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