AFAReads discussion

Here are a few things to consider as you join Candacy Taylor on her cross-country journey.

The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that were open to black Americans, but it was much more than a travel guide. What additional functions did it serve?


What did author Candacy Taylor encounter as she crisscrossed the United States, searching for and documenting Green Book sites?


In what ways does Taylor’s relationship with her stepdad, Ron, infuse the book?


Why isn’t Taylor interested in “presenting the Green Book as a historic time capsule”?

Just received my book in the mail. It is truly alive with history but tied to today’s events. The author is slowly removing a veil to reveal a secret society to me. The challenges and blockades that were overcome and still being overcome today for Black Americans to travel are both heart warming and discouraging. Mr. Green was an enigmatic person with great energy that I admire for his fortuitous thinking and perseverance. He is on my list of civil rights activists that made a difference for Black Americans and I wish I could meet.

I'm absolutely taken back by this book. I really enjoy how she is weaving in historical facts, personal commentary, and contemporary issues still facing African-Americans today.

1) From my understanding, in the early editions of the Green Book, Victor Green tried to keep politics out of the chapters. It was real and known, so he sought to offer tangible solutions and recommendations for African-American travelers, such as guest houses that would offer hot food or gas stations to safely fill up your tank in. The Green Book also lifted and supported African-American owned businesses in an economy and society that was racist and benefitted whites.

2) It's surprising to see how little of the Green Book spots are no longer open and the reasons as to why they closed. I was particularly intrigued by the development of interstates/highways and how these severely hurt small, family-owned businesses and eventually, wiped out once bustling African-American neighborhoods.

I am loving this book! I find it is a page-turner. I guess I enjoy learning about the history, and as a US Road tripper, I have traveled through some or many of the areas, and never thought about it from an African American perspective. It is definitely thought provoking.
As a swing dancer who knew some of the greats (African Americans) from the Savoy Ballroom, and have danced with some, this plight that they experience(d) had never entered my mind. It is interesting to learn and think about. It pains me that there has been so much prejudice in the US. And it makes me think about the rise of prejudice today with some of the white supremacy - it's crazy, and scary. In some ways, it makes me think of about the fact the these things are allowed and have been allowed. Just think about Hitler and WW2 - that was a more extreme version. And it is quite possible if we don't make sure people always remember this history and cruelty, that it could all happen again.
Just my thoughts.

Adriana wrote: "I'm absolutely taken back by this book. I really enjoy how she is weaving in historical facts, personal commentary, and contemporary issues still facing African-Americans today.

1) From my unders..."

Hi, Adriana! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying the book. It's such a dynamic mix—I've never read anything quite like it. And yes, I too was surprised to learn how much highways/interstates wiped out many communities.

During our Q&A next week, I'm hoping that Candacy will speak to the ways in which she's supporting existing Green Book sites. She has some really cool ideas about what to do moving forward.

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

Wendy wrote: "I am loving this book! I find it is a page-turner. I guess I enjoy learning about the history, and as a US Road tripper, I have traveled through some or many of the areas, and never thought about i..."

Wow, Wendy. It sounds like you've led a fascinating life. So glad you're enjoying the book—do you think it will change the way you look at road-tripping going forward?

Your point about remembering history is such an important one—it seems that books like Overground Railroad are essential in both holding up history for review and linking it to issues we continue to deal with. Thank you so much for sharing!

April wrote: "Just received my book in the mail. It is truly alive with history but tied to today’s events. The author is slowly removing a veil to reveal a secret society to me. The challenges and blockades tha..."

Hi, April! So well said. I agree that the book is alive with history. Candacy did an excellent job of sharing the stories of these places—and making it clear why they're still important, even if they no longer exist. I hope that someday Victor Green's name is as recognizable as other civil rights activists.

Aislyn, Yes, as we travel, It will now be front of mind to notice prejudice around me. Also, when we take roads as highway alternatives, I may be wondering if this was a road the Overland Railroaders took.
I have often visited jazz bars in different countries, as well as the US, but thinking about the greats that once played there. Now I will be thinking about whether they played because venues were limited and they were only welcome in certain places. Other than that, I am sure how it will change the way I look at road-tripping.

I didn’t think my hold would go through on time at the library, but it did! So I dove right, in and I’m having all sorts of epiphanies and neural connections.

I love how this book shows the author’s enlightenment at the same time that she’s enlightening us.

Driving across our giant country is the most important thing any of us can do to understand what “America” really means. I did this in 2002-2003, and I learned so much, about culture, geology, politics, and myself. I’m thrilled to hitch a ride on someone else’s adventure and compare notes, adding even more perspective!