danger and potential disaster?)developed in the first half of the book(especially chapters 7-13)?How does Janies extended dialogue with Phoeby in chapter 12 develop this long-running theme?)
william <Iamadvs1@aol.com>
adamsville, al USA - Sunday, October 08, 2000 at 20:48:17 (EDT)

After having to read Sula, Jazz, The Bluest Eye and Beloved for my English A-Level cousework, I must say aside from 'A Room With A View' by Forster, it was the easiest compulsory reading I had to do. I enjoyed all the books immensely, except Jazz which I found slightly hard to get into. Because I am a great Iain Banks fan (The Crow Road, The Wasp Factory) I found all the disturbing parts of these books (i.e Pecola's rape, Sula's betrayal of Nell e.t.c) the most enthralling. I actually recommend reading Toni Morrison even if, like me, you aren't usually the kind of person who would pick books set in the past. Excellent reading, even for a 17 year old girl like me!
Angelica Demon <Angelica_Demon@hotmail.com>
London, UK - Thursday, October 05, 2000 at 17:05:41 (EDT)

Hi, i need any information or analysis on "The Cathedral" by carver. If anyone has any insight or analysis on paragraphs 117 0 124 this would be really awesome . Thanks!!
Cassandra <serb_geek@hotmail.com>
Vancouver, Canada - Sunday, October 01, 2000 at 15:37:55 (EDT)

We have just added a 45-minute RealAudio interview of the distinguished poet, Allen Ginsberg to Wired for Books. The 1985 interview by Don Swaim of the late, great poet covers politics, censorship, drugs, sex, and of course, poetry. Let us know what you think. --David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, September 22, 2000 at 09:55:49 (EDT)

WERE WATCHING GOD!!!!)
bob schnizelvon
USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 17:22:35 (EDT)

Can I give you my 20 vocabulary spelling words so you could help me make a story with my 20 vocabulary words.
Adriana Aguilera
los Angeles, C.A. USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2000 at 21:59:51 (EDT)

i was just wondering which passage you thought that best reveals the most significant aspects of the text and can you explain
jenevieve stuart <heydirtey12@17.com>
riverside, ca USA - Thursday, August 17, 2000 at 15:03:32 (EDT)

Great Site!
PageCrafters.net <sbt2@sendfree.com>
- Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 18:53:23 (EDT)

At the moment a few of us are attempting to do english lit coursework on Ray. I am just amazed at the way he can write such stunning stories not to mention his poetry. Has anyone else been on the website where you can actually listen to the sound of Ray laughing? We would love to get in contact with any other fans of Ray so please leave us a message and we will talk again soon. RAY RULES!
phillip elliott <phillip@hotmail.com>
uk - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 08:46:33 (EDT)

Listen to Antonya Nelson read her short story, "In the Land of Men" at Wired for Books. The New Yorker said that Antonya Nelson is one of the twenty best young writers in the country.

Andrew Sarris has written about the movies for over forty years. Listen to him talk about his life, writing, and film in a special one-hour interview.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens , OH USA - Friday, June 23, 2000 at 11:52:52 (EDT)

New at Wired for Books: Fifteen original poems by Dave Smith who was twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; a short story, "In the Land of Men" read by the author, Antonya Nelson, whom the New Yorker said was one of the twenty best young writers in the country; and "The Aeneid: Book IV" read in Latin by Wilfried Stroh.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 09:51:10 (EDT)

I would like a clear character definition of where Beloved came from---her dead baby appears a Beloved, or a spirit type lesson.??? A lot of the readers in our area book club did not get to hear Oprah's discussion of the book with Toni Morrison. Help clarify us on "the girl standing in front of the house. M.White
Martha White <mwhite8566@aol.com>
Millville, DE USA - Monday, May 22, 2000 at 10:36:12 (EDT)

Looking for info for my lectures for IB English
Susan O'Connor
USA - Thursday, May 11, 2000 at 15:19:10 (EDT)

i'm trying to find book discussion groups on the internet, about children books.if any one has any helpful information please email me, it would be gratefully appreciated
Simone <swalkington@bigpond.com>
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, May 10, 2000 at 23:50:29 (EDT)

I'm interested in what you think is the best content at Wired for Books. Send me an e-mail or post your opinion here. Thanks!
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 20:02:39 (EDT)

Robert Pinsky, Poet Laureate of the United States, reads three of his poems on the front page of Wired for Books. They include ABC, Samurai Song, and The Want Bone. They're in RealAudio and we have a link to download the free player.

A project that Robert Pinsky began is the Favorite Poem Project. Check it out! --David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at 09:15:25 (EDT)

I read Their Eyes Were Watching God recently and loved it. I am now doing a paper for the class on Janie as the storyteller in respect to southern women being looked up as the keeper of family histories. Any ideas?
Tammy Ferguson <TFerg20335@aol.com>
Memphis, TN USA - Friday, April 14, 2000 at 18:52:02 (EDT)

Have you read any of these at my site?
mikel
USA - Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 23:26:24 (EDT)

Hi, I am writing a graduate level paper on Toni Morrison's book The Bluest Eye. I would love to discuss my ideas with people who know something about it. Thanks. LaRayne
LaRayne Horn <lahorn@usa.net>
Norfolk, Ne USA - Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 14:51:51 (EDT)

I need help with a quotation collection assignment. I need help in paraphrasing the quote, explaining its significance in context in the novel and applying the quotation to at least one situation outside the story-to other literature (plays, poems, novels, short stories, nonfiction), tv shows, movies, songs or personal experience. Some of the quotes I have chosen are as follows: Pg. 100 "At the newel post Janie whirled around and for the space of a thought she was lit up like a transfiguration. Her next thought brought her crashing down. He's just saying anything for the time being, feeling he's got me so I'll b'lieve him. The next thought buried her under tons of cold futility. He's trading on being younger than me. Getting ready to laugh at me for an old fool. But oh, what wouldn't I give to be twelve years younger so I could b'lieve him! Pg. 101 "All next day in the house and store she thought resisting thoughts about Tea Cake. She even ridiculed him in her mind and was a little ashamed of the association. But every hour or two the battle had to be fought all over again. She couldn't make him look just like any other man to her., He looked like the love thoughts of women. He could be a bee to blossom-a pear tree blossom in the spring. He seemed to be crushing scent out of the world with his footsteps. Crushing aromatic herbs with every step he took. Spices hung about him. He was a glance from God. Pg. 103 "Janie awoke next morning be feeling Tea Cake almost kissing her breath away. Holding her and caressing her as if he feared she might escape his grasp and fly away. Then he must dress hurriedly and get to his job on time. He wouldn't let her get him any breakfast at all. He wanted her to get her rest. He made her stay where she was. In her heart she wanted to get his breakfast for him. But she stayed in bed long after he was gone. Pg. 103 " So much had been breathed out by the pores that Tea Cake still was there. She could feel him and almost see him bucking around the room in the upper air. After a long time of passive happiness, she got up and opened the window and let Tea Cake leap forth and mount to the sky on a wind. That was the beginning of things. If you can help, thanks a bunch!
vanessa garcia <vanessa@centralcoastdelivery.com>
seaside, ca USA - Monday, April 10, 2000 at 12:01:16 (EDT)

I'd like to exchange links with other "readers". My site: http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~ibp200 is not commercial. So, commercial pages are discouraged. Everyone else is more than welcome. Thank you.
Irina <ibp200@stern.nyu.edu>
brooklyn, ny USA - Saturday, April 08, 2000 at 21:27:36 (EDT)

Did you ever read Flowers for Algernon? Or see the movie(s)? Or the Broadway musical? Maybe you listened to one of the audio books? Odds are that you know the plot of the story even if you can't remember when or where you first heard the story.

On the Wired for Books front page, we have a new 53-minute RealAudio interview with Daniel Keyes, author of Flowers for Algernon.

Keyes, winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards, talks about his career as a writer, how he got the idea for Flowers for Algernon, and living to see his science fiction become science fact. Don't miss this interview. You won't forget it.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Saturday, April 08, 2000 at 14:27:14 (EDT)

Researching web based discussion forums
chris Middleton <chris.middleton@vsnw.org.uk>
Manchester, UK - Friday, April 07, 2000 at 09:52:48 (EDT)

I love music and books. I am a college student at the University of Cincinnati.
jes <prchick@alloymail.com>
covington, ky USA - Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 15:00:59 (EDT)

I hated this book
BONEY <BONEYE@greensboroday.org>
Graham, nc USA - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 09:54:00 (EST)

What do you think Richard Wright meant when he criticized their eyes were watching god as being "counter revolutionary."
Danielle Horton <kevins_sweetie13@hotmail.com>
Stamford, Ct USA - Thursday, March 30, 2000 at 20:19:07 (EST)

Anyone there?
Scott Fralick <sfralick@nwcn.com>
Seattle, WA USA - Thursday, March 30, 2000 at 10:31:11 (EST)

I basically had a question. My question to the scholars is: How did Zora Neale Hurston play a big role in the harlem renaissance as a woman writer? Also, through her work how did she reflect the living situation that where taken place during that time period?
Ivy Ellis <UENVYCC2 @aol.com>
atlanta, Ga USA - Sunday, March 26, 2000 at 15:12:57 (EST)

What does the title suggest
Sherolyn Silver <Strawberrymoet@hotmail.com>
Raleigh, NC USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2000 at 15:50:02 (EST)

The opening of "Paradise," by Toni Morrison, states that "the white girl was killed first." Is her identity specified?
Henry Stein <HTStein@att.net>
San Francisco, CA USA - Saturday, March 18, 2000 at 09:54:04 (EST)

Would you please help me to write a paper on the story popular mechanics by raymond carver
sara joyce <sara@cvcc. hotmail.com>
new york, ny USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 09:19:02 (EST)

I'm writing a paper on Janie and how she searches for her true identity throughout the book and I need a thesis statement from another source about identity problems.... Please HELP me!!!!
Rachael Keenum <stang7@mindspring.com>
GA USA - Monday, March 13, 2000 at 14:02:52 (EST)

"Talk of the Nation" on National Public Radio recently had a discussion of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" on the air. The URL is http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/totn/20000217.totn.ram, if you want to listen to the show in RealAudio. The guest was Mary Helen Washington, Professor of English and African American Literature, University of Maryland at College Park, and Editor, "Black Eyed Susans/Midnight Birds: Stories of Contemporary Black Women Writers." Melinda Penkava is the host of the show and several listeners called in to share their opinions. I think you'll enjoy the show. Of course, we have our own one-hour discussion about the novel here at http://www.tcom.ohiou.edu/books/hurston.ram , which I think you will enjoy also!
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, February 22, 2000 at 14:04:55 (EST)

I am doing my honours thesis on Toni Morrison and am finding that there is a lack of critical material on "Paradise". Has anyone found anything useful? Please let me know! Thanks
Nat B <hollygo79@hotmail.com>
Australia - Monday, February 21, 2000 at 23:12:13 (EST)

Anybody can help me with detailed >(annotated) bibliography of all Ray's stories, especially those published in >different fiction magazines throughout America and elsewhere?
Boris Rebac <borisr@bih.net.ba>
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 05:59:21 (EST)

What is the background information about the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God"? Please let me know
Angelica Parker <angie@aol.com>
New Orleans, LA USA - Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 17:32:46 (EST)

If there is anyone who can summarize on Their Eyes Were Watching God.
mary <trinitygarden@webtv.com>
owatonna, mn USA - Monday, January 10, 2000 at 18:35:34 (EST)

Hello all, I am looking for literary criticism on Zora Neale Hurston's Their eyes were watching God. I would appreciate any and all help. If you have any information that you think would be helpful, email me!
Leigh Ann <layde_ayin@excite.com>
Tallahassee, FL USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 22:05:45 (EST)

I have recently been exposed to Carver a few months ago, and I completely fell in love with the guy. His style is totally recognizable and unique. His stories are really warm / light-hearted with his naive and innocent characters.To me his message seems to say that there is good in society.Which is a message worth listening to. I don't feel that way at all...his stories rarely end up with "good society"...they are almost all a representation of the druds of society...i.e.:broken homes, controlling male figures, broken marriages, alcohol...just read "They're Not Your Husband"...the way that the male figure controls his wife's weight says nothing about good society. Sorry to beat you up about your response to Carver...please feel free to respond. Thanks Kate
Kate <SwNgPiXi17@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 09:47:06 (EST)

I struggled reading this book and was hoping for some explanation
Joel
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 19:11:04 (EST)

You can send me some audio books examples?
Alejandro De Leon <alejandro_deleon@jabil.com>
Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 15:54:33 (EST)

I'm doing a paper on Toni Morrison's Beloved. Anyone have any helpful sights I could go to?
carly <Ballet4064@aol.com>
il USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 01:32:13 (EST)

Please help me, I'm trying to find essays that describing the dialect and use of language.And I only found ONE!......... HELP!!!
Shymere Whatley <Davina3000_@yahoo.com>
Atlanta, Ga USA - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 11:11:45 (EST)

I have a problem understanding "Cathedral" can someone help me QUICK!!!!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!!
tina fleming <titi@investormail.com>
Charleston, SC USA - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 20:51:12 (EST)

Would you agree or disagree that Janie ultimately finds self-realization through an intense love affair which cuts her off from her wider black culture and community?
Apryl Walker <s01awalker@hotmail.com>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 07:51:18 (EST)

Hello. What would be some styles Hurston used in writing this novel besides dialect? I also need examples.
Brittany James <BAJSOFTBAL@AOL.com>
Northport, AL USA - Sunday, December 05, 1999 at 23:06:16 (EST)

In the book Their Eyes were Watching God, by Zora Hurston, what does the horizon symbolize to you?
Andrew Cash <UnCashJ316>
Raleigh, NC USA - Sunday, November 28, 1999 at 19:25:58 (EST)

Why the title "Popular Mechanics"?
Debbie <darnett@actionnet.net>
OR USA - Sunday, November 28, 1999 at 18:15:35 (EST)

I come from Tunisia and I am at the moment carrying research about Raymond Carver at Yale. The topic of my thesis is : Family as a context for the individual's quest for identity. I really enjoyed reading some of the comments made about Carver and his works. I found Mr Fred Momarco's article about the theme of -or in Caver's words "obsession"- love extremely interesting amd to the point. I would actually quote him in one of the chapters of my thesis devoted to the theme of love and its absence in Carver's real world couple's lives. I hope to read your comments and suggestions soon. Once back home to Tunisia and after the completion of my thesis, I would try to introduce my university students with the works of Carver and help them get in touch with the "America" Carver tells his readers about.
WAFA B. H. AMOR <ouafabenamor@hotmail.com>
NEW HAVEN, CT USA - Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at 12:09:47 (EST)

I have to research an issue from Their Eyes Were Watching God and I am at a loss. I don't know what a good issue to research would be. I was thinking of marriage or the role of women throughout history. If anyone can think of an easy issue within the book to research feel free to email me. Thanks in advance.
Jill <JILLfromUF@aol.com>
Gainesville, Fl USA - Tuesday, November 16, 1999 at 14:24:33 (EST)

i like the help i got from your site thank you
john richardson <boardcrasher@aol.com>
lakeland, fl USA - Monday, November 15, 1999 at 20:45:43 (EST)

I would like to discuss the societies reaction to The Bluest Eye when it was first released.
Ashley <ASHLEIG10@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 22:51:09 (EDT)

Well this is my first time visiting this site.. I just have some question regarding the book " Their eyes were watching god". 1.How does Tea Cake help change Janie? 2.Does he help her find her identify? Basically, I'm just interested in how Tea Cake help contribute in Janie's life which made her feel like that Tea Cake is different from her previous husbands. Thankz I'll be glad if anyone can help me answer any of the above question regarding Tea Cake and Janie
tiffany travis <xbabiextcyx@aol.com>
san jose, ca USA - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 20:55:38 (EDT)

i disliked the book, but it all depends on the teacher to me, if i had not had such a racist teacher then i...well i still wouldnt have liked it, tell me this, we had to write cliff notes for this book, have 9 tests, write 3 essays, there are already cliff notes out, and yet we have to write more, i felt that was stupid.
lindsey <spoid1684@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 20:39:45 (EDT)

Lena,

You may be right about syntax and vocabulary differences along the Southeastern coast.

But I think the problem with reading Zora's dialect is not syntax and vocabulary, but the sound and feel and rhythm of the language. I'm only going on my own experience...no formal studying. I had no problem reading and understanding Zora's work, I think, because I spent a good deal of time living in the South Carolina Lowcountry, while I've probably only been to Florida twice. Some of the vocabulary...especially in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"...was similar to what I'd heard in the rural areas outside of Charleston.

There was nothing in the accents in "Daughters of the Dust" that caught me wrong, but I'm not a native Carolinian, so I might have a tin ear about it. I understand that there are mixed reviews from some of the Carolina Gullah folk about the language not being entirely authentic. All in all, however, as a come-here (pronounced come-ya) to Carolina rather than a been-here (pronounced been-ya), I agree with your suggestion that listening to that movie would make reading Zora's dialect a bit easier.

Jesse Allen-Taylor
Jesse Douglas Allen-Taylor <safero@EARTHLINK.NET>
USA - Friday, October 22, 1999 at 12:43:34 (EDT)

For Gullah oral material, Rounder Records has put out a CD of Alan Lomax's Georgia Sea Islands recordings. Also, Harold Courlander has some Gullah material in Treasury of Afro-American Folklore. In addition, when I was doing my African-American Folklore course, I came across several books in our library that discussed Gullah speech and collected stories, sometimes in bilingual versions. The other suggestion I would have is simply reading more Hurston, incl. Mules and Men and Their Eyes. She uses dialect at different levels in different places. kb
keith byerman <ejkeb@ROOT.INDSTATE.EDU>
USA - Friday, October 22, 1999 at 12:40:07 (EDT)

Jesse,

I like your suggestion that someone interested in hearing the sound of the dialect that Hurston used should listen to recordings of Gullah. There should be much similarity among the tonality of the dialects of Florida, Georgia, and S.Carolina. However, I'm not certain how similar the syntax and vocabulary is.

Becoming familiar with Black English and some of its characteristics should help. Geneva Smitherman's Talkin' and Testifyin' is an excellent reference. Also reading other dialect writers might help: Dunbar, Chestnutt.

A video source for listening to Gullah is Julie Dash's Daughters of the Dust.

Lena Ampadu
Department of English
Towson University
Towson, MD 21252
410-830-2844
lampadu@towson.edu
Lena Ampadu <lampadu@towson.edu>
Towson, MD USA - Friday, October 22, 1999 at 12:38:10 (EDT)

Zora's language comes off of the Florida coast. Much of the words and syntax are very similar to Gullah, which (please forgive the explanation if you already know) is an African-American still spoken further up the coast, on the Georgia and South Carolina sea islands. There are a handful of cd's by people who sing and tell stories in the Gullah dialect...can't think of the names offhand, but someone on the list might know. You might also do a search of either Gullah or Geechee (sometimes spelled Gici) on the web, and that may turn up some recorded sources. I'd suggest listening to one or two of those. That should give you the rhythm and the sound that Zora was writing in. Reading her work is not that difficult if you've heard the language it's in.

PBS did a creditable documentary on the visit of Gullah folk back to Sierra Leone, their ancestral home, wherein you can hear people like Emory Campbell, who is an unreconstructed Geechee-talker.

Of course, if you're ambitious with time on your hands, you could take a trip down to Penn Center on St. Helena Island near Beaufort, spend your Sundays at Brick Baptist Church and walk around the island and pick up the language that way. If you go and drink the water, you'll always have to return.

Hope this helps.

Jesse Allen-Taylor
Jesse Douglas Allen-Taylor <safero@EARTHLINK.NET>
USA - Friday, October 22, 1999 at 12:32:56 (EDT)

hi guys...just a few questions that i think you guys can help me with. i need to write a paper on carver, but i'm in sort of a blank as to a topic. i was thinking of comparing the theme of alcoholism in traditional american authors (like hemingway) and the theme in carver's stories. do you guys have any suggestions as to a good 10-page paper topic on carver or any comments on my suggested topic...thanks...
Carola Martinez <cmarti10@solix.fiu.edu>
Miami, Fl USA - Thursday, October 21, 1999 at 23:13:21 (EDT)

I read the short story spunk once and kind of got the basic message, but found it difficult to read because of the language. How can I be more in tune to the language and reread to get more from this writing style?
cheryl williams <juancw@hotmail.com>
albany, ny USA - Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 07:31:43 (EDT)

Hi Valerie, Be sure to read the transcripts of the discussion by Marilyn Atlas, Peter Heidtmann, and Edgar Whan about "The Death of Ivan Ilych." You can read the text or, if you have the RealPlayer, you can listen to the recorded discussion. I think you will enjoy the talk and gain a few insights into Tolstoy and his characters. They also discuss the Tolstoy short story, "Master and Man." I hope you can come back here and tell us what you think. Good luck! --David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Tuesday, October 05, 1999 at 18:11:19 (EDT)

i am taking a class on philosophy of death and the death of Ivan Ilych is the first book we read I loved it alot but now I must write a paper on it. I would like to know if it's possible to receive some output from your side. Please email me. Thank you.
Valerie Marcel <vava22@hotmail.com>
Miami, Fl USA - Monday, October 04, 1999 at 19:13:27 (EDT)

The guestbook should be working again! Sorry for the problems if you tried to post a message. -David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Thursday, September 30, 1999 at 14:34:44 (EDT)

I forgot to add that Jill Rosser is the author of Bright Moves, which won the Morse Poetry Prize. She teaches creative writing at Ohio University.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, July 09, 1999 at 13:48:41 (EDT)

We have several new (to us!) poets reading their work on Wired for Books. Wayne Dodd reads Two Poems of Advice, Naming the Winter, On Any Given Afternoon, and Poem about Nothing. Wayne is the author of The Blue Salvages, Of Desire & Disorder, and Toward the End of the Century. He is also the editor of The Ohio Review.

J. Allyn Rosser reads Sole Blessing, Reading at the Y, Lover Release Agreement, Late Elvis, Sea and Rain, Password, and Raven.

All are available in RealAudio and also available in plain text, actually HTML text ;-) if you want to read them the old-fashioned way! David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, July 09, 1999 at 13:45:12 (EDT)

Dear Carver fans: I've been searching the web for Raymond Carver information and came across your site. We have some information which may be pertinent to your readers. Esquire magazine will be publishing 3 previously unreleased Raymond Carver stories in upcoming issues. For an excerpt of the 1st installment, "Kindling" please link to http://hearstmags.com/esquire/carver.htm If you can add a link to your site, we would certainly appreciate it. Thanks for your help David Berger Internet Marketing Manager Hearst Magazines
D Berger
USA - Friday, June 04, 1999 at 10:24:14 (EDT)

Jason Hughes wrote a nice piece about Wired for Books in the Chronicle of Higher Education. It's called A University's Web Site Offers Not Just Poetry and Prose, but Also Voices.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, June 02, 1999 at 15:07:56 (EDT)

In "Their Eyes Were Watching God Does Hurston portray Janie as a oppressed woman or a heroine?
Alicia Clarke <Alica_Clarke@mailexcite.com>
Va USA - Friday, May 14, 1999 at 14:02:35 (EDT)

Does the novel bring about any kind of "thoughtful laughter"?
kriss <sweetlipsTX@hotmail.com>
TX USA - Thursday, May 13, 1999 at 10:57:49 (EDT)

I AM DOING A RESEARCH PAPER ON THE BLUEST EYE AND I CAN'T FIND ANY COMPLETE TEXTS DISCUSSING IT ONLINE. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY?
derek brumley <groovie_4@clds.net>
hinesville , ga USA - Sunday, May 09, 1999 at 15:52:02 (EDT)

Toni Morrison's Sula intrigues me. I am curious if anyone has any insights into her character. I especially would like to hear different points of view about her inability to love, hate, and feel emotions, or if she just plain chose not to. Please e-mail me. Thank you.
Ellen <elsaund1015@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, May 03, 1999 at 20:55:42 (EDT)

Amsterdam, Holland, Mai, 2, 1999 Dear Sir, On April the 29th I have published my homepage on the Internet called "Art, science and transcendence, a comparison between Tolstoy and Plato", by Drs. T.J. Kuijl, Amsterdam ©1995-1999. Apart from its obvious contents, you will find an unique 'doctrine of Eros' by Plato. You can find the page at http://www.xs4all.nl/~aikikai/plato/ . Yours sincerely, Drs. T.J. Kuijl
Drs. T.J. Kuijl <euterpe@xs4all.nl>
Holland - Sunday, May 02, 1999 at 08:26:55 (EDT)

I am doing a project on Toni Morrison's Sula. Does anyone know about the style, structure, and point of view in the book? PLEASE HELP!!!!!! My project is tomorrow. Please e-mail me. :) Thanks!
Cherise <clsanford@altavista.net>
Tx USA - Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at 15:27:22 (EDT)

I am trying to locate the person who posted this entry in your guestbook.... "Thanks for reminding me of what was like to live in Athens. I miss the beautiful sights and sounds of my beloved home town. Keep up the great work. Thanks Again!" Nannette Bricker Patterson , Sacramento , CA USA - Monday, June 16, 1997 at 03:18:52 (EDT) I have a feeling if she is the poster of information listed in the World Wide Registry....then she is my sister separated from me by adoption. Please if you know of her or if you read this Nannette....Please Email Me!!!
Kimberly <kozik@cntn.net>
Worcester, MA USA - Saturday, April 24, 1999 at 11:43:38 (EDT)

Hello, I'm working on Carver's short story entitled "Cathedral" and I desperately need information, essays or any piece of writing, on this subject. Could anyone help me ?
baronne <palo02@infonie.fr>
France - Saturday, April 17, 1999 at 17:46:39 (EDT)

How would you say Hurston has portrayed women in THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
kim <kimwash@yahoo.com>
Baltimore, MD USA - Friday, April 16, 1999 at 12:23:06 (EDT)

I was assigned a report on Zora Neale Hurston. I was really surprised when I found out how popular she is. Because I had never heard of her. Anyway I have a question. What do you think is the best site to find info on her? Is there a particular website that you are partial to? I'd love to know what you have to say about it. Thanks, Valerie
Valerie <valerie_barber@waterst.com>
USA - Tuesday, April 13, 1999 at 10:53:48 (EDT)

I am in the process of writing a paper on Zora Neale Hurston. I was wondering if you had any links that would pertain to her style of writing and the criticism that she received on her writings. Thanx
Lauren Lucchi <BeanieFA@aol.com>
Chicago, IL USA - Sunday, April 11, 1999 at 16:04:33 (EDT)

If any of you have read both, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Toni Morrison's Bluest Eye, please talk to ME! I am trying to set up a compare contrast paper about the two books. So far, I think I can compare how BOTH books are about the society WITHIN the African American communities and how both societies have this distinction between "black" and "colored folks"... and how they criticize among themselves and in a sense have been brainwashed to think that "the whiter you are, the better you are" (e.g. Pecola, from The Bluest Eye) but how would you CONTRAST them. Please give me feedback and suggestions. My email add: frockfusion@hotmail.com
Ruchika Muchhala <frockfusion@hotmail.com>
Singapore - Monday, April 05, 1999 at 13:07:50 (EDT)

Hey what's up
Anthony
FL USA - Monday, April 05, 1999 at 10:44:16 (EDT)

I was wondering if I could get help on a project for English. we have to do an allusion project on Their Eyes Were Watching God. In the novel we have to find 10 of the 15 Biblical allusions and where we find that example in the Bible. Could I please get some help.
Kymber Dree <rockabye_red@hotmail>
Houston, tx USA - Wednesday, March 31, 1999 at 21:10:50 (EST)

Thanks to everyone who voted for Wired for Books in the Streamers Awards! We are now a finalist in the WebSage category! And you have another chance to vote for Wired for Books. You can vote for the Surfer's Choice award at the voting site. Thanks again!!
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, March 31, 1999 at 11:23:38 (EST)

I am doing an essay on the parent-child relationship in "The Death of Ivan Ilych." If anyone has any thoughts regarding this topic, please e-mail me at lesmerelda69@hotmail.com . Thanks!!!
LB <lesmerelda69@hotmail.com>
LA USA - Friday, March 19, 1999 at 10:43:53 (EST)

need info on r carver the cathedral
jillian maderious <jlm68@csufresno.edu>
fresno, ca USA - Wednesday, March 17, 1999 at 00:30:05 (EST)

This is a very good book. What is the Symbolism in it?
Jovan Hunter <jhunter@uofdhigh.k12.mi.us>
Detroit , MI USA - Thursday, March 11, 1999 at 15:22:22 (EST)

I have just been assigned to read The Bluest Eye. I like the book a lot and feel that it has a lot of meaning. I will comment more on it as I read it.
Kendrick L. Sanders <KL-Sanders1@wiu.edu >
Macomb, IL USA - Friday, March 05, 1999 at 21:05:44 (EST)

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" was controversial because some Black writers felt that it reinforced stereotypes about African Americans and did not depict the harsh realities of Black southern life. It is true that the book did not focus much on the horrors of Black southern life, but the purpose of the book seemed to be the celebration of Black southern life, something that can be done, only be done (?), in the absence of an oppressive, demeaning society. I don't think that the book recklessly reinforced stereotypes about Black people. That is not to say that there are no stereotypical images of Blacks in the book. I think that there are, but I think Hurston's motivations were complex. For one, I don't think that she "censored" herself when she wrote the book -- I don't know that she was concerned with presenting Black characters that would rebuff all stereotypical notions about Blacks. Indeed, it doesn't seem that she was writing "to" a White audience. In my opinion, she seems to illustrates the heterogeneity that exist within the Black community -- some characters seem stereotypical (e.g., consumed by internalized racism, superstitions, etc) some seem revolutionary, (e.g., Janie). Hurston's book is a celebration of Black southern life, African story-telling, Black womanhood, Black people.

According to Nancy McCay, there were actually two different Black Renaissances. One in Harlem, pre Depression which celebrated blackness and the African past. Zora Neale Hurston was part of this first movement. The second, renaissance was based in Chicago, post Depression. This one seemed to be fiercely political and the art produced during this period was almost exclusively focused on the horrendous nature and consequences of white oppression. Richard Wright was the leader, so to speak, of that renaissance. He condemned what he considered to be the reckless, seemingly stereotypical conceptions of African Americans that he felt were being propagated by celebratory HR writers like Hurston. Indeed, Wright was Hurston's worst critic. Reference Richard Wright's critique of Hurston -- I don't have the reference with me now, so you will have to look it up. You might want to check out Cheryl Wall's book-- Women of the Harlem Renaissance (1995).
Romana A. Norton <ranorton@students.wisc.edu>
USA - Sunday, February 28, 1999 at 09:04:09 (EST)

Question: Can you please help me understand why there was so much controversy over Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" when it was first published, why it was taken out of print and why it is now loved so much (verses its past reviews). I am not certain I understand why there were issues with it when it was first published. I apologize if I seem to be living with blinders on...but having read the book, i don't see what the issues were.
Tina Townsend <ttownsend@mail.drms.dla.mil>
battle creek, mi USA - Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 14:22:12 (EST)

Sam Halpert also writes:

"For Amanda from Singapore --- No way to know for sure why 'Little Things' ---- Perhaps because of the brevity of the story.... or babies are little things ... or who knows? It may be an improvement of its other title, 'Popular Mechanics.' (ugh!)"

Thanks again, Sam!!

David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, February 19, 1999 at 12:57:28 (EST)

Sam Halpert, author of Raymond Carver: An Oral Biography and When We Talk about Raymond Carver: Conversations with Maryann Carver has answered Emanuela's question posted below. Here's what Sam says:

"Emanuela is looking for stories Carver wrote prior to What We Talk About ... She might try his first collection Furious Seasons, although that volume may be somewhat difficult to locate these days. Other choices, more available, would be Fires, and most certainly Will You Please Be Quiet, Please."

Thanks, Sam!
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, February 19, 1999 at 10:21:34 (EST)

"Their Eyes" was a spectacularly insightful book. I liked Janie's point of view on the world, herself, and society. It helped me put things in perspective. This book inspired me to present my feelings on this book to my English class in an organized presentation in which I hoped to make my class feel as strongly about the book as I do.
Lisbeth <VYBBE@aol.com>
Rockville, MD USA - Thursday, February 18, 1999 at 17:32:17 (EST)

Sorry, but I really don't know. --David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Thursday, February 18, 1999 at 16:30:17 (EST)

Dear David, first of all I want to thank you for your help.You have been very kind. I want to ask you if you know how I can find the original Carver's stories, those that he wrote before the publication of the collection " What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". Sorry if I'm asking you more and more but it is very important for me to know a lot about Carver's work.Thank you again. Emanuela.
emanuela <emadel@reteitalia.net>
lamezia terme, cz italy - Saturday, February 13, 1999 at 11:29:47 (EST)

I've tried to contact the Carver listserv, but I think it has become inactive. Also, I believe Fred Moramarco's online seminar about Raymond Carver may not be offered this semester at his university, San Diego State. Fred has a lot of good Carver resources listed on his page, which is still up. You can go to the Community Reconsidered page at http://www.tcom.ohiou.edu/books/recon.htm and click on "more resources" in the Raymond Carver section to find a link to Fred Moramarco's pages. And, we'd love your vote for Wired for Books in the Streamers WebSage category! Support good books on the Web! :-)
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, February 12, 1999 at 14:16:19 (EST)

Dear David,I need your help because I'm desperately trying to participate at the seminar on Raymond Carver, held by Fred Moramarco,but without success. What do I have to do? Please help me!I subscribed to the listserv many times but they never found any request.Please, tell me what to do! Thanks in advance. Emanuela.
emanuela <emadel@reteitalia.net>
lamezia terme, cz italy - Wednesday, February 10, 1999 at 12:21:09 (EST)

Here's an essay, "The Carver Chronicles" by D.T. Max. Carver's relationship with his editor, Gordon Lish, is highlighted. (NY Times, 8/9/98)

Good luck! --David
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Monday, February 01, 1999 at 12:25:10 (EST)

I'm doing a thesis on carver's short stories and I'm interested in the revisions that he made of his stories. I would like to know more about the changes that, as somebody affirms, have been made by the editor Gordon Lish.
Emanuela <emadel@reteitalia.net>
lamezia terme, catanzaro italy - Sunday, January 31, 1999 at 16:01:15 (EST)

I believe Janie was very naive and definitely a fool in love. Tea Cake talks very sweetly to Janie, but never truly shows his love for her. He takes her money, and in my opinion, lies to her about the whole situation. He also tries to keep her subservient as the relationship progresses.I really don't feel that Tea Cake loved Janie wholeheartedly.This is my opinion,and may be due to the fact that I am not old enough to understand these experiences. Being only eleven years old, I would like to know if I will have a different interpretation in the future.Thanks for listening, Lashamean.
Lashamean White
USA - Monday, January 25, 1999 at 10:02:47 (EST)

i loved the book "their eyes where watching god" but i need to know more about her than what they show and it get confusing every time i look and i see nothing of interest to a report i'm doing on her thank you for hearing my complaint
Christine Beutler <Sabrin8789@yahoo.com>
Olymipa, WA USA - Wednesday, January 06, 1999 at 02:10:22 (EST)

anyone have any idea why 'little things' from the book 'where i am calling from' is titled that? thanks.
amanda ong <noahwyle@hotmail.com>
woodlands, singapore - Tuesday, December 29, 1998 at 22:31:15 (EST)

There was a book I read about 2 weeks ago now called "Always," by Trevor Meldal-Johnsen. I thought it would be the typical romance novel that come a dime a dozen at the supermarket check stand or that lines the racks at the old Woolworth's. I was wrong. It was a very un-typical thriller concerning life and death, the concepts of reincarnation and spiritual meaning in Man. It also told a wonderful romantic story about a Hollywood screenwriter who falls in love with an actress on the movie screen and finds himself obsessed with knowing more and more about her. His life is threatened by accidents and unexplainable events the closer he gets to the truth. I stayed up reading it for basically 3 full days, turning the page, turning the page, turning the page, until I got to the end of the book. I called the book's publisher, Bamboo Grove Books, and asked them about the author and about the novel itself. There are things very Somerset Maugham, very Conan Doyle, in the writing. Has anyone else out there read "Always," or are you currently purchasing it from their online site? I would love to talk on the web about it with you. Mark Simon
Mark Simon <simboy@earthlink.net>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Sunday, December 13, 1998 at 17:25:59 (EST)

I would like to learn more about Zora Neale Hurston. I also have a research paper on her. It would be great to be able to chat with a person who knows more than teachers or books can tell. I am trying to develop the theme LOVE in " Their Eyes were watching God",Mules and Men", and "Dust Track on the Road." Thanks for your attention. Laure-Edith
Laure-Edith <Lezjackie@usa.net>
Siver Spring, MD USA - Friday, December 11, 1998 at 08:55:50 (EST)

I am a senior in high school getting ready to write a term paper. I am looking for critical reviews of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. I have looked on the Internet but can not find anything. Any suggestions?
Mindy Gibson
West Monroe , La USA - Wednesday, December 09, 1998 at 20:53:46 (EST)

what do you mean by, "All happy families resembles one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"? i have to do a research on how above statement can be applied in "A Night Out","Chicken Soup With Barley" and "Father and Son".
awin <raiha@tm.net.ny>
kuala lumpur, selangor malaysia - Saturday, November 21, 1998 at 23:09:03 (EST)

I need literary criticism on Carver's "Cathedral" and I have searched the internet and checked out local library books, but have not come up with much. Any suggestions?
Chad R Young <RMY2BO>
Millersville, Md USA - Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at 15:42:48 (EST)

i would like to know something on zora neale hurston
thisalca williams <thisalca@hotmail.com>
houston , tx USA - Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 15:40:26 (EST)

I will be teaching "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for the first time this spring. Any ideas on how to introduce or deal with the dialect of the novel for a predominantly white classroom or any suggestions for teaching the novel to high school seniors? Thanks.
Cathy Line <linkshouse@erols.com>
USA - Tuesday, November 03, 1998 at 11:15:04 (EST)

Has anyone seen the movie, Beloved? Did you like it?
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, October 28, 1998 at 10:53:47 (EST)

Toni Morrison's character "Milkman" in "Song of Solomon" appears to be related to the figure called Esu-Elegbera from Yoruba mythology. I would like to here from anyone who knows if any similar link exists between Esu-Elegbera and the character "Porgy", from Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess". Please could you e-mail me with a response.
Gary Pearcy <58783229@mmu.ac.uk>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at 05:33:43 (EST)

I really have no idea what the central theme of THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD was.
tiffany
USA - Thursday, October 15, 1998 at 23:37:31 (EDT)

I found that THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD was a very interesting book. It did not imitate the type of story line commonly used in time period. It did focus on racial issues but on black people themselves
Tiffany
USA - Thursday, October 15, 1998 at 23:34:08 (EDT)

I visited Ohio University, and just wanted to sign in to let you know I did visit.
Katherine Kleinert <edkleinert@compuserve.com>
Hudson, OH USA - Thursday, October 15, 1998 at 12:56:55 (EDT)

Check our front page at Wired for Books for links to Martin Sheen reading "My Country Awake" by Rabindranath Tagore and also links to Robert Kinsley's book of poetry, Field Stones.
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, October 14, 1998 at 17:02:52 (EDT)

Hi I need an analysis (criticism) of the characters and themes of Tolstoy's works: Master and Man, Family Happiness and Alyosha the Pot. Please respond ASAP.
ardan <WEIRDO1734@ prodigy.net>
NY USA - Sunday, September 13, 1998 at 14:20:26 (EDT)

This has nothing to do with the discussion in progress now, however, I'm beginning my graduate work and am interested in finding an online discussion group focussing on either African American studies or Contemporary American Lit. in general. Can anyone can point me in the right direction? Please email. Thanks!
Michelle <chell@ptd.net>
PA USA - Thursday, September 03, 1998 at 21:29:00 (EDT)

That was wonderful listening to the critics talk about Carver. His works still move me into a soul-space, a quieting-down. I have most of his books and a critical analysis and still delight in revisiting them often. Thanks for this episode - helped me clean up my lounge room and avoid some work I needed to do! ....my poems deserve to be eaten by mice....to paraphrase Carver!
Jenny Quealy <jquealy@pnc.com.au>
Blue Mountains, NSW Australia - Monday, August 24, 1998 at 09:40:42 (EDT)

I'm sure that most of you have read about Modern Library's "Best Books of the 20th Century." I was pleasantly surprised to read that Powell's Books employees voted for their own list of "best books" and Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God was voted "number one."
David Kurz <kurz@ohio.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, August 19, 1998 at 17:14:45 (EDT)

Please join the discussions at our newly expanded message boards. I hope to see you there! David
David Kurz <kurz@ohiou.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Wednesday, July 29, 1998 at 11:12:28 (EDT)

Re: Toni Morrison

Have read all of her works; Have enjoyed them like finally getting to go on a bike ride when your one of fourteen children and own only one bike The rides are breathtaking
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, Colorado, USA - Thursday, June 18, 1998 at 13:04:32 (EDT)

How do you think she felt about men?
mc
Tallahassee, FL USA - Thursday, June 18, 1998 at 08:43:07 (EDT)

Hey Fellow Book Lovers... This is my first time to visit the site. It's wonderful to see people from all over the world coming together to discuss a common passion. I am a senior English major at University of West Georgia. I have chosen Toni Morrison to do my thesis paper on. I am currently reading Song of Solomon, which is the first of her books I have read. I am interested in getting involved with a Toni Morrison book club, discussion group, list serv etc. If anyone has any suggestions for me or would just like to chat email me at puther@mindspring.com! Also, does anyone know Toni's email address or one that could give me a schedule of her visitations. I live near Atlanta and was hoping she might be around the area in the near future. Again, I was very impressed with everyone's comments. It's great to be in the presence of scholars!! Mandy :)
Mandy Triplett <puther@mindspring.com>
Carrollton, Ga. USA - Sunday, June 07, 1998 at 15:57:08 (EDT)

I enjoyed reading the transcripts of your discussions about Raymond Carver, they were an eye opener. To cut to the chase, I'm a scribbler who's trying to write an article connecting Carver's work to those of Franz Kafka. You may think that's lunatic, but I personally see a link of sorts between the two, in their tragically short lives, their need to juggle their artistic considerations and so on, but especially in the attention and currency they gain from the small, incidental, subconscious elements in our lives and their true and greater significance (think of Carver's early story "The Hair", where it is expressed more forthrightly than in his later work, and the opening chapter of Amerika, or indeed, the whole of the Trial). I could go on, but I doubt your guestbook has the room.. Basically I'm interested in finding out more on Carver's sources (the Russian is obvious) early life and especially about the way working. I'd really like to get a look at his letters and was wondering whether I could find any on the net? Anyhow, if anyone can help I'd be grateful. I have the idea of the piece, I need to grow some meat on it. I'd also like to say that I think "Cathedral" is the most beautiful story I have ever read, in every important way.
Mitchell Millar <9457722@arran.sms.ed.ac.uk>
Edinburgh, Scotland - Sunday, May 24, 1998 at 09:57:25 (EDT)

We have a new essay on Wired for Books, Racial Realities and Amazing Alternatives: Studying the Works of Samuel R. Delany by Jeffrey Allen Tucker, Ph.D. And we have some wonderful spoken poetry in RealAudio in the Poetry Online section. Check it out!
David Kurz <kurz@ohiou.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, May 22, 1998 at 11:09:42 (EDT)

Medical Malpractice in il
SHAARE ZEDEK <MNADIV@IBM.NET>
il, USA - Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 09:21:04 (EDT)

Has anybody heard of a fantastic African-American writer Sapphire - her work can be found on High Risk books and she wrote 'American Dreams' which really is a confronting and brilliant novel.
Netti Kite <tmansf10@chec.scu.edu.au>
Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia - Thursday, April 30, 1998 at 21:24:04 (EDT)

I enjoyed listening to Q & A segments by your guest scholars especially their discussion about defining community. I tend to limit community to the mass meaning where there is a unity among the many divisions to achieve some grand purpose or some functional good for the whole society or country. Thank you for this educational experience.
Boray <boray@jps.net>
Red Bluff, CA USA - Saturday, April 18, 1998 at 12:59:14 (EDT)

Like to discuss on Computer topics.
Alok Saraf <aloksaraf@hotmail.com>
Indore, MP India - Sunday, April 12, 1998 at 02:15:59 (EDT)

Another featured author here at Wired for Books is the classic author/illustrator of children's books, Beatrix Potter. Hopefully, this is the beginning of many offerings for children at our site. Let us know what you think. David
David Kurz <kurz@ohiou.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Saturday, April 11, 1998 at 09:55:34 (EDT)

I am doing my research paper on the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on Zora Neale Hurston's THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD. Any information anyone can give me would be a great help and greatly appreciated. thank you. thank you for your site it has helped me a lot
amie <beloved@palatka.com>
satsuma, fl USA - Tuesday, March 31, 1998 at 05:47:00 (EST)

If you haven't yet listened to Dr. Herbert Martin's lecture, "The African American Oral Tradition" then please accept our invitation! The URL is www.tcom.ohiou.edu/books/martin.ram You'll need the RealAudio plug-in (it's free) and a sound card and speakers, but it's worth the effort. Let us know what you think. David
David Kurz <kurz@ohiou.edu>
Athens, OH USA - Friday, March 27, 1998 at 11:33:44 (EST)

I >

Transfer interrupted!
from the Bluest Eye. What would be an example of a symbol from this book? Also, how does this book deal with "double consciousness?" Any help you can give me would be great.

Thanks,

ANNNNA1@aol.com