People of Means

by Nancy Johnson, Bahni Turpin (Narrator)

From the acclaimed author of The Kindest Lie, a propulsive novel about a mother and daughter each seeking justice and following their dreams during moments of social reckoning—1960s Nashville and 1992 Chicago—perfect for readers of Brit Bennett and Tayari Jones.

Two women. Two pivotal moments. One dream for justice and equality.

It’s 1959, and Freda Gilroy has just arrived at Nashville’s Fisk University, eager to begin her studies and uphold the tradition of Black Excellence instilled in her by her parents back home in Chicago. Coming from an upper-middle-class lifestyle where Black and white people lived together in relative harmony, Freda is surprised to discover the menace of racism down South. When a chance encounter with an intriguing young man draws her into the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, Freda finds herself caught between two worlds, and two loves, and must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of justice, equality, and the advancement of her people.

In 1992 Chicago, Freda’s daughter Tulip is an ambitious PR professional on track for a big promotion, if workplace politics and racial microaggressions don’t get in her way. With the ruling in the Rodney King trial weighing heavily on her, Tulip feels increasingly agitated and decides she can no longer stay quiet. Called to action by a series of glaring injustices, Tulip makes an irreversible professional misstep as she seeks to uplift her community. Will she find the courage to veer off the “safe” path and follow her heart, just as her mother had three decades prior?

Insightful, evocative, and richly imagined with stories of hidden history, People of Means is an emotional tour de force that offers a glimpse into the quest for racial equality, the pursuit of personal and communal success, and the power of love and family ties.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Race, Historical, Audiobook, African American, Contemporary

12 pages, Audible Audio

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Nancy Johnson is the author of the debut novel THE KINDEST LIE, which is available now everywhere books are sold! This is the story of an unlikely connection between an Ivy League-educated Black engineer searching for the son she walked away from and a poor, young white boy who finds himself adrift in a dying Indiana factory town. The novel explores race, class, identity, and the pursuit of the American dream.

The Kindest Lie is a Book of the Month selection, an Amazon Editors' pick, as well as an IndieNext and LibraryReads pick. This novel was reviewed by the LA Times and The Washington Post. It has been named a most anticipated book of 2021 by O, the Oprah Magazine, Shondaland, Marie Claire, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Post, Good Housekeeping, Amazon Book Review, Popsugar, and more.

Nancy’s work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine and has received support from the Hurston/Wright Foundation, Tin House Summer Novel Workshop, and Kimbilio Fiction.

A native of Chicago's South Side, Nancy worked for more than a decade as an Emmy-nominated, award-winning television journalist at CBS and ABC affiliates in markets nationwide. A graduate of Northwestern University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she lives in downtown Chicago and manages brand communications for a large nonprofit. The Kindest Lie is her first novel.

Reviews

[Kezia Duah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow! This was amazing!

Such a fresh and powerful perspective on such pivotal moments in history. I really appreciated how it revealed some hard truths, like the fact that not all black people were always united in the fight for justice. Or at least had different ideas on what it should look like. It captured the complexity of the movement , especially how fear played a major role in holding some people back. That hit close to home and had me reflecting on my own courage to stand up for what’s right when it's not easy.

This story highlighted the incredible bravery of so many men and women who fought for freedom and equality. I loved the way it used different timelines to show that this fight wasn’t just one moment in history. It’s been ongoing. That really revealed how deeply rooted hate can be and how long it takes to try to undo it.

I especially loved the dual narrative of two generations of strong women who were both passionate about the cause, willing to face the consequences head-on. Their choices, their strength, I was completely immersed in both of their stories. There were heartbreaking moments, but more than anything, I was in awe of every character’s courage.

And I loved the touch of romance. Perfectly done. It added warmth without ever taking away from the book’s powerful message.

[Bubba Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always turned to books as an escape from real life—sometimes for pure entertainment, a lighthearted laugh, or a dance-in-the-kitchen kind of joy. Other times, I read to learn, especially about history, to challenge my thinking, find inspiration, and hopefully grow into a better version of myself.

This book, however, didn’t just pull me in—it grabbed me by the heart. Set in the 1960s and 1990s, it follows a mother and daughter through a story that is complicated, messy, and deeply honest. It was heavy and difficult to read at times, yet profoundly moving. And when I finished, I knew I wouldn’t see the world the same way again. It reminded me to live boldly, with purpose, and to truly embrace life.

Grateful to the Author for giving my Book Club an early copy.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: July 21, 2025 I am Part of author Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s Book Group on Facebook. Love her books and also the authors she has speak. Tonight, she spoke with Nancy Johnson about this book. It was very interesting. Find both these Authors have so much to say. Definitely, worth listening to if you have a chance. This is the link on u-tube if anyone is Interested: https://www.youtube.com/live/Qud-cUWw...

This was an excellent book, examining Freda, the mother and her relationship with her daughter, Tulip in 1992 in Chicago. It also has Freda’s backstory working in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s in Nashville, Tennessee where she is going to Fisk University.

Tulip is a PR Executive in 1992 and the Rodney King Trial is going on. Both her parents were involved in Civil Rights causes, but currently find them elitist. Mom, Freda is bothering Tulip, her adult daughter about her boyfriend, Key and getting his teeth fixed and goes as far as to suggest setting up a dental appointment. Keeps asking where his people are from.

Dad, Gerald, wow, too much, saying: No, Rodney King didn’t deserve to be beat up, but he is a bad, N Word. What? He sees it that in his time of fighting for Civil Rights, working with dignified Black People, like Martin Luther King, Nat King Cole, and Aretha Franklin; now he sees thugs.

Yet, this felt quite honest. Both families came from means and money. Especially, Freda was taught to be proper and her way to move forward was to do as W.E.B. DuBois said and be in the talented 10%, so go on to prosper and raise yourself and your race this way. W.E.B. Dubois was accused of Elitism and while respected by many there was also debate about some of the things he advocated for. Yet, that seems about as it would go. Both Freda and Tulip have had fathers who were doctors. Families do worry about the effect protesting can have, since in Freida’s case she could get physically attacked and Tulip if she speaks up about the way her almost exclusively White PR Firm treats her, she will suffer repercussions. Certainly, talking about and actually protesting about the police being found non guilty for Rodney King will hurt her career success that she has worked so hard for.

Both women come to a crossroads and must decide how much each is willing to do. This is a book that makes you really think. We have current issues that are essential, yet how much do you get involved and how high is the cost? There always is a cost. Yet, that cost can be well worth it and force you to comfort yourself and some unpleasant realities. Really loved this book and it worked especially well on Audio. I enjoyed the narration, felt it brought the story to life.

Thank you NetGalley, Nancy Johnson, and Harper Audio for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

[Anne Bogel]

Reviewed in the December 2025 edition of Quick Lit on Modern Mrs Darcy:

Johnson's sophomore historical novel follows up her bestselling 2021 debut The Kindest Lie. In 1959 Nashville, Freda travels from Chicago to study at Nashville's Fisk University and becomes active in the Civil Rights movement, in the process falling a little bit in love with two men—one a hardscrabble activist, the other a doctor-in-training who's acquainted with her well-to-do family back home and as committed as Freda's father to the promise of Black excellence. In 1992 Chicago, Freda's daughter Tulip knows nothing of her mother's history of activism, or about the other man she was in love with long ago. Tulip is working hard to secure a promotion at her PR firm, even though it often feels the deck is stacked against her. But when the Rodney King verdict makes an activist of Tulip, she kicks off a chain of events that alter her romantic relationship, her job, and ultimately expose secrets her mother has been keeping for thirty years. I listened to the audio narrated by Bahni Turpin, who's always a favorite.

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nancy Johnson’s debut, THE KINDEST LIE, so I was thrilled when I saw she was releasing a second book this year!

PEOPLE OF MEANS is the story of a Black mother and daughter coming of age in America. The story alternates between Freda in the 1960s and her daughter Tulip in the 1990s. There were so many parallels between their stories and their participation in the Movement, while also being vastly different. The writing is beautiful and forces the reader to think deeply.

I’m currently teaching my students about the Civil Rights Movement and reading THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM with them. It’s so heartbreaking reading about the racial injustices, knowing full well that these horrific things actually happened and the fight still continues today.

PEOPLE OF MEANS is about standing up for what you believe in and fighting for the change you want to see in the world. As the author Nancy Johnson said, this book is both timely and timeless.

Black authors and stories should be read year-round, but if you’re looking for something to add to your Black History Month TBR, I can’t recommend this one enough!!!

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about this going in.
Cool cover?
Yup, I'm in!

This book grabbed my attention immediately and did not let up.
The dual timeline between mother and daughter was powerful.
Freda's story takes place in the 60s and her daughter Tulip's story takes place during the 90s ala Rodney King era.
I was obviously not around for Freda's timeline, but I remember Tulips era and how messed up everything was during that trial.
Did I cry?
Mayyyybe
Did I get angry?
You bet your fanny I did!
The rage for sh*t that happens in both stories was visceral.
Nancy does a wonderful job of weaving these two stories together and ripping emotions out of you.
I highly recommend everyone picking this book up!
Much love to Book Club Girl for spoiling the @saltedcaramelmadams with this one.

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by authors such as Sadequa Johnson, Victoria Christopher Murray and Dolen Perkins-Valdez because they give me a glimpse into the struggles that black people have had to endure. Even though Nancy Johnson is a new-to-me author and People of Means is actually her sophomore novel, she ranks right along with the excellent authors I just mentioned. This book is a dual timeline, going back and forth between the 1950-60's in Nashville (at the time of the sit-ins) and then the 1990's in Chicago (at the time of the Rodney King race riots, etc.) In addition to learning some new things about these time periods (like Ida B Wells homes and the role of celebrities like Nat King Cole as well as the Pullman Porters' role in the civil rights movement), it also had an entirely unique aspect for me. It showed the struggle the black people themselves had during the 1950's and 60's as to whether they should actively join the fight for equality or if all that they had achieved for their families was at risk for such an active sacrifice. Freda, a young woman in the 1950's has to make that decision as well as her daughter, Tulip, in the 1990's. The story is so powerful and very meaningful for all of us today as well as we make decisions in how we fight for the changes we want to see in the world. Don't miss this one!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really moving and timely novel about a mother and daughter.

In the 1950s/1960s, Freda attends Fisk University under the heavy weight of her parents' high expectations to uphold the tradition of Black Excellence they've instilled in her. Raised in Chicago, Freda is shocked at the racism and injustice she encounters in Nashville and across the South, leading her to her classmate, Darius, who is heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement. But her parents have no desire for Freda to get involved in activism and have planned her life already: marriage to Gerald, who is studying medicine at a nearby university.

In the 1990s, Freda's daughter Tulip works in advertising and is chasing a big promotion. But as the Rodney King trial grips the nation--and her co-workers--Tulip also finds herself getting caught up in the activist movement, much to the dismay of her parents and her boyfriend, Key.

The story flips between Freda and Tulip's stories, telling a nuanced and often heartbreaking tale about enduring prejudice, racial hatred, and more. Both Freda and Tulip struggle with the pressure of Black Excellence and the paradigm of whether one should stand up for what they believe in, or if staying quiet and living a life of excellence is the best activism of all.

Freda and Tulip are beautiful and detailed characters, well-written, flawed, and real. This is an extraordinary story of racial identity and coming of age.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

People of Means by Nancy Johnson. Thanks to @williammorrowbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As the beating of Rodney King takes over the news, Tulip begins to become involved in the fight. As she becomes active, she wonders about her mother who attended an HBCU during the civil rights moment.

This is a great book to read especially in these trying times. There are some folks out there who need a reminder that many Americans fought for civil rights and fought to have black history taught in schools. This is a rich family drama but also a drama about our country and some transitional times (civil rights moments and the Rodney James incident). I loved how it showed that the two women in different generations were dealing with two different situations but the same old bs.

“How could anyone legislate and segregate something as intimate as a bathroom?”

People of Means comes out 2/11.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Johnson's People of Means packs an emotional punch, weaving together the lives of a Black mother and daughter across two defining eras in American history.

The story bounces between 1959, where we meet bright-eyed Freda starting at Fisk University, and 1992 Chicago, where her daughter Tulip is climbing the corporate ladder. Both women face a familiar tug-of-war: fighting for their community while chasing their own dreams.

Johnson's storytelling shines brightest in the small moments – a mother's silent worry, a daughter's fierce determination, the weight of choices that ripple through generations. Her characters feel real, like people you might know, each carrying their own hopes and battle scars.

This isn't just another historical novel. It's a raw, honest look at race, success, and the price we pay for progress. Johnson brings both 1959 and 1992 to vivid life, showing how the past echoes into the present.

At its heart, though, People of Means is a love letter to resilience. It's about family bonds that bend but don't break, dreams that refuse to die, and the courage to stand up when it would be easier to sit down.

Pick this up if you love: Rich family dramas, stories that tackle big issues without preaching, or books that make you think and feel in equal measure. It's a perfect blend of historical depth and modern relevance that'll stick with you long after the last page.

[Martine · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
People of Means is a duel timeline that tells the story of a mother and daughter striving for justice and equality during the Civil Rights Movement and the events surrounding the Rodney King riots. It explores the challenges they face amid societal and racial tensions. Both timelines are fascinating, but I felt the pace was too slow. That being said, it's a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the enduring pursuit for racial equality.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ARC & ALC gifted by the publisher

What I loved
-the discussions of why respectability politics won’t save anyone

-exploring classism in black communities, especially families who have “made it” and their reluctance to make waves

-on the other hand, the author also brilliantly explores how well-meaning activists can better understand communities at risk who might be reluctant to go on the record for fear of retribution

-the author did a phenomenal job writing nuanced characters. No one is perfect, but there’s a lot of exploration into why people might behave the certain way (why black parents might not want their kid to protest, why black families want their daughters to marry “rich/up”, etc)

-the author’s note is especially illuminating regarding the book title. When thinking about people of means, how can someone break free from the “black excellence” narrative and simply be comfortable with who they are? And along those lines, how do those without fancy educations or money become people of means?

-overall just a great book with a strong storyline, multifaceted characters, that describes black resilience and never uses trauma p0rn to make its points 🔥

[Gemma Brand-Wolf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book, but it didn't live up to my hopes. I read it because I am desperately waiting for Brit Bennett's next book, and the Goodreads summary said Johnson's book is perfect for Bennett readers.

Ultimately, the sentence-to-sentence level writing was really what pulled me out of the novel. There was so much exposition, the whole narrative seemed completely unnatural; that is, the way the characters would tie in current events, famous figures, historical trends, etc., was so contrived it felt like Johnson was assuming her readers have absolutely no knowledge of historical events (to be fair, I'm sure many don't). I would so much rather have gotten more individual perspectives on the events without so many textbook paragraphs, and if I didn't know something, I could do the work to look it up.

The story itself did not feel at all new or nuanced. There are so many incredible books that take a similar approach to a similar time period or topic (The Vanishing Half, Nickel Boys, Americanah, Homegoing, Love Songs of WEB Du Bois). I always hate to give a 1 star, but there was so much missing from this book, both in terms of plot/characters and writing style.

[Rae | The Finer Things Club CA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Johnson’s 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 is a multigenerational story that follows two different women as they begin to heed the call for social justice. In the late 1950s and early 1960s at Memphis-based Fisk University, Freda is studying mathematics and trying to live up to her parents’ expectations: earn a degree from their alma mater, marry someone of equal or promising social standing, and make them proud. Thirty years later, in 1992 Chicago, Freda’s daughter Tulip is a public relations executive fighting for a promotion at her mostly-white firm. Both Freda and Tulip have lived privileged and mostly sheltered lives as the daughters of physicians in upper middle-class homes. But the civil rights movement and the Rodney King trial, respectively, open their eyes to the microaggressions, blatant racism, and inequity in their communities.

𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that looks at two significant periods in history. Though I do wish there was a more detailed examination of the social conflicts, I did appreciate how the book shined a light on the pressures and complexities of Black excellence as well as on the practical and moral dilemmas in protest and resistance. This book would be a good addition to the TBR list of those interested in 20th century historical fiction and human rights discussions.

Thank you to William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Gary Anderson]

Nancy Johnson’s People of Means is a searing historical fiction novel that moves between two pivotal moments in American history: Nashville in 1959, as the civil rights movement is just beginning to stir, and Chicago in 1992, in the shadow of the Rodney King verdict and Michael Jordan’s Bulls going for a second NBA title.

At the heart of both timelines is Freda Gilroy. In the Nashville chapters, she’s a bright freshman math major at Fisk University, trying to live up to her middle-class parents’ expectations. They want her to excel academically, find a respectable husband, and absolutely steer clear of the civil rights protests building around her. Freda finds herself caught between two young men. Gavin is a med student with a promising future, and Darius is a jazz-loving philosopher committed to making a difference through involvement in nonviolent protests.

In 1992, we learn that Freda is married to a successful doctor and is a pillar of Chicago’s Black aristocracy. She is involved in philanthropy and uses her mathematics skills as a teacher. Freda’s daughter Tulip works in corporate marketing and bears the same expectations that Freda navigated a generation earlier: continue to build a Black dynasty through professional distinction and community service, primarily through fund-raising. Tulip’s boyfriend is Key, a city bus driver whose parents own a small business. Key does not meet the standards of Tulip’s parents, and he is also a social mismatch with most of Tulip’s colleagues.

These situations explore whether protecting one’s social status by avoiding “good trouble” is a defensible stance, or if activism that leads to social progress at great personal loss is worth the cost. I just made this excellent novel sound like a sermon, but it doesn’t read that way at all. Nancy Johnson delivers memorable primary and secondary characters, tense plot developments, and cameo appearances by historical figures including John Lewis and Nat King Cole. Johnson enhances her settings by emphasizing the cultural importance of music, sports, and cooking.

People of Means is my favorite novel of 2025 so far. If you read it, I’d love to hear what you think.

[Charnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to William Morrow for my gifted copy, and thank you to Harper Audio Adult for my ALC!

A while ago, I saw a post about an interaction between a Black grandmother and a Black grandchild. The specifics are foggy, but the grandchild was going out to protest, and the grandmother was giving them tips on how to stay safe. The ultimate message that has stuck with me to this day was that fifty years ago, the grandmother was protesting for civil rights, and fifty years later, her grandchild was protesting for the same thing. There isn’t review appropriate language to describe how unjust that is.

People Of Means is told 30 years apart. It takes place in the 1960s, during the civil rights movement, and the early 1990s, post Rodney King. Of course I grew up hearing about Rodney King, but in 1991, I was barely 3. I didn’t see the video. I didn’t watch the trial. I learned about him from music and pop culture. But I never saw the video until watching the OJ Simpson documentary on Netflix. Last week. It altered my brain and heart the same way seeing Eric Garner killed did. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Jacob Blake.

Reading this book from the perspective of a young adult in the early 90s severely shifted and warped how I viewed my life in the 90s. Severely sheltered and privileged. It humbled me. Especially experiencing Tulip discovering that her parents are also people. Don’t we all go through that at some age? When Mom and Dad’s personhood starts showing through their role as caretakers. That coming of age was beautiful to witness. Two stories of fighting to be seen, for equity and equality, coming together, 30 years apart.

Nancy Johnson is special. She has that something that pulls you in and makes it easy to connect and empathize with people whose shoes you’ve never walked in. It is my favorite thing about her writing.

[Leslie Ann (lalasbookishlife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction isn't my go to genre, but I took a chance with this one, and I'm so glad I did. I absolutely loved People of Means. I was fully invested in both timelines, but the 1960s storyline was my fav. I loved how we saw Freda's story unfold and how the author created a feeling of mystery about her life in the 1992 timeline. I kept wondering what happened back in her college days that created the life she has now! Soooo good.

[Geneiveve “Annie” Jannetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m really into historical fiction which is my favorite genre, and the book deals with a topic I haven’t repeatedly read about such as the World Wars.

As a person born and raised in Minnesota, the only thing I learned about Civil Rights is what I learned in elementary school about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This book takes you beyond that knowledge and delves into The Movement in the south, how hard it was to desegregate this area,and the events that occurred in colleges and universities before the assignation of MLK.

I also really loved the author’s note at the end of the book. My only criticism of the book is that I wish it had a more definitive ending which I personally prefer in a book. However, even with that said, I highly recommend this book. It is a definite five star read!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slow-moving book goes back and forth between a mother who was in college in the south during Jim Crow & her daughter working in Chicago after the Rodney King riots in the '90's. The potential for a really good storyline was missed, IMO.

[Rae | My Cousin’s Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoyed this story. It’s dual POV and jumps between past story of Frida and current story of her daughter Tulip and shows the parallels of them being involved in activism.
Frida is also in a love triangle and her story was more interesting to me lol

This would make a great book club pick!

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE KINDEST LIE by Nancy Johnson was her debut and I loved it!! I was so excited when I heard that Nancy would have a new book out, PEOPLE OF MEANS. I loved this one too and it was a very emotional read!!

This is a dual timeline book that takes you to the 1960s in Nashville and 1992 in Chicago. Freda and her daughter Tulip are our two main characters who both have to decide if they are willing to become involved in civil rights activities. I was very moved by this well written story about family, the mother daughter relationship, making tough decisions and so much more!!

Thank you Nancy Johnson for this book!! You are a very gifted writer and you make your readers think about many subjects. You made me think and that is what the best books do for readers!!!!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

People Of Means
By: Nancy Johnson
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel follows a mother and daughter with a dual timeline.

The 1960’s was a time of in history that saw major social and political challenges. The women’s movement, civil rights, JFKs assassination and protest against the Vietnam War.

The other timeline is the 1990s.
This novel is profound! A mother daughter relationship which is complicated as they navigate this thing called life.

As a child of the 60’s and a father who was in Vietnam this novel was felt deep down in my soul.

Thankful our bookclub Beyond the Pages was able to read the arc. We all made comments and after reading some I knew this novel touched many of us. A special thank you to Nancy Johnson for the ARC.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the immense pleasure of attending an author event in which Nancy Johnson shared some of her story and the motivation to write People of Means. She quoted Coretta Scott King, "Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation." And that spoke so much to me. Activism as a college student felt like a rite of passage, but what now? We follow two main characters, Freda and Tulip as they navigate their own lives in times of great movements. The Civil Rights Movement and the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict. This story strikes a cord today where we must ask ourselves what does freedom look like? How can our generation keep pushing? I highly encourage everyone to put this to the top of their reading list!

[Paulatics · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. So well-written. It is about class. It is about race. It is about real people and the personal and political decisions they make every day to try to get ahead in a racist society. It brings history alive through the lives of interesting and layered characters. In the midst of intense social upheaval, we are given a look into the hate that keeps us from moving forward. Thank you for the gift of this book so that I would write a review. I am anxious to find the author’s first novel now. I am a fan.

[Jalisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Y'all don't cancel me but I'm tired of these books that so obviously came off of the "racial reckoning of 2020". Heavy handed. Stock characters with little development being stand-ins for messages about racism. I'm tired.

Also the past few years the multiple POV with multiple timeline books have taken over. I don't want it! It's so rare that it's executed well.

What this book DID make me want is a book about affluent Black ppl having a good ol time cutting up and enjoying life without racism bookending every part of their existence and conversation.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is books like this that continue to teach me and help me open my mind and heart. Hearing stories about the Civil Rights Movement and just imagining the courage and hope tied to those marches and sit ins, knowing there could be terrible consequences. Excellent storytelling.

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @19%. Too much telling, not enough showing.very slow paced. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

This was an enjoyable read. It provided a lot of history. I was especially interested in the gem that was shared about the Pullman Porters part in getting Emmett Till’s remains back to Chicago. I loved seeing how a fire was lit for both mother and daughter to join their respective activist movements. It was interesting to see how other Black people condemned their choices. I was so invested in what happened between Freda and Darius. Their connection was special. I was glad that everything came out in the end, but I didn’t love how Freda and Tulip reacted to it. Overall this was a solid read.

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. The powerful storytelling, multi-dimensional characters, and beautiful writing kept me up until 3:30 in the morning last night. I cared so much about the characters that I couldn't bear to go to sleep without knowing what happened to them. (And then I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about the book!) This lovely work of fiction is intertwined so beautifully with actual events of the Civil Rights movement and the aftermath of Rodney King, and inspired me - especially during the difficult times our country now faces - to rise up and not be silent. There are some heartbreaking twists that will keep the reader on edge, and I was brought to tears more than once.