Gloria Naylor

Date of Birth: January 25, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 28, 2016

Biography

Gloria Naylor was an acclaimed American novelist, best known for her debut novel, “The Women of Brewster Place,” which won the National Book Award for First Novel in 1983. Born in New York City, Naylor was raised in a religious household and spent much of her early life immersed in literature. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree in African American Studies from Yale University. Throughout her career, Naylor wrote several novels that explored the lives and struggles of African-American women, earning her a place among the most significant voices in contemporary American literature. Her works often focused on themes of community, identity, and resilience, and she was praised for her lyrical prose and deep characterizations. Some of her other notable works include “Linden Hills,” “Mama Day,” and “Bailey’s Cafe.” Naylor also taught writing and literature at several institutions, including the University of Kent and Boston University. She passed away on September 28, 2016, leaving behind a powerful legacy of literary contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Gloria Naylor

1. Gloria Naylor’s first novel, “The Women of Brewster Place,” was adapted into a television miniseries in 1989, featuring Oprah Winfrey.

2. Before becoming a novelist, Naylor worked as a telephone operator for several years.

3. Naylor was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1985.

4. She was deeply influenced by the works of African-American writers such as Toni Morrison and Alice Walker.

5. Naylor’s novel “Mama Day” was named after her mother, who was a significant influence in her life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gloria Naylor

1. “Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny.”

2. “Life is accepting what is and working from that.”

3. “In a way, all the characters I’ve created are pieces of me. They’re not me, but pieces of me.”

4. “The characters in my stories are as real as the people I know in real life, and I have a great affection for them.”

5. “The best way to know your faults is to notice which ones you accuse others of.”