Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Two authors, Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon, take on the impressive and creative task of presenting a unique view of well-known author Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston, renowned author of such books as THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD and JONAH'S GOURD VINE, is memorialized in this new fictional version of her childhood. In ZORA AND ME, Bond and Simon attempt to imagine the great storyteller's early years.
The story is told by Carrie, a childhood friend of Zora's. According to Carrie, Zora began her storytelling career as a child and used her talent to fascinate and entertain everyone, both children and adults. Always ready with a tale, Zora's favorites usually seemed to involve the folklore of the area.
Her main tale described in the book focuses on a creature half-gator/half-man thought to stalk victims in the marshes and swamps. When a headless dead man is discovered along the railroad tracks, Zora's imagination soars. She creates a tale combining this recent discovery with other unexplained events that is sure to raise the hairs on many an arm. Young and old in her tiny community are drawn into her story, and everyone fears for their safety.
Readers and fans of the adult Zora Neale Hurston will be captivated by this imaginative portrayal of the young Hurston. It doesn't take much of a leap to believe that this little storyteller could grow to be an award-winning author. Bond and Simon are to be applauded for their efforts.
Two authors, Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon, take on the impressive and creative task of presenting a unique view of well-known author Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston, renowned author of such books as THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD and JONAH'S GOURD VINE, is memorialized in this new fictional version of her childhood. In ZORA AND ME, Bond and Simon attempt to imagine the great storyteller's early years.
The story is told by Carrie, a childhood friend of Zora's. According to Carrie, Zora began her storytelling career as a child and used her talent to fascinate and entertain everyone, both children and adults. Always ready with a tale, Zora's favorites usually seemed to involve the folklore of the area.
Her main tale described in the book focuses on a creature half-gator/half-man thought to stalk victims in the marshes and swamps. When a headless dead man is discovered along the railroad tracks, Zora's imagination soars. She creates a tale combining this recent discovery with other unexplained events that is sure to raise the hairs on many an arm. Young and old in her tiny community are drawn into her story, and everyone fears for their safety.
Readers and fans of the adult Zora Neale Hurston will be captivated by this imaginative portrayal of the young Hurston. It doesn't take much of a leap to believe that this little storyteller could grow to be an award-winning author. Bond and Simon are to be applauded for their efforts.
