Rating: 
Summary: Nicely written, but overly sympathetic, biography
Review: Based on thorough research, this fine, readable biography by Valerie Boyd nicely captures the exuberance and independent spirit of Zora Neale Hurston. Once underrated because of her race--and now probably overrated for the same reason-the gifted Hurston was a wandering star who might have been capable of true literary excellence if she been able to resist the destructive aspects of her personality. Hurston's irresponsibility and sexual folly probably cost her the financial stability that would have allowed her to practice her craft without constant reference to the wolf at her door. Although Boyd's biography reveals Hurston's defects of character, the author stoutly defends Hurston against all comers. Most painful are Boyd's excuses for Hurston's sycophancy toward silly rich white people. Wrapped in Rainbows is a much finer book than one would have reason to expect from a biographer who believes that Hurston chose her from the next world.
Rating: 
Summary: Zora Lives !
Review: Congratulations! I applaud Ms. Boyd's ambitious undertaking of this ambitious endeavor. The biography, as complex yet illusive as it was, of Zora Neale Hurston, the most colorful African-American literary figure, is well-written and interesting. The book is amazingly detailed, yet never fast moving. Hurston's admirers, of which I am one, will be captivated as much by the story as the way Ms. Boyd had chosen to write it. Wrapped in Rainbows. Excellent Pat Neblett, author: Circles of Sisterhood: A Book Discussion Group Guide for Women of Color.
Rating:
Summary: Thorough but Good
Review: I just finished Ms Boyd's exhaustive yet thorough biography on Ms Zora Neale Hurston. I got the lady a lot of props because during some of the worst times in U.S.history, this African American woman was out there writing books and stories about the Negro life; as well as going to various places picking up information on folklore and other legends. As a matter of fact, she WAS the one of the few female writers of the Harlem Renaissance(the other being Dorothy West)to have stayed on course
as a writer. Many props for a fine bio.
Rating:
Summary: Nicely written, but overly sympathetic, biography
Review: I read and review many books for my website, AfroAmericanHeritage.com, and sad to say, about halfway through many I start to notice the dissertation cut&paste syndrome. Not so here! Boyd is an excellent storyteller, and her narrative seamlessly weaves together Hurston's personal and professional life and work. There are surprises and revelations around every corner...for example, the author says that according to Alan Lomax, the most famous picture of Hurston (big floppy hat, head tossed back in a toothy grin) is actually not her at all. But the book is also fascinating for what it reveals about the Harlem Renaissance in general. Hurston was a complex character, born long before her time. Some might question her choices in life; I for one am glad Boyd refrains from judging her. She just tells the story and allows readers to draw their own conclusions. This is the first book in a very long time which captivated me until the very last word. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Surprises at every turn
Review: I read and review many books for my website, AfroAmericanHeritage.com, and sad to say, about halfway through many I start to notice the dissertation cut&paste syndrome. Not so here! Boyd is an excellent storyteller, and her narrative seamlessly weaves together Hurston's personal and professional life and work. There are surprises and revelations around every corner...for example, the author says that according to Alan Lomax, the most famous picture of Hurston (big floppy hat, head tossed back in a toothy grin) is actually not her at all. But the book is also fascinating for what it reveals about the Harlem Renaissance in general. Hurston was a complex character, born long before her time. Some might question her choices in life; I for one am glad Boyd refrains from judging her. She just tells the story and allows readers to draw their own conclusions. This is the first book in a very long time which captivated me until the very last word. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Felt Tip Pen - Zora
Review: Valerie Boyd blew breath into Zora Neale Hurston's remarkable accomplishments. I felt as if I was riding alongside Zora while Boyd narrated the different scenes;Zora was like a felt tip pen, as creative as could be. Of course, I wasn't ready to get off the ride, but I believe Zora lived a fulfilled life with little bumps and potholes or life lessons along the way.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Biography I Have Ever Read
Review: Valerie Boyd does what most biographers cannot; she makes facts as savory as fiction. As a great admirer of Zora Neale Hurston--the woman, I had long been searching for a piece of work that captures her emminence and vitality. I stumbled across "Wrapped in Rainbows" at Borders and resolved then and there that I HAD to have it. I do not at all regret this choice. Order this book, and I guarantee that it will be one of the best investments you ever make! The chapters on the Harlem Renaissance and Zora's involvment with it are magical, and the sections detailing Zora's friendship and eventual fued with Langston Hughes are fascinating. I can't say enough positive things about this biography. If you admire the spunky and talented Ms. Hurston, you will NOT be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Hurston's Life Soars
Review: Valerie Boyd has given us a brilliantly balanced portrait of Hurston as writer, folklorist, intellectual and human being. Given her research from interviews and published sources, Boyd weaves her narrative with quotes and analysis that gives insight into the life of a rather complex historical figure. So much insight allows readers to conclude that Hurston deserves to be canonized for having survived many tragic and important events relative to her personal history and American history in general. Hurston was a controversial figure in her time and Boyd generously provides evidence why readers should understand her from a historical and political perspective. The friendship sparked between Hurston and Hughes--and its demise--is very a interesting chapter in Hurston's life. Boyd has readers wanting a reconciliation because, as Boyd declares, their friendship was one that was perhaps the greatest in American literature. Boyd is careful not to dismiss Hughes but elevate him in balance with Hurston's creative accomplishments during and after the Harlem Renaissance. This book is a wonderful addition to reading Hurston's "Dust Tracks..." and "Mules and Men." Hurston fans will love this book for its emotional intensity. Scholars will get a fair insight and a generous dose of the humanity added to her intellectual accomplishments summing up Hurston as a true legend in American literature, African American literature and Women's Literature. What is missing from this book? I would have liked to have read a bit about Langston Hughes' sexuality. However, such an issue would certainly border on the line of gossip. In any case, the issue proves irrelevant in this book. Certainly the question about what parts of her life Hurston might have concealed from her own biography is important in this book. Boyd certainly has filled in the gaps as to the how and the why of several episodes in Hurston's life. What were Hurston's relationships with editors? What was the state of the publishing industry during Hurston's time? What fed Hurston's struggle for money even as a successful writer? Why does Hurston continue to matter? All these questions are answered and more. In sum, Boyd's book defines the careful balance of emotion and scholarly research that paints a portrait of a truly historical figure who has defined culture like no other. Simply said, without Zora, there would be no Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, bell hooks or Maya Angelou.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: Valerie Boyd has written a truly fine book that details the life of Zora Neale Hurston. I didn't want to put it down and was very sad when I came to the end. Zora Neale Hurston was a phenomenal woman who lived her life the way she wanted without comprimising her independence and love of writing and folklore. The book is an adventure that gives the reader an intimate portrait of what life was like for a talented African-American female writer who did not receive the appropriate accolades or financial success while she was alive. I learned so many interesting facts about Zora's life, the Harlem Renaissance, racism, other well-known writers' (black and white) experiences, and have come away with a genuine appreciation for the arts and Zora's legacy. Bravo Valerie Boyd. You have done a remarkable job!
Rating:
Summary: I Cried When It Ended
Review: Valerie Boyd has written an incredible biography of an amazing life. Before reading Wrapped in Rainbows, I considered myself pretty knowledgeable about Zora Neale Hurston. I had read Hurston's autobiography, Robert Hemenway's biography, several of Hurston's books, and various articles about her work. However, Boyd's book gave me a deeper understanding of Hurston than I would have thought possible. Boyd's meticulous research and insightful analysis bring the places and times of Hurston's life into detailed focus. This gives a rich backdrop to the events of Hurston's life and helps clarify her actions. This is the job of any good biographer. What makes Boyd a great biographer is her ability to get inside Hurston's skin so that the reader experiences the complexities of her great life. Many people view Hurston's life as tragic. She was a wonderful writer and champion of the "folk," yet she died in poverty--with all of her books out of print--and was buried in an unmarked grave. Boyd skillfully takes us on the journey of Hurston's life--through her successes and failures, her accolades and obscurity, her dreams and realities. I felt the passion and conviction and courage Hurston must have called on to accomplish what she did despite the challenges she faced. When I finished the book, I cried--not because Hurston's life was tragic, but because of the wonder of the Wrapped in Rainbows experience. Boyd's poetic writing was a joy to read. The beauty of her writing was breathtaking at times. Perhaps more significantly, through it, I identified with Hurston more than I ever had before and felt the supreme contentment of a life well lived.
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