As Jenifer said in her own words about this book in the epilogue, ” Auntie ain’t playing in this one.” Truer words couldn’t have been spoken concerning this beautiful collection of Jenifer’s journey of life as she lives it. There was never a dull moment reading Walking In My Joy In These Streets. It was a joy to soak in all the lovely and sage wisdom oozing through the pages.
Jenifer Lewis’ larger than life personality shined throughout this book. It was laugh out loud funny at times. Other times, it was profoundly reflective. I was inspired by her ability to always push through and own who she is in her fullness. All of her experiences led her face to face with herself, which she revels in with raw honesty. Jenifer’s bravery of walking in her truth is a testament to the gift she truly is.
I found Jenifer’s honesty in the book refreshing. I especially love the balance she struck between the funny and weightier nuances of life discovered along the way. This book was a fantastic read.
Janie Crawford was a young girl born with a freedom in her spirit. That freedom was stifled by her grandmother”s fear for her future. Janie’s grandmother knew she was all she had in her world, and wanted to ensure security for Janie when she was no longer here.
Janie fought against it initially. Though she didn’t lean into it, she did resign herself to her grandmother’s suggestion that she marry an elder gentleman named Logan Killicks. Janie settled into her marriage with Logan. Janie’s restlessness bubbling beneath the surface, created conflict almost immediately. The union appeared shaky from the onset.
When Joe Starks passes through town, Janie takes her chance to escape from what she perceives as a life of gloom. Joe Starks was distinguished and self assured, a man going places. They married and hopped on a train to a town in Florida where he became the mayor. Janie became a woman expected to stifle her own ideas. As the mayor’s wife, she was not allowed to mingle too closely with the common townsfolk.
Once Joe Starks is no longer in her world, she emerges as freedom personified. She looses her hair and takes to wearing overalls, and embraces her innate carefree spirit.
A young and carefree man named Tea Cake crosses Janie’s path. From the beginning of their encounter, Tea Cake was Janie’s home. Wild, beautiful, and free best describes their love and union.They celebrate each other with joyful abandon. Janie is encouraged to come forth fully as herself, which was discouraged prior to Teacake’s presence in her life.
A storm appears in their town and changes things; bringing with it loss and uncertainty. It changes the course of Janie’s life profusely. Janie’s journey of walking in the freedom she always had within was fascinating to experience as a reader. I read this book years ago as a high school student and loved it. It was a joy to read it all these years later as an adult. The story is part cautionary tale, part deliberate allowance. Their Eyes Were Watching God is truly a classic work art .
** Impactful Words From The Book**
It’s uh known fact, Pheoby, you got tuh go there tuh know there.
Two things everybody’s got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh theyselves.”
FOREVER BOOK FEVER 