Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is the featured title for the Houston Public Library's 8th Annual Books on the Bayou. The acclaimed author is seen as a talented and influential writer today, but in 1960, she died in penniless obscurity - her grave was unmarked until Alice Walker identified it. Years later, her sociologist/historian niece, Lucy Anne Hurston, brought Hurston's life to print with the luminous biography, Speak, So You Can Speak Again. Chock-full of documents and photos from her aunt's colorful life, Speak is the subject of Hurston's lecture at today's Books on the Bayou opening celebration. The schedule also includes a screening of Their Eyes Were Watching God, live music and informal book talks. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hurston appears at 1 p.m.) 500 McKinney. For information, call 832-393-1313 or visit www.houstonlibrary.org. Free.
Sat., Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2009