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The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette D. Harrison-historical fiction   

In 1955 Rosa Parks stood against the rules, or did not stand if you know what

I mean- she sat instead and didnt get up as she “should have done” for a

white person getting on the bus. This book has Mattie Banks on the same

bus, seeing what happened and taking her own stand which changed her

life. She was on her way to get rid of the baby she knew she was carrying

but seeing Rosa’s actions made her change her mind. In present day

Ashlee is a lawyer and being passed over for promotion so takes a couple

of weeks leave and travels home- something she hasn't done in almost

a year. Coincidently her grandmother Mattie is dying. Ashlee is close

to her and inspired by her. Whilst home Ashlee finds that she too is

expecting- something she and boyfriend Brad wanted but not quite

yet. Ashlee, on Matties instruction, finds her story.

This quickly stole my heart and also recently hearing of P.O.C being

passed over just because of the colour of their skin- heavens this is

the 21st century but appears some of the world still don’t realise it

sadly. A truly inspiring story for women everywhere. Of not being taken

for granted for your gender, race, beliefs or whatever. I loved Ashlee

and especially Mattie. This drew me in and I didnt want it to end. If

you read one book this year to inspire you- perhaps make it this

one- I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Wow! 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Book Description:

"I watched in awe as Miz Rosa stopped those men on the bus with 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?

Montgomery, Alabama, 1955
On a cold December evening, Mattie Banks packs a suitcase and leaves her family home. Sixteen years old and pregnant, she has already made the mistake that will ruin her life and disgrace her widowed mother. Boarding the 2857 bus, she sits with her case on her lap, hoping that the driver will take her away from disaster. Instead, Mattie witnesses an act of bravery by a woman named Rosa Parks that changes everything. But as Mattie strives to turn her life around, the dangers that first led her to run are never far away. Forging a new life in a harsh world at constant risk of exposure, Mattie will need to fight to keep her baby safe.

Atlanta, Georgia, present day
Ashlee Turner is going home. Her relationship in ruins, her career held back by prejudice, she is returning to the family who have always been her rock. But Ashlee’s home is not the safe haven she remembers. Her beloved grandmother is dying and is determined to share her story before she leaves…

When Ashlee finds a stack of yellowing letters hidden in her nana’s closet, she can’t help the curiosity that compels her to read, and she uncovers an old secret that could wreak havoc on her already grieving family. As she tries to make sense of what she has learned, Ashlee faces a devastating choice: to protect her loved ones from the revelations, or honor her grandmother’s wishes and follow the path to the truth, no matter where it may lead.

For readers of The Help, Orphan Train and Before We Were Yours comes a beautiful and heartbreaking novel about redemption, family secrets and the spirit of survival found at the hardest time.




Author Bio:

Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary "career" began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Suzette pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother of two teens, and she holds a culinary degree in pastry and baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel...in between batches of cupcakes. 


Buy Links:




Comments

  1. S.D. Harrison8 February 2021 at 22:10

    Thank you Nicki for such a lovely review and for sharing The Girl at the Back of the Bus with others!

    ReplyDelete

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