People of Means beautifully explores the mother daughter dynamic. Using dual timelines, it bridges two pivotal moments in time. In 1959, Freda steps into a new world at Fisk University, navigating the Civil Rights movement and decisions of the heart.
Decades later her daughter Tulip faces similar racial tensions climbing the corporate latter, with the Rodney King uprising forcing her to confront tough choices. Reliving the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict stirred up lots of emotion for me and brought up the timely question of how much we are willing to risk standing up for our beliefs? The author does a brilliant job of balancing important moments in history, with complex family dynamics and the bittersweet challenges of young love, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and moving. I received a free audiobook from the publisher. The excellent narration by Bahni Turpin definitely added to my experience. All opinions are my own. 4.3

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liked it, fun while I was reading it
This dual POV mother/daughter story is very compelling and important. I liked the character arcs, but also left wanting more development of them. The 1950's & 1990's setting was very well described as well as the reality if the fight for racial equality.

The narrators, Nancy Johnson and Bahni Turpin, did a great job, I had no trouble understanding who was saying what, where, when, with what expression/intension.

Thank you to Harper Audio, NetGalley, and author Nancy Johnson for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. People of Means is out February 11, 2025.

A thoughtful and timely dual narrative that explores generational activism and identity, *People of Means* paints a vivid picture of two women navigating the personal and political landscapes of their eras. Freda’s storyline in the 1950s South is especially compelling, filled with tension and passion, while Tulip’s 1990s journey offers a more modern reflection on systemic injustice. The emotional depth and historical context are strong, though the pacing at times felt a bit uneven, and some character arcs could have used more development. Still, it’s a meaningful story about legacy, sacrifice, and the ongoing fight for justice.

I loved this dual timeline mother and daughter novel. It pulled me in right away. I listened to the audiobook and I think that narrated did a great job. This story was inspiring and also made me so angry and upset at times but also loved how strong these women were. I am excited to go back and read Nancy Johnson's other books now! Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for this audio ARC.

People of Means is a sweeping and soulful debut that beautifully weaves historical fiction, Black identity, class, and generational tension into a poignant coming-of-age story. Nancy Johnson masterfully invites us into the world of Freda—a young Black woman navigating the delicate and dangerous balance between legacy, love, and liberation during a time when expectations were as confining as they were protective.

What sets this novel apart is its lush imagery and layered symbolism. Johnson’s background as a journalist shines through in the way she paints the past with precision and care. From the rhythmic roll of train porters to the melodies of jazz and gospel that anchor scenes in spirit and culture, People of Means uses sound, silence, and setting to transport you.

The recurring motifs—music, movement, and dreams deferred—add depth to every page. The characters don’t just exist within history; they shape it, bend to it, and in some cases, push back against it. Freda, in particular, is both bold and uncertain, making her incredibly relatable for readers today.

This is not a story driven by plot twists—it’s driven by emotional tension, cultural nuance, and the quiet power of becoming. Johnson doesn’t rush the narrative. Instead, she allows us to sit in discomfort, beauty, and complexity. The restraint she shows in not giving everything away all at once is what makes the story linger long after the final page.

For those who love novels like The Vanishing Half or Passing, People of Means will resonate deeply. It speaks to the generations of Black women who were told to “be quiet,” “be proper,” and “be chosen,” while their true dreams simmered beneath the surface.

If you’re looking for a book that sings with meaning, challenges the idea of what it means to be “successful,” and honors the quiet strength of choosing yourself, People of Means is a must-read.

I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this.

This novel intertwines the lives of a mother and daughter, each navigating the challenges of their time while facing societal racism and the pressures of family expectations. The author crafts two parallel storylines, each unique in its approach yet united by shared struggles and themes.

By incorporating real historical figures and events, the narrative feels deeply authentic, as if these moments are truly part of history. While the book tackles weighty subjects, the storytelling does not trivialize them or use them for shock value. Instead, these powerful themes shape the journeys of Freda and Tulip, fueling their activism and emotional growth.

I found some parts to drag and slow the story but this is an overall worthwhile read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

People of Means
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow such a powerful book that everyone should read. A story full of Friendship that pull you in. A story about how your choice effects so many peoples lives. It will remind you to follow your heart to speak up for what is right & what is wrong. Be brave & strong! I totally enjoyed the book!
Thank you NetGalley

I was moved by Freda's story and her journey of growth as she was torn between two paths.

I loved how this novel showed the contrasting viewpoints of her family and friends, and how this effected her as a young women. I feel like not as much was told through Tulip's storyline, other than to illustrate the similar issues she still faces and her disconnection from knowing her parents history.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for the ARC!

4.25⭐️ This book should be mandatory reading material!! It’s a well written and insightful exploration of race, SES/class, and culture in the U.S. across multiple generations. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help but reflect throughout about how seamlessly a third generation story could have been interwoven, which is truly heartbreaking. This book opens the way for a dialogue about the critical role activism plays in making change, while acknowledging its cost at an individual level. It also briefly explores the different ways we see ourselves contributing, within our own means, to the larger tapestry of change. As a mental health practitioner, I find this last piece so critical as not everyone can be fighting on the front lines, but everyone has a strength to contribute.

In terms of criticism, I have to say that I found Freda a much more compelling character than Tulip, but I can’t conclusively rule out that my interest was driven by the 1960s storyline. I just connected with that timeline much more than the timeline I lived through. The pacing felt a bit inconsistent to me, but again I think that was 100% a function of how much I enjoyed Freda’s story relative to Tulip’s.

The audiobook production quality was great. The narrator did a good job, with good character differentiation and without egregious mispronunciations. Overall, a very high quality audiobook that I would recommend, of a book I would recommend.

Thanks to HarperAudio Adult, NetGalley, and the author for access to an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed People of Means by Nancy Johnson! Dual narrative and timeline, mainly through the perspectives of a mother and daughter coming of age, the story dives into themes of identity, family, and activism. It was fascinating to see how the characters experiences shaped their reactions, and how they came to understand each other better over time.

The novel is set during the civil rights movement and beyond, showing both the struggles’ people faced and the connections that held them together. The author highlights that activism doesn’t have to look the same for everyone and I thought that was beautiful. Whether through quiet resilience or bold action, there are many ways to create change!

I loved the author's afterword in reflecting on the meaning of "people of means" — exploring not just financial wealth but also social influence, resilience, and inner strength.

It was a little slow paced but such an important, emotional, and thought-provoking read that really stuck with me. I'd highly recommend it!

This book will stick with me. No doubt. I love historical fiction especially those with real tidbits of actual historical figures and their truths. You’re learning and also getting entertainment. This was heartbreaking but also a call to action. The tulips favorite flower part awwwman. I will not stop recommending this one. I also love that bahni Turpin narrated this one.

Some books grip you with their storytelling, some with their historical depth—People of Means by Nancy Johnson does both in a way that lingers long after the last page. This multigenerational novel masterfully weaves past and present, reminding us that the fight for justice is not a chapter in history but an ongoing struggle.

Johnson’s ability to shift between timelines was one of my favourite aspects of this book. The narrative moves seamlessly between the early civil rights movement and the 1990s, revealing striking parallels between the two eras. While I grew up hearing about Rodney King and the uprisings that followed, this novel deepened my understanding of civil rights struggles—both past and present—and how they have shaped our communities.

One of the most powerful elements of People of Means is how it explores the resilience and resistance of Black people across generations, while also showing the power of decisions you make and finding your place in this world.

The characters are rich and layered, each carrying the weight of their time while still dreaming of something better. The novel reminds us that history echoes itself, and that the past and present are always in conversation.

Nancy Johnson’s prose is poignant and evocative. One line that stood out to me was:
"Sometimes the past ain't just behind you—it’s in your blood, in your breath, in the way you carry yourself through this world."

Another moment that resonated deeply:
"Fighting for justice ain't never been about one moment. It's about all the moments that led to it and all the ones that come after."
This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction that speaks to the present. It’s a powerful reminder that our history shapes us, but it does not have to define us.

This book is the best book I’ve read this year and I’m a long time. Nancy Johnson has a compelling story to tell. I recommend this book to anyone.

The narrator was amazing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance ready audio copy.

God the ending was sad. As soon as Darius said his favorite flower was tulip, I just knew. It’s so tragic to me that Freda was just going to let Tulip be led away from activism the way she was. I understand the idea that being the best you can be will earn you respect but that’s honestly just not true and it’s not how we all get free. You will never be able to convince people that hate you to respect you no matter what you do.

And Gerald can eat glass as far as I’m concerned.

The struggle for civil rights in America has been going on for centuries, and though progress has been made, some injustices haven't changed. This book centers on two generations of Black women - a mother and daughter - fighting a discriminatory system decades apart.

Author Nancy Johnson was inspired in part, by recent events. In an interview, Johnson observed, "These periods are different, yet we are going through the same thing over and over again. When we look at where we are in America—new presidential administration, new Congress—marginalized groups now are grappling with how to resist. Looking back at how our ancestors did generations back can be instructive for how we respond today.”

*****
In 1959, Freda Gilroy, who comes from an upper-middle-class Black family in Chicago, begins her freshman year at Nashville's Fisk University. The school is a legacy from her parents, Almeda Gilroy and Dr. Booker Gilroy - who see higher education as their people's true emancipation. Freda, a math major, follows the rules of her Jubilee Hall dormitory; is conscientious about her classes and schoolwork; calls her parents every Sunday; and becomes best friends with her two roommates. Cora and Evaline.

As Freda's freshman year unrolls, she meets two young men who will be instrumental in her life. The first young man is Darius Moore, a saxophone player and Fisk student who's a civil rights activist; During Freda's outing to the state fair with Darius, she's exposed to blatant racism for the first time in her life when she sees a sign indicating 'Colored Bathrooms' and 'White Bathrooms.' This literally makes Freda sick to her stomach, and it's just one of many exclusion policies in the Jim Crow South.

Freda is even more taken aback when she happens to be shopping at Woolworth's on the day Black students are staging a sit-in at the 'Whites Only' lunch counter. Darius is one of the demonstrators, and the reaction of White patrons - and the police - is vicious. As a result, Freda is drawn into Darius's civil rights activism.

Meanwhile, Freda meets Gerald Vance, who turns out to be a very nice medical student at Nashville's Meharry Medical College. Gerald's philosophy aligns with that of Freda's dad - that education is the path ahead for the Black race, not demonstrations.

Freda is torn between Darius and Gerald. Darius matches her compulsion to fight for civil rights, and Gerald matches the expectations of her parents, who feel Black advancement will be achieved via academics and professionalism.

******
Jump ahead to 1992, and Freda is married to Dr. Gerald Vance. Freda is teaching math, Gerald has a successful medical practice, and their 27-year-old daughter Tulip has been working at Maddingly Public Relations for five years.

Tulip is one of two Black employees at Maddingly, and she's a real go-getter. Tulip works extra hours on her accounts and finds a novel way to attract new business to the firm, all in hopes of getting a promotion. Tulip knows White employees see her as an affirmative action hire, and she's subjected to microaggressions and furtive snide comments. In her private life, Tulip is dating a handsome bus driver named Key, but the romance is constantly discouraged by her parents, who want Freda to marry a professional man.

Tulip's life comes to a crossroads with the Rodney King case. King was the victim of police brutality, and when the cops are being tried, Tulip fully expects a conviction. When the police are exonerated, Tulip is stunned and feels compelled to join activists demonstrating against the verdict. Tulip faces the same discouragement her mother did, but forges ahead to assist a rally for justice. Along the way, Tulip jeopardizes her employment by using work contacts to advance her cause.

The book toggles back and forth between Freda's story in 1959 and Tulip's story in 1992, and it's evident these two women are fighting the same battle more than three decades apart. [Note: Sadly, we still see police brutality against Black victims, like George Floyd, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, and more.]

The book is more than a story about civil rights, however. The author explores the lives of the characters, and I was drawn into the exploits of Freda, Tulip, and the people around them. Along the way we encounter bad boy behavior; trouble paying tuition; a gay man half-way in the closet; an accidental pregnancy; abusive white nationalists; the secret activism of Nat King Cole; Pullman Porters furtively transporting money for Black demonstrators; and more.

I liked the book and was very pleased with the finale, which satisfied my personal sense of 'chickens coming home to roost'.

I think it's important to include another snippet from Nancy Johnson's interview, where she says, "It feels like we take a few steps forward and a few steps back. I mean, right now, when you look at some of the executive orders from the current administration and their attempt to roll back some of that civil rights progress made when Freda was a student in the 1960s. Some of what’s been couched as DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] looks like there is an attempt to roll back some of the civil rights protections people have. I see the trajectory, and it’s scary. It’s a lot, but I think when people read People of Means, it will feel like it’s in conversation with where we are today because there are so many parallels with what’s happening in the 50s and 60s, in the early 90s, and today."

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nancy Johnson and Bahni Turpin, who do a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nancy Johnson, and HarperAudio for a copy of the book.

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!

You know I love stories featuring strong female characters, and People of Means is a beautifully crafted, dual-timeline story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.
Set in 1960s Nashville and 1990s Chicago, it follows a mother and daughter navigating the harsh realities of racism and injustice. With vivid imagery and rich historical details, Johnson captures the struggles of class, culture, and the American dream.
The novel is a powerful testament to the resilience of women fighting for their family and their future. A must-read for anyone captivated by tales of strength and perseverance.

You know I love stories featuring strong female characters, and People of Means is a beautifully crafted, dual-timeline story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.
Set in 1960s Nashville and 1990s Chicago, it follows a mother and daughter navigating the harsh realities of racism and injustice. With vivid imagery and rich historical details, Johnson captures the struggles of class, culture, and the American dream.
The novel is a powerful testament to the resilience of women fighting for their family and their future. A must-read for anyone captivated by tales of strength and perseverance.

I went into this one blind after receiving a physical copy of this as a #bookclubgirl and an ALC from @netgalley. I knew nothing, except that I saw some very positive reviews online. This is a great one for anyone who enjoyed The Vanishing Half.

In 1959, Freida just arrives at her brand new HBCU Fisk University in Nashville. She's come from Chicago, eager to major in mathematics. What she finds out is that the South is much different than her life in the North. She meets an intriguing young man, active in the civil rights movement, and she too gets swept away and her passion takes over, much to her parents' dismay. They've chosen a man for her at a nearby college. In 1992 Chicago, Freida's daughter is an up and coming PR executive who also gets caught up in equality with the Rodney King trial hot in the media. Her parents encourage her to take the safe path, but will she?

This was so timely for me to read during Black History Month. Racism clearly isn't gone and this was a thought provoking reminder. I loved the dynamics between mother and daughter here and that they had so much more in common than they knew.