The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette D Harrison – publishing 5 Feb 21

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for trusting me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I watched in awe as Miz Rosa stopped those men on the bus wither her clear, calm “no” and I thought about that word. What if I said no? What if I refused to follow the path these White folks wanted for us? What if I kept this precious baby. This is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel about redemption, family secrets and the spirit of survival found at the hardest time.

I absolutely loved this book. It is a novel writing about the journey to salvation for Mattie. Moreover, it is steeped in history, heartbreak and crossing racial and socio-economic lines. The characters were so delicately written about that I loved them instantly. The story is about strong women forging forward to make their lives matter, and all the issues involved with that. I cried and was educated about the issues that the black community faced in history, but sadly it is still prevalent in today’s society.

A remarkable book and I would highly recommend everyone to read it.

This was a powerful split-time novel about the racial injustices in the United States over several decades. It follows an African-American family as they experience numerous injustices because of their race both in the past and in the present-day. Each generation has different challenges, but comes through them stronger with the help of their family and friends. It is a story that is beautiful and painful at the same time and one I am so glad that I read.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is an excellent book about family, love, and race that everyone should read.

In 1955 in Montgomery Georgia, Mattie Banks rides the bus to get an abortion. Rosa Parks is on the bus, and Mattie witnesses her refusing to move to the back of the bus. Rosa Parks give Mattie the inspiration to fight for her baby and to focus on her want to keep the baby over the opinion of others. Mattie struggles as a pregnant teenager and raising her baby.

Present day, Ashlee Banks is struggling with her career so takes time off to spend time with family. Ashlee’s relationship is not going well and her boyfriend is not supportive of her time off or questioning her career. Her grandmother is dying but shares a story she wrote years ago with Ashlee. Ashlee is left wondering how much of the story is true and if she should share it with her family. Ashlee also discovers the character in the story is dealing with some of the same problems as she is right now.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is one of my new favorite books. The story was very moving and impactful. There is so much emotion and important descriptions of the life of a black woman in 1955 and present day. I loved the format switching between the past with Mattie’s story and present day with her granddaughter, Ashlee’s, story. Mattie’s struggles as a teenager raising a baby and trying to improve her life were very touching. I think this story is especially important to read with all the race issues that have been brought up over the last year. Ashlee was passed up for a promotion because of her race and is dating a white man. She has discussions and arguments with her boyfriend about how she is treated because of her race. The love between the Banks family is strong and uplifting to read about. The family was put in difficult situations but always sticks together.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for The Girl at the Back of the Bus.

Mattie Banks story starts in Montgomery Alabama in 1955 when she is 16 and ends in Georgia where she is dying It is told as a dual time line story from the perspective of Mattie in the early part and her granddaughter Ashlee in the present day. The story lines are meshed together perfectly and we not only get to know Mattie as a young girl but through her granddaughter, we learn the effect that her life had on the following generations of her family.

1955 - Montgomery Alabama. Sixteen year old Mattie is on a bus She's pregnant and scared and heading to see a woman who can end her pregnancy. While on the bus she sees a woman named Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat and this act of bravery makes Mattie re-think her life and problems. She decides that she, too, can be brave and deal with the issues in her life no matter how difficult they are.

Present day - Atlanta Georgia. Ashlee is a lawyer in a top firm. Her goal has always been to be one of the partners in the firm and she has basically given up her life and family to work hard enough to make it happen. When she is informed that the person she was mentoring - a rich, white, male - got the promotion that she was working for, she knows that she has to find her passion in life again and requests a two week leave of absence. When she finds that her beloved Nana is dying, she immediately goes to her family in Valdosta. She finds a book that her grandmother had written years earlier. At first Ashlee thinks it is fiction until she realizes that it's her family story. Some of the truths are difficult to read and she has to decide if she'll share them with her parents or if it will be too hurtful for them. The more she reads about Mattie's life, the more she realizes the battles she fought throughout her life to bring her to the place she is now and how what happened in her life has affected Ashlee's quest to find out what will make her happy in her life.

The characters in this novel are so well written that it's easy to feel their pain and joy. What is so sad is that viewing the world in 1955 and present day, even though there has been a lot of progress, racism and sexism still exist and still negatively affect many lives. This is a powerful emotional book with characters that you won't soon forget.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I had zero expectations going into this book, except that I thought it would be about Rosa Parks. I’m delighted to have been wrong. While the legendary Rosa Parks does feature in a way, the story is about two young women in two different time periods: Mattie Banks, who happened to be on the bus that day and witnessed Ms Parks bravery, and Mattie’s granddaughter Ashlee, a successful lawyer in her early thirties at a crossroads in her life.

As always, I don’t want to give too much away, but this book was eye-opening. While I’m aware of the atrocities committed against the Black community during Jim Crow (and, let’s face it, still today) but seeing it all laid out in a novel somehow makes it hit harder. I could never even begin to comprehend what it must have been like being a Black person in the fifties and having to deal with that kind of bullsh*t on a daily basis. (Again, it’s still carrying on today, isn’t it.) Sitting here with my White privilege, I’m uncertain how to express how angry this book made me feel without sounding like I’m virtue signalling, so I’ll stop with that and move on.

The characters are lovingly crafted – you can tell the author really cares about them and wanted to ensure they were brought to vivid life. The two stories are masterfully woven together, providing a clear parallel between how things were then and how they are now, and what still needs to change.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone – although maybe not kids, as some parts are a bit spicy! Educational, inspirational, and beautifully done.

This story was so interesting and I learned a lot. The story really captivated me and I didn’t want to put it down. I hope this book reaches many readers.

Loved this book. I really liked the format, mixing past and future, intertwining both stories to perfection. The historical aspect mixed with the fiction, I found it really entertaining and interesting. To see how people lived in that time and all the injustices that they went through. I cried because I was so angry of everything that was going on, mostly in the past. From the present I loved how it shows that you can put all your effort and determination on something and thinking that's all you have to do, but really learning what you want to do, not what you are supposed to do, even thought you can be quite successful, you have to follow your heart. The relationships of family, friends and romantically were so beautiful. I loved the relationship between the 3 generations of women. It's mostly how these women interact and how they came to be who they are and how they found to be themselves.

A huge thank you to Bookouture + NetGalley for the advance reading copy of "The Girl at the Back of the Bus" by Suzette D. Harrison.

I couldn't read "The Girl at the Back of the Bus" quickly enough. Set in 1950s Montgomery, Alabama + present day Atlanta, Georgia; the stories of Mattie and her granddaughter Ashlee are ones that completely suck you in at the beginning and you can't turn pages quickly enough to find out what happens to them as they navigate family, relationships, dreams, and the civil rights in each of their times.
The parallels between the two stories provide and incredible reading experience as you watch them unfold.
Honestly, if you like historical fiction, realistic fiction, family drama, or simply a good story, you won't want to miss "The Girl at the Back of the Bus" by Suzette D. Harrison {pub date 2.08.21}

“My, My, My” and “Wow, just Wow!!” I could start and end my review with those two sentiments!! What an excellent and amazing story! This was so intriguing and told in such a way, that from the first word until the last, I was so enthralled and riveted in such a way that I felt like I was right there with Mattie, Ashley and all of the other characters...no, not characters but people!! Yes, people because I felt invested in what everyone was going through!

Whew!! Suzette D. Harrison did it with this book! Mattie said, “Sometimes we have to make the best of what’s imperfect. And we can.” That’s what this author did with this story! It was, and sometimes still is, an imperfect time, but Mattie and all made the best of what was dealt to them! And we have to do the same! Hallelujah!! This is an awesome book!! I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it! A definite must read!! Kudos, Suzette! 💜

I gratefully received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is one of the best historical fictions I have ever read. Set in two time periods, the 1950s and present day Georgia, the story weaves beautiful between Mattie and her granddaughter Ashlee.

I loved the character of Mattie. She was so strong. I never read anything where the character witnesses Rosa Parks refusing to get up, so that part was very interesting.

I thought his book was very well written. Everything flowed so nicely. Of course, you will also find yourself angry at the racism and sexism these two characters will face being black females. But that is why books like this are important.

Overall a highly recommend this book!

It's 1955. Mattie Banks is boarding a bus that will take her to Miss Celestine's. Mattie is only sixteen, but finds herself in a difficult position. She's pregnant and on her way to secretly get rid of the unwanted child. But there with her in the "Colored" section of the bus is Miss Rosa Parks, who refuses to give up her seat to a white person and is taken off the bus. Unknowingly, Rosa Parks changes Mattie's life for good, as she decides to keep her baby. Mattie tries to hide her changing body, until her mother finds out. An unmarried black girl who's having a baby! What would everybody think of her?
 
Then there is Ashlee Turner, a young black woman striving for a great career as a lawyer, only to be turned down because of the colour of her skin. Ashlee takes a leave of absence and travels to her family. Her grandmother Mattie is very ill and doesn't have much time left. While worrying about her grandmother, Ashlee suddenly realises that she's missed her period. She takes a pregnancy test and finds out that she is expecting. How is it possible for someone like her, determined to establish a great career, to find herself pregnant? How will her boyfriend take the news?
 
Under a couple of floorboards Ashlee discovers a manuscript written by her grandmother. It's a great work of fiction—or maybe not?
 
The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a gripping story that had me tearing up from time to time. Its main themes of racism and women's rights make it an important read in these disturbing times, in which the Black Lives Matter movement is calling for racial justice.
Author Suzette D. Harrison shows her readers how, over recent decades, the lives of black women have got better or easier, more equal to those of white women, but that they are still not at the same level. She does so by comparing a grandmother's and granddaughter's similar situations, which have very different outcomes.
Harrison gives her story a powerful start by introducing the historical figure of Rosa Parks. Even though she doesn't have a key role during the story, she is the crucial element that causes Mattie's life to drastically change, thus providing us readers with a beautiful and at the same time heartbreaking novel.
 
A little warning for those who read on an empty stomach: the frequent mentions of Mattie's world-famous teacakes will have you licking your lips and your stomach growling with hunger throughout the book! I do sincerely hope that Harrison will share the recipe, because I for one would love to start baking them!
 
Who is Suzette D. Harrison?
The American poet and author Harrison grew up in California. Her first literary success stems from her high school years, in which she was praised for her poetry. Among her inspirations she has cited authors Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. Harrison is an author of different genres, including children's books, romance and women's fiction. But most of all she likes to write African American historical fiction.

This book is written in two timelines, 1955 and present day. In 1955 Rosa Parks helped initiate the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Mattie Banks is on the same bus and seeing what happens she makes a decision that changes her life.

This is a well written compelling book about the fight for equality and standing up for your rights. The characterisation is true to life and believable and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

If you are looking for an inspirational read then look no further it is historical fiction at its best.

Wow , if you read one book in the next few months make it The Girl at the Back of the Bus.

It is beautifully written and is a story of courage, determination and grit of Mattie and her family.

It is told from both the past and the present and the past was so full of fascinating history and you feel you are on that bus with Mattie and Rosa Parks.

Ashlee , Mattie's granddaughter is at a cross roads in her life and comes home to see her ailing Grandmother.

I laughed with both Mattie and Ashlee and I cried with them both.

Both a heartwarming and heart wrenching story; don't miss The Girl at the Back of the Bus.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an inspiring read that I won't forget anytime soon.

The GIRL at the BACK of the BUS, had me totally captivated. This story is so Enthralling! Once I realized the History and the Present was lined up to come together at the end, it made perfect sense.
Characters so complex and so complete pulled me right in. The Author was so honest in showing the souls of the Heroines that I could put myself in their place. The Heroes were strong yet humble and I found myself cheering for them. Making you love the very essence of them. I loved this Historical Romance and how the Author brought it to a very satisfying end. Get comfortable you will enjoy this heart breaking yet heart warming emotional storytelling. ❤️

I loved this book. I cried, laughed was angered and even afraid! It is a necessary and heartbreaking glance into a family's past that so many can relate to. The silence of the hard choices and struggles made, directly impacted the future choices of their family. I was soo scared for Mattie. While hating the initial choice she was making but totally feeling her circumstances of race, family and expectations of the times she lived. If not for her transparency, her granddaughter would never have gained a courage and clarity that changed the trajectory of her life. The characters and relationships in the story felt authentic. Each one nostalgic and reminding me of an uncle or auntie from my own life. I would recommend this book to anyone open to understanding the impact that race, family, and society expectation has played in the past and continues to impact life presently and in the future.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is an amazing historical fiction novel that examines how family secrets can either destroy or bring families closer.

We follow a dual-POV timeline, Mattie, a high school Black girl in 1950s Montgomery, Alabama, and a historic bus ride changed the course of her life. Then we meet Ashlee, a highly educated and motivated Black woman in the present day.

Mattie's story is a story of sadness, injustice, and redemption. Mattie and her mother are domestic servants for a wealthy white family, the Stantons in Montgomery. One night, after a party is held for the oldest son, Edward, he and Mattie get drunk and Mattie ends up giving herself to him. We meet Mattie while she's on a bus to meet with a local who will help her abort her baby. Not only is Mattie nervous about the entire process but she just happens to get on the same bus with Rosa Parks, which leads to her historic refusal of getting up which sparks the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Mattie's witnessing of the courage and tenacity of Parks ignites something in her that causes her to instead keep her baby instead of aborting it. Our story continues to follow how this small decision changes the trajectory of her life forever.

Ashlee is a highly successful lawyer residing in Georgia with her partner Brad who is also a lawyer. Ashlee is the victim of being overlooked for a career-changing promotion to partner at the firm she works at and this gut-wrenching decision causes her to rethink her life plans. Sadly, Ashlee receives news that her nana - Mattie - isn't doing well with her fight against cancer and Ashlee returns home to be with family.

From there we bounce back and forth between the two women's stories - Mattie is trying to navigate life as an unwed, pregnant teen with a major secret, and Ashlee is in the present day piecing together the beautiful life of her nana while also navigating her own relationship problems. The pacing of this book was great; I figured out a few of the "aha" moments prior to reading them but was captivated nonetheless. I also appreciated the subtle nods to historical Black culture - the Negro Leagues, etc - it was a nice way to imbed them into the story without getting too technical.

Overall this was a beautiful examination of a Black family living in the South during the Civil Rights Movement and how they turned a family secret into an opportunity for success.
I'm so grateful to have received an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookoture) and/or author (Suzette D. Harrison) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Yet another historical fiction book that hooked me in from the start.

To freedom and equality

This book was so inspirational. It is written about the fight for freedom and equality by the women of color from the civil rights era to present time. Not only a fight for equality because of race but because of gender as well.

The story of is a woman named Mattie in Montgomery, Alabama during the first civil rights beginnings. She rode on the same bus as Rosa Parks when Rosa refused to give up her seat on the bus and was arrested. This sparked the boycott of the bus system by the people of color during the following weeks. She is shunned and badly treated by some because of the color of her skin, but she triumphed and managed to make a life for herself and her daughter in spite of it all.

Many years later in present times her Granddaughter Ashlee is a lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. She spends a year working every minute, every hour and giving her all to the law firm she works for. When the promotion comes up she is bypassed because of her gender and race and a white boy from a rich family is promoted instead. This makes her question her choice in career and her life goals.

This is a story of the struggles of young women of color to become free and educated. To become someone in this world of inequities. To not only overcome the prejudice toward their race but the prejudice toward their gender as well.

This was a great book, I read it all in one day and the night I was finishing this book way into the late night hours. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Suzette D. Harrison, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, I absolutely loved this story. The way the story alternated between the past and the present definitely made it a page turner. I appreciated the historical aspects of this story. It was an emotional and encouraging story that I would definitely recommend.

Mattie is a high school student during the Civil Rights movement, who discovers she is pregnant. Leaving Montgomery, she is sitting on the back of the bus the day Rosa Parks makes her stand, which gives her the strength to go on for herself and her unborn baby.

Ashlee is a present-day lawyer in Atlanta, who has returned back to her family home, as her grandmother is slowly dying. Directed by her grandmother to a series of letters and stories she has written, Ashlee begins to discover the family secrets no one has heard before.

Harrison does a great job weaving the two stories together, letting the reader into the family secrets bit by bit. While Parks' story serves as inspiration for Mattie, it's not the main focus of the novel. Instead the struggles of a regular family during that era are brought to light.

So this is typically not my genre...but while going through the net gallery list the books cover caught my interest and the synopsis had me intrigued...I have to admit Matties story was great I really felt for her...Ashley's story was a bit whiney for me....**Spolier** comparing herself and her *troubles* to her great grandmother just irked me...sorry. everytime I start getting into Mattie story im interrupted by Ashley's story bemoaning her fate in life. Lady is a top lawyer 32yrs old in a long tem relationship with a man whose family got money not really the same as a single 16yo black girl the 50s. So with that said I still really enjoyed the book, sometimes I feel this genre amcan be over dramatic or use the historical events just to...but in this case it is pivotal to the story and I loved that. I would definitely recommend this book to my book club and even if Ashlee is annoying I loved the strong female relationships they were written in such an honest and believable way.

I recieved my advanced read copy through #netgalley.