really well-written book about the struggle for civil rights. the characters are compelling, the story is strong and presented effectively, and it's very cool. 5 stars. tysm for thea rc.

Told in a dual POV in 1960's Nashville and 1992 Chicago, this book is about activism and how these Black women had to question how safe it was. Within this book are stories that didn't make the history books. I was drawn to these women and could understand why they questioned if they could get involved in some way. I won't forget this book for a long time. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a few books similar to this one, that alternate between generations, within the same family. I think it's a great way to showcase societal and historical changes over time. Although the topic of racism addressed in this historical fiction is not new, the way the time periods staggered back and forth created a nice, era comparison. The inclusion of additional struggles resulting from classism, specifically within the African American population, was also very interesting. It was a good story, covering an important topic. I enjoyed it.


Thank you to Book Club Girl for the Netgalley ARC.

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.

What does it mean to have means? This book had me thinking this the entire time I read it. The two main characters are a mother and daughter, both African Americans raised with money (their means). One during the Civil Rights Movement and one during the LA Riots over Rodney King. Both are fighters wanting to fight for the injustice their race has faced and what they have faced because of their skin color. Meanwhile, the daughter’s boyfriend who is a black man seems perfectly content in his blue collar life because he has everything he could ask for - a good job, a family, food on the table, a roof over his head, etc. So down to the core, what does it mean to have means? Wealth to buy things or just having the basic life necessities. I very much enjoyed thinking about this while reading the back and forth between a mother and daughter, both from essentially the same financial background who were somewhat sheltered from social issues due to their money, but who as daughters both faced backlash for trying to stand up and support what they believed to be right. To read two generations who when you come down to it are very much the same but both having made different choices based on the pressures surrounding them. If you want a well written book that will really have you thinking while you enjoy a story, this is one you definitely should read.

What a powerful and gripping read that captures dual moments in US history. I loved the plotting, the character development, the cultural insights and the emotional depth of the story. The dual settings and timelines really brought the story to life.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Appreciated the dual timelines following mother and daughter. But the writing felt just a little predictable and flat.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

I applied for my book club to be considered for 2025 Book Club Girl, and received access to a NetGalley ARC of this title. Without knowing what it was about, I jumped into reading on MLK Jr. day. What fitting timing!!! This was a moving story about Civil Rights movements. The novel explores a mother and daughter’s relationships with racial justice in alternating timelines and POV. Freda, in 1960’s Nashville, and Tulip, in Chicago in 1992. Their stories pulled me in and I finished this one in 1 day.

Freda and Tulip's timelines bridge great character development, conflict, and story building. The story pulled me in as a reader to connect the dots. I mostly enjoyed the parts about Tulip getting involved with protesting. especially as the issues were in Los Angeles and she lived in Chicago. The conflict of Tulip wanting to be good and get a raise at work paired with being a Black woman ties the title of the book well.

Nancy Johnson's People of Means is a thought-provoking novel about the experiences of Black Americans in the twentieth century. It is a richly researched book that brings to life 1960s Nashville and 1990s Chicago and explores the ongoing struggle to balance the fight for racial equality with the desire for personal fulfillment. I was particularly struck by the emphasis placed on Black excellence in Freda and Tulip's family and the pressure that these women feel to live up to that expectation while also engaging in the fight for civil rights. This book provides a great opportunity for book clubs and other groups to talk about topics that can be difficult to discuss. A must-read!

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for an eARC; all opinions are my own.

This is another beautiful, sensitive portrait of a Black family during the post -WWII years. The focus is on mother Freda and daughter, Tulip. Though it is a family saga, I found it much more important and valuable, especially for younger readers. The book puts this family, The Gilroys, in the center of the civil rights struggle. I know that I will recommend it to my students. It is a book that reminds me of how a piece of well written fiction can serve as a vehicle for understanding an era of history.

Johnson takes the reader through social history and mores, fashions are included. It is so captivating that the reader has to realize they are getting a history lesson. I loved the characters and their relationships. Johnson reminds us of how large events can change our individual futures.

I really enjoyed this novel. As a historian, I appreciated the accuracy of the portrayal of the significant events and participants of the Civil Rights struggle.

Thank you Netgalley for this beautiful novel.

Nancy Johnson has written a powerful exploration of facing the stark realities of class and race in both 1963 and in 1992 and the historic events surrounding racial activism. Her characters and settings are vividly written with compassion, strength and resolve. Readers will feel transported by the powerful and compelling voices, the choices they make, and will understand where we, as a nation, have been, and where we still strive to be. People of Means will be a must read for book clubs.