Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston

by Lucy Hurston

One of the most beguiling and captivating figures of the twentieth century, Zora Neale Hurston gained fame as a bestselling author, anthropologist, journalist, and playwright. Her remarkable life is presented as never before in SPEAK, SO YOU CAN SPEAK AGAIN. An interactive package tracing Hurston’s journey from Eatonville, Florida, to her student days at Barnard College, to her emergence as a literary star and bestselling author and cultural icon during the Harlem Renaissance and her subsequent decline into obscurity, it contains beautifully crafted facsimiles of historic papers, handwritten notes, photographs, and much more.

Readers will be able to hold in their hands the charred draft notes for the novel, Seraph on the Suwannee ; open a Christmas card Hurston created for her friends; and read letters illuminating her relationships with intimate friends and fellow writers like Langston Hughes and Dorothy West. SPEAK, SO YOU CAN SPEAK AGAIN also provides the extraordinary opportunity to hear Hurston’s own voice talking about her life as a writer on several radio interviews, and, in a powerful interlude, singing a passionate rendition of a railroad worker’s chant she learned while collecting folklore in the Deep South.

Interest in Hurston continues to soar. Her most famous book, Their Eyes Are Watching God , is now in development at Oprah Winfrey’s production company, Harpo, and is also being adapted for Broadway. The sales of her books attest to an ever-growing audience. Whether they are discovering Hurston for the first time or are devoted fans, readers will find hours of entertainment in SPEAK, SO YOU CAN SPEAK AGAIN.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, African American, Memoir, African American Literature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2004

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more an accomplishment in book art and bookmaking than in biographical writing, though it's fine on that end. It was great to get some little known information about the author I studied for a year, and the ephemera was fabulous and quite extensive. I'm still going to need to go back through and finish reading some of it. There is so much more Hurston to discover than I thought back in high school.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fabulous collection. Whoever put this together must've had a lot of fun -- it's evident in the finished product. The copies letters and reprinted momentos are wonderful. The cd with Zora's songs is a real gem. If this is still in print, go buy your own copy. If you find it in a library, it's definitely going to be missing all the good parts.

[Susan Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book and fascinating presentation: I loved the facsimile's of actual letters, stories, etc pertaining to the text.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zora Neale Hurston will always be an Godly, Spirited Inspiration to my Life. I have loved her ever since reading, "Moses, Man of The Mountain." As I opened the pages, I became so mesmerized with this Lovely Book. It will truly INVITE you into her Life; sharing so many of her wonderful Memories! With each book I've read, I have wanted to learn to much more about Ms. Zora Neale Hurston. I could not hold back by tears as I opened the little folder to read her poem, "Home." This Beautiful Collection of Memorabilia has GRACED me with So much More Peacefulness. This Gem will be in part of my Collection very Soon. ✨

[Jenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this gem at a used bookstore. If you are a Zora Neale Hurston fan you must have this book. The replicas of the documents and her work from her era make the book feel like a museum. The story of her life is fascinating. Thumbing through pieces of her work and handwriting, make you feel like you're looking through her stuff, a literary treasure box. Reading this book is an intimate experience because there are so many elements and copies of pieces from Hurston's life. The Hurston family gave us a gift putting this together. It's out of print, but there are used copies online.

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every biography should be done this way-
I loved the attached envelopes with treasures inside
like postcards and letters and handwritten excerpts.

I loved the CD with an interview from 1943 and Zora Neale Hurston singing folk songs (most are available on youtube).

I was so excited to hear her voice.

[Sequella Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Coffee table” worthy art work information for beginning conversations! A lot to ponder and explore in a small book. Like good food presentation this book entices the reader to dig in nibble in the pockets, extra flaps etc.

A Hurston fan this was a nice refresher to prior knowledge while learning new insights.

Cover to cover fun.

[Deb Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book a very good biography of the author's aunt, the book itself is amazing. All sorts of inserts in the pages. Some made to look just like the original documents. There are at least two short poems that were so well written. This is definitely a book to read and admire.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m offering a reluctant 3 stars. While the book is a wonderful testament to Hurston’s life with love, it was very bare bones and placed any situation where things didn’t work out squarely on everyone else. The pictures and documents were wonderful additions to offer more of the famous writer.

[Lynne Hélèna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I have read almost all of Zora Neale Hurston’s works, and this book made her come alive for me, like she breathed life into her characters. If you love her work, this is a must read!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating collection of memorabilia included with this biography that adds to her amazing journey as a writer.

[Julie Ruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like a ZNH pop-up book! It's full of handwritten letters, manuscripts (for poems and the first chapter of Their Eyes Were Watching God), and even a CD of folk songs sung and discussed by ZNH herself!

Also included is the full text of the play Color Struck, beautiful pictures, and fantastic autobiographical info. I LOVE this view of ZNH's life.

[Loribel Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most comprehensive book on the life of Zora Neale Hurston. After reading this book I felt a connection to Zora unlike any other author that I have read. It is a definite read for those who wish to learn more firsthand about the life of this remarkable author.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful compilation of family anecdotes and literary history! Zora Neale Hurston was ahead of her time. Kudos to Lucy for letting us get to know her aunt on a more personal level. Two extraordinary women! :)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Shannon gave this to me. If you are a Zora Neale Hurston fan (and you should be), this is a must!

[Robin]

got this as a gift and it is wonderful

[Louise Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of fascimile ephemera, letters, manuscripts, and CDs of her original folk recordings. Beautiful book. A treasure!