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Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague, the Woman Who Revolutionized Naval Engineering
“ Overnight Code is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome social barriers and to shatter glass ceilings.” —Carolyn Porter, Marcel’s A Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate
• Georgia Author of the Year Award 2022 Winner in Biography
The inspiring story of a groundbreaking African American female engineer who created the first computer-designed ship for the US Navy
Raye Montague was an ambitious little girl in segregated Little Rock. She grew to be a woman who spent a lifetime educating herself, both inside and outside of the classroom, so that she could become the person and professional she aspired to be.
Where some saw roadblocks, Montague only saw hurdles that needed to be overcome. Her mindset helped her become the first person to draft a Naval ship design by computer, using a program she worked late nights to debug. She did this as a single mother during the height of the Cold War, all the while imbuing her son with the hard-won wisdom she had accumulated throughout the years.
Equal parts coming-of-age tale, civil rights history, and reflection on the power of education, Overnight Code is a tale about persistence and perseverance when the odds against you seem insurmountable .
• Georgia Author of the Year Award 2022 Winner in Biography
The inspiring story of a groundbreaking African American female engineer who created the first computer-designed ship for the US Navy
Raye Montague was an ambitious little girl in segregated Little Rock. She grew to be a woman who spent a lifetime educating herself, both inside and outside of the classroom, so that she could become the person and professional she aspired to be.
Where some saw roadblocks, Montague only saw hurdles that needed to be overcome. Her mindset helped her become the first person to draft a Naval ship design by computer, using a program she worked late nights to debug. She did this as a single mother during the height of the Cold War, all the while imbuing her son with the hard-won wisdom she had accumulated throughout the years.
Equal parts coming-of-age tale, civil rights history, and reflection on the power of education, Overnight Code is a tale about persistence and perseverance when the odds against you seem insurmountable .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2021
32 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Paige Bowers
3 books21 followersPaige Bowers is a journalist and the author of two biographies about bold, barrier-breaking women in history.
For the past few years, Paige has worked closely with Hidden Figure Raye Montague’s son, David, on the story of how his mother engineered her way out of the Jim Crow South to become the first person to draft a Naval ship design by computer. That book, OVERNIGHT CODE: The Life of Raye Montague, the Woman Who Revolutionized Naval Engineering, was published by Lawrence Hill Books on January 12, 2021. Since then, it has been featured on Good Morning America, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, NAVSEA.mil, Library Journal, BookTrib.com, and other media outlets. Goodreads called it one of the most anticipated new biographies in Spring 2021, while ElectricLiterature.com included it in a roundup of books about women trailblazers in male-dominated fields. In June 2022, Paige won the Georgia Writers Association’s Georgia Author of the Year award in biography.
Her first book, THE GENERAL’S NIECE: The Little-Known De Gaulle Who Fought to Free Occupied France, is the first English-language biography of Charles de Gaulle’s niece, confidante, and daughter figure, Genevieve, to whom he dedicated his war memoirs. It’s the story of a remarkable young woman who risked death to become one of the most devoted foot soldiers of the French resistance, and later became a public figure in her own right.
Paige is a nationally published news and features writer whose work has appeared in TIME, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, People, Allure, Glamour, Pregnancy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Aventura, and Palm Beach Illustrated. Paige lives in the Atlanta area with her family, which includes a rescue pup named Boots who truly has no off button. She is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, L.L.C.
For the past few years, Paige has worked closely with Hidden Figure Raye Montague’s son, David, on the story of how his mother engineered her way out of the Jim Crow South to become the first person to draft a Naval ship design by computer. That book, OVERNIGHT CODE: The Life of Raye Montague, the Woman Who Revolutionized Naval Engineering, was published by Lawrence Hill Books on January 12, 2021. Since then, it has been featured on Good Morning America, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, NAVSEA.mil, Library Journal, BookTrib.com, and other media outlets. Goodreads called it one of the most anticipated new biographies in Spring 2021, while ElectricLiterature.com included it in a roundup of books about women trailblazers in male-dominated fields. In June 2022, Paige won the Georgia Writers Association’s Georgia Author of the Year award in biography.
Her first book, THE GENERAL’S NIECE: The Little-Known De Gaulle Who Fought to Free Occupied France, is the first English-language biography of Charles de Gaulle’s niece, confidante, and daughter figure, Genevieve, to whom he dedicated his war memoirs. It’s the story of a remarkable young woman who risked death to become one of the most devoted foot soldiers of the French resistance, and later became a public figure in her own right.
Paige is a nationally published news and features writer whose work has appeared in TIME, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, People, Allure, Glamour, Pregnancy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Aventura, and Palm Beach Illustrated. Paige lives in the Atlanta area with her family, which includes a rescue pup named Boots who truly has no off button. She is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, L.L.C.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 14, 2021
Overnight Code should be required reading for high schoolers and young professionals. This book is great for someone looking to get a really good overview of 20th century U.S. black history from World War II, to the Civil Rights Movement, to the Cold War. It’s also a good insight to the double burden faced by Black women in the U.S. in the 20th century as they dealt with being overlooked and underestimated by their white peers while also trying to take care of a family. In fact Raye’s experiences resonated with me as Black women living in America in 2021. We are still fighting for inclusion and equality. This book also offers career advice for all young professionals but especially if you’re interested in the fields of engineering, computer science, and math. Raye Montague’s story is incredibly inspiring, frustrating, uplifting, and heartfelt and I’m so glad more people will know her name now that this book exists.
March 25, 2022
Man netipiska lasāmvielas izvēle (parasti neizvēlos tīri biogrāfijas, ja tajās nav atklātas fikcijas, nezinu kāpēc tā) , kas nepārliecināja par pretējo, kaut tiešām apbrīnoju galveno varoni. Pat nepateikšu kas tieši man nepatīk, bet pie vainas ir naratīvs, jā tirk rakstītas bibliogrāfijas. Līdz izvēlei lasīt šo grāmatu par Reju Montegjū nebiju dzirdējusi ne vārda, izvēli balstīju uz cerību kaut ko uzzināt par tehnoloģiju vēsturi. Vairāk uzzināju par rasismu un dzimumaizspriedumiem, kas arī ir labi.
March 29, 2021
I was expecting a book about a pioneer in naval ship building, but was just the surface of Raye Montague’s story. Overcoming race and gender discrimination, she forged an incredible career while never passing up the opportunity to mentor those around her, including youth. My favorite part of this book was experiencing the bond Raye had with her mother and with her son. Such an amazing story!
January 14, 2021
I would 100%% recommend this book!
Not only did I learn so much, but I was truly inspired by this story. The writing felt accessible and was not full of technical jargon.
Not only did I learn so much, but I was truly inspired by this story. The writing felt accessible and was not full of technical jargon.
March 17, 2021
Fascinating book on the Navy's 'Hidden Figure'. Through all the trials of growing up in the segregated south and as a Black Woman, she managed to advance up the chain and among many other things, built the interfaces to disparate software design systems to accomplish the 'couldn't be done' in designing Navy ships on the computer and taking a couple of years of effort down to a few weeks. Very impressive lady, and she gave back to society, youth, and girls in helping them succeed.
February 27, 2023
I love how the author captured Raye’s ordinary life. She just got on with it as I read the late Queen Elizabeth advised New Zealand’s pregnant prime minister. Raye just got on with it resulting in an extraordinary life! The book had me rooting for Raye all the way. I was sad when things didn’t work out, mad when she was treated badly and ecstatic when she finally got her due! The book details serious race/gender obstacles she faced but she just kept on going dealing with work, children, family and just life (I on the other hand kept hoping for a shake up!) I feared until the end that she might never get proper credit for her technical accomplishments and it took way too long! But her very personal journey is what kept me so interested. Would make a great movie!
February 25, 2021
Armed with a business degree and an incredible amount of confidence in her abilities, Raye Montague excelled against social, political, and historical barriers. At its heart, the story of persistence and perseverance.
February 13, 2024
I’m going to be stingy here because while the life of Raye was very interesting, this was horribly written.
She said. David said. He said. She was like. He was like.🫠
She said. David said. He said. She was like. He was like.🫠
March 5, 2021
Interesting story of Raye, a Black woman, who struggled against discrimination of color and woman to climb higher into the US Navy to help develop a computer & programing to design navy ships.
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January 12, 2021In an era of shattering glass ceilings, no story tells of overcoming adversity better than this captivating memoir that tells the incredible story of Raye Montague, the engineer credited with creating the first digital draft of a United States naval ship.
Rich with historical details and beautiful photographs of Raye throughout her life’s journey, OVERNIGHT CODE is an absolute must-read.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/01/12/hidde...
Rich with historical details and beautiful photographs of Raye throughout her life’s journey, OVERNIGHT CODE is an absolute must-read.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/01/12/hidde...
March 1, 2021
Biography of young black woman from Arkansas that revolutionized the way ships of the Navy were designed. Even though a college graduate, she learned computer coding on her own and figured out how to integrate separate design specifications to create a ship. She was amazing!
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April 13, 2025Book Review: Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague, the Woman Who Revolutionized Naval Engineering by Paige Bowers and David Montague
Introduction
Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague by Paige Bowers and David Montague provides a compelling narrative of Raye Montague’s groundbreaking contributions to naval engineering. This biography not only chronicles Montague’s professional achievements but also examines the systemic barriers she faced as a woman of color in a predominantly male and racially segregated field. By intertwining personal anecdotes, historical context, and technical insights, Bowers and Montague create a rich portrait of a woman whose innovative work changed the trajectory of naval engineering.
Content Overview
The book is structured chronologically, beginning with Montague’s early life in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was influenced by her family’s commitment to education and perseverance against adversity. Bowers and Montague detail her journey from a young girl fascinated by the mechanics of machines to a pioneering engineer who developed the first computer program for designing ships.
A significant portion of the book focuses on Montague’s time at the Naval Sea Systems Command, where she faced challenges related to gender and race. The authors highlight her resilience and ingenuity, showcasing how she navigated institutional biases and ultimately earned recognition for her contributions, including the design of naval vessels and advancements in computer-aided ship design.
Montague’s story is framed within the larger narrative of the civil rights movement and the push for greater inclusion in STEM fields. The authors effectively illustrate how Montague’s experiences reflect broader societal changes and highlight the importance of diversity in engineering and technology.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of Overnight Code is its ability to balance technical information with personal storytelling. Bowers and Montague make complex engineering concepts accessible, allowing readers without a technical background to appreciate Montague’s innovations. The inclusion of detailed descriptions of her work, particularly her development of the “overnight code”—a computer program that dramatically improved naval design processes—serves to underscore the significance of her contributions.
The authors also excel in depicting the emotional and psychological challenges Montague faced throughout her career. They delve into her struggles with self-doubt and the impact of discrimination, providing a nuanced understanding of the personal sacrifices involved in her professional journey. This emotional depth not only humanizes Montague but also serves to inspire readers, highlighting the importance of perseverance and passion in overcoming obstacles.
However, some readers might desire a deeper exploration of the technical aspects of Montague’s work. While the book presents her innovations, a more detailed examination of the engineering principles underlying her contributions could enhance the reader’s understanding of her impact on the field.
Conclusion
Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague is an inspiring and important biography that sheds light on the contributions of a remarkable woman in the field of naval engineering. Paige Bowers and David Montague effectively combine technical insights with personal storytelling to create a rich narrative that honors Montague’s legacy. This book is not only a tribute to Montague’s achievements but also a call to action for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Recommendation
This biography is highly recommended for students, educators, and anyone interested in the history of engineering, women’s contributions to science, and the fight for equality in the workplace. Bowers and Montague’s work serves as a vital resource for understanding the challenges and triumphs of those who, like Raye Montague, have paved the way for future generations in engineering and technology. Through her story, readers are reminded of the transformative power of innovation and the importance of supporting diverse voices in all fields of work.
Introduction
Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague by Paige Bowers and David Montague provides a compelling narrative of Raye Montague’s groundbreaking contributions to naval engineering. This biography not only chronicles Montague’s professional achievements but also examines the systemic barriers she faced as a woman of color in a predominantly male and racially segregated field. By intertwining personal anecdotes, historical context, and technical insights, Bowers and Montague create a rich portrait of a woman whose innovative work changed the trajectory of naval engineering.
Content Overview
The book is structured chronologically, beginning with Montague’s early life in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was influenced by her family’s commitment to education and perseverance against adversity. Bowers and Montague detail her journey from a young girl fascinated by the mechanics of machines to a pioneering engineer who developed the first computer program for designing ships.
A significant portion of the book focuses on Montague’s time at the Naval Sea Systems Command, where she faced challenges related to gender and race. The authors highlight her resilience and ingenuity, showcasing how she navigated institutional biases and ultimately earned recognition for her contributions, including the design of naval vessels and advancements in computer-aided ship design.
Montague’s story is framed within the larger narrative of the civil rights movement and the push for greater inclusion in STEM fields. The authors effectively illustrate how Montague’s experiences reflect broader societal changes and highlight the importance of diversity in engineering and technology.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of Overnight Code is its ability to balance technical information with personal storytelling. Bowers and Montague make complex engineering concepts accessible, allowing readers without a technical background to appreciate Montague’s innovations. The inclusion of detailed descriptions of her work, particularly her development of the “overnight code”—a computer program that dramatically improved naval design processes—serves to underscore the significance of her contributions.
The authors also excel in depicting the emotional and psychological challenges Montague faced throughout her career. They delve into her struggles with self-doubt and the impact of discrimination, providing a nuanced understanding of the personal sacrifices involved in her professional journey. This emotional depth not only humanizes Montague but also serves to inspire readers, highlighting the importance of perseverance and passion in overcoming obstacles.
However, some readers might desire a deeper exploration of the technical aspects of Montague’s work. While the book presents her innovations, a more detailed examination of the engineering principles underlying her contributions could enhance the reader’s understanding of her impact on the field.
Conclusion
Overnight Code: The Life of Raye Montague is an inspiring and important biography that sheds light on the contributions of a remarkable woman in the field of naval engineering. Paige Bowers and David Montague effectively combine technical insights with personal storytelling to create a rich narrative that honors Montague’s legacy. This book is not only a tribute to Montague’s achievements but also a call to action for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Recommendation
This biography is highly recommended for students, educators, and anyone interested in the history of engineering, women’s contributions to science, and the fight for equality in the workplace. Bowers and Montague’s work serves as a vital resource for understanding the challenges and triumphs of those who, like Raye Montague, have paved the way for future generations in engineering and technology. Through her story, readers are reminded of the transformative power of innovation and the importance of supporting diverse voices in all fields of work.
July 11, 2021
Very good for a book that was a collaboration between a biography author and Raye Montague's son over several years. As others have noted, this is something of a "Hidden Figures" from the Navy - but one with lots of great detail, on the work Ms. Montague did, the specific challenges she faced in moving up inside the Navy, and the heavy duty outreach she did to encourage women of color especially to pursue well paid jobs in the Navy.
There were a lot of good tips about how to hold your ground in a work environment where you are the minority, but this quote is my favorite, from meeting her new boss Wally:
"Raye never used a title such as "Ms." or "Mrs." with her own name, so it is likely that Wally assumed that Raye was a White male and was surprised to meet a Black female instead.
"I extended my hand and said, 'Hi. I'm Raye Montague,' and I kept my hand extended and stared him in the eye," Raye said. "When you do that, someone has to shake your hand, or else they'll be embarrassed if someone else is around. So Wally said, 'You're Raye Montague?' He finally shook hands with me, and his attitude seemed to be, 'What do I have to do to get rid of her?'"
Great to learn of this impressive engineer!
There were a lot of good tips about how to hold your ground in a work environment where you are the minority, but this quote is my favorite, from meeting her new boss Wally:
"Raye never used a title such as "Ms." or "Mrs." with her own name, so it is likely that Wally assumed that Raye was a White male and was surprised to meet a Black female instead.
"I extended my hand and said, 'Hi. I'm Raye Montague,' and I kept my hand extended and stared him in the eye," Raye said. "When you do that, someone has to shake your hand, or else they'll be embarrassed if someone else is around. So Wally said, 'You're Raye Montague?' He finally shook hands with me, and his attitude seemed to be, 'What do I have to do to get rid of her?'"
Great to learn of this impressive engineer!
August 13, 2022
The cashier at my local used bookstore gushed over this when I brought it up to the checkstand, and perhaps that set my expectations too high. Without taking away from the accomplishments of the subject of this biography, the strategy of her son and his co-author failed to draw a clear arc of her development from a child of the Jim Crow era in the South to a highly regarded naval designer. It was not enough for Raye Montague to know how to cram untold details into a lightweight weapon of oceangoing warfare, she led the team that created the computerized development of the Perry-class cruisers. I would have liked to see more detail of the engineering that inspired her passion, but I'm glad I read this book and learned just a little more of how a woman of color blazed trails to reach the upper echelons of the civilian-military complex.
September 4, 2023
I picked this library up while leaving a tour in DC and we had finished our tour of the Library of Congress. As soon as I read the inside cover, I knew I had to hear her story. I met my husband in Little Rock so all of the references about Arkansas really meant something to me. My grew up in a town that had been segregated and I recognized the injustice and difficulty she had to have had over and over. She was a fighter and I love that her only son wanted to make sure her story got out. I am an only child like him and we are the only legacy. I have saved the brilliant and helpful advice of her mother. "When you get stuck, kick like mad and holler for help."
This is an excellent story for everyone to read and be inspired to persevere against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
This is an excellent story for everyone to read and be inspired to persevere against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
July 17, 2022
Wonderful and inspiring story with lessons for anyone.
This was a wonderful story about a very inspiring American who worked her way up with hard work, thoughtful strategies and determination. These are lessons we can all learn from that apply towards our career and our personal life. Although Ray was not always successful she would learn from what happened and move forward in a productive direction even when the situation was very unfair.
The lessons in this book are approachable and one’s we can all draw from. This is better than a self help book because the situations are realistic and relatable.
This was a wonderful story about a very inspiring American who worked her way up with hard work, thoughtful strategies and determination. These are lessons we can all learn from that apply towards our career and our personal life. Although Ray was not always successful she would learn from what happened and move forward in a productive direction even when the situation was very unfair.
The lessons in this book are approachable and one’s we can all draw from. This is better than a self help book because the situations are realistic and relatable.
December 29, 2022
What a wonderful biography of a groundbreaking Black woman in STEM. Ray(e) Montague was one of the Navy’s “Hidden Figures,” and much like Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, this story is both about her story and about the larger context of the struggles that women and minorities faced in the South and in the workplace. Unlike Shetterly’s book, though, _Overnight Code_ is focused on the personal story of one committed and hardworking woman who made it through the fire. Told through the perspectives of her own words, those of her colleagues, family and friends, and documents that remain, it is a wide-ranging tale that satisfies. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2021
"Despite her accolades from the navy, Raye's work was not acknowledged publicly until 2011, when the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette wrote about her. In 2016, she was recognized nationally after the publication of Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly's bestselling book about Black female mathematicians at NASA who made possible the country's greatest achievements in space.
"If I had been accepted at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. I feel now that I would have been stick in a cubby doing mundane things," Raye said, reflecting on her life. "Because I had to go through all the obstacles and hardships, look at how the world opened up for me. Look at the lives I've touched and the lives that have touched mine. These were things I've been able to do that I never would've dreamed existed."
"If I had been accepted at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. I feel now that I would have been stick in a cubby doing mundane things," Raye said, reflecting on her life. "Because I had to go through all the obstacles and hardships, look at how the world opened up for me. Look at the lives I've touched and the lives that have touched mine. These were things I've been able to do that I never would've dreamed existed."
March 5, 2021
Interesting insights into issues encountered by a black woman working for the Navy. She seems to have been talented but the book only spoke in generalities of her work in computer based ship structure so I couldn't judge for myself. Some bias issues depend on the observer's position and much here is self described by Raye. Even so it seems clear she had to really work to get ahead, as she surely did, and I admire that quality.
February 19, 2022
The book is relatable and inspiring. It’s historical and helps uncover more pathways to learning about the history and experiences of others during the times Raye lived. Some of Rays’ beliefs and strategies may help as a form of mentorship for those of us who often face obstacles of discrimination. It’s also good to know her tremendous accomplishments and how they have benefited our nation and continue to do so. She should be more well known as a historical figure in the United States.
July 1, 2022
Dayum! RAYE MONTAGUE! An American SHEro who made phenomenal strides in spite of oppressive people, behaviors, and systems. If you don’t have her book, GO BUY IT! If you haven’t read her book, READ IT! It’s much more than a story about her life l, history or the navy. Simply remarkable.
Overnight Code
The life of RAYE MONTAGUE, the woman who revolutionized naval engineering.
Overnight Code
The life of RAYE MONTAGUE, the woman who revolutionized naval engineering.
October 10, 2022
Ms. Montague has a wonderful and inspiring story. The approach taken to tell the story, however, is extremely disappointing. It comes across like a book report where the student adds in long quotes and random information or repeated information just to meet a minimum word count. It’s long and dragged out, taking an interesting topic and making it bland and boring.
April 7, 2022
The audio book was well-read, and the story of Raye was interesting. However, there were so many acronyms that the terms went over my head after a while. The perk of holding a paperback or even an e-book is that you can flip back & forth more easily.
August 29, 2022
Great read. I love anything that is educational and historically FACTUAL. So much of history has been hidden from sight. It's far time people know the truth about who is really responsible for all of our wonderful inventions and scientific discoveries.
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May 23, 2021Very interesting biography of a woman who worked her way up in a man's world of the navy and ship building.
June 19, 2022
I can't believe, being a lifelong Arkansan, I had not heard about this amazing woman before now. She is an inspiration.
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September 28, 2022If you like Hidden Figures, you'll love this book.
October 4, 2023
A must read for teenage girls
This is an excellent book about positive attitude and determination. Hard work and perseverance. A book proving that girls can be good at anything.
This is an excellent book about positive attitude and determination. Hard work and perseverance. A book proving that girls can be good at anything.
August 10, 2024
I really enjoyed learning about this amazing woman!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews