Black Experience Book Club

The Black Experience Book Club is dedicated to examining literature by Black authors, providing a structured space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper understanding of the Black experience in America.

Their Eyes Were Watching God novel follows Janie Crawford as she recounts her life story—her search for autonomy, love, and self-realization—after returning to Eatonville, Florida. Through three marriages, especially her transformative relationship with Tea Cake, Janie learns to trust her own voice and desire genuine partnership rather than control or security alone. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Black Southern life, the book explores themes of gender, love, freedom, community, and the power of storytelling as Janie ultimately claims her independence and sense of self.