The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a beautiful piece of historical piece that moves between the life of young Mattie Banks (Montgomery, Alabama, 1955) and Ashlee Turner (Atlanta, Georgia, present day). This unique story begins on the very bus journey when Rosa Parks made her historic stance to retain her seat on the local bus, on 1st December and in doing so, lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Witnessing such actions, inspired young Mattie and she decided that against all of the odds, that she would keep and raise her baby. Being young and pregnant in the 1950’s was not easy, even more difficult for a young Black girl, and added to her concerns was that her baby’s father was white. Mattie’s story caught my heart and I couldn’t wait to turn the page.
The story of Mattie’s granddaughter was no less relevant as Ashlee battled against racism and the boys network in her career. Despite the contemporary nature of Ashlee’s tale, it was the older story and the time that Ashlee spent with her family that I preferred.
Such a beautifully written and heart-breaking story.

The first couple of chapters held me at arm's length. Told in alternative POV chapters by Mattie Banks in 1955 and Ashlee Turner in present-day Atlanta, it felt clumsy and soapbox-y, making it difficult to settle into the story. It felt like it was jumping up and down, yelling in my face that I didn't have a choice, I had to like this story because it was important.

What felt like moments after I was considering whether or not I wanted to keep reading, I realised I was already halfway through the book. What felt clumsy at first revealed itself to be sincerity and the soapbox rhetoric started to ring true. The story sank its hooks into me and refused to let go. I would finish one chapter, upset that I had to change to a different POV, desperately wanting more from the character I was reading. By the time I finished the next chapter, I felt the exact same way all over again. Back and forth, Ashlee and Mattie alternated being my favourite character and telling the better story. Even the supporting characters in each story were rich and interesting, contributing to the complexity of the world in which they lived.

What I give Harrison the most credit for is not falling prey to the most annoying cliche. She didn't feel the need to hide things from the reader as a flimsy attempt to create suspense or intrigue. She let the story unfold and tell itself naturally, as it would in the real world, regardless of what it may be revealing about the other POV character's narrative. I can't stand when writers withhold information that would have obviously been revealed because it's an easy way to make the story more exciting than it deserves to be. The characters all acted like real people, their actions didn't exist to solely further the plot or create drama.

Considering my thoughts at the beginning of the book, I was not expecting to be as absorbed into the story as I was by the end. The emotions were so honest and the story so captivating, I didn't have a choice. Many tears were shed in the final chapters and I can sincerely say The Girl at the Back of the Bus is well worth the read.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette D. Harrison is a powerful story, and I was happy to feature it as Book of the Day on all my Black Fiction Addiction social media platforms. I also interviewed the author for my blog.

This book might be one of my new favorites. This was so so good. At the end I was tearing up - not because of something specific happening in the book - just because of everything. I felt so emotionally connected to the characters and I simply did not want to let go.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a wonderfully crafted story that follows two timelines - one in 1955 and one in present day. Both timelines follow a young black woman, navigating their life with all the barriers that they have to face. I do not want to write too many details since I believe it is best to go in without knowing any of the barriers or setups to just experience every single milestone in the protagonists life without waiting for them to happen. It is unapologetic, emotional, charged, and touching. It shows strong women in complicated and rough times. There are a lot of themes around prevailing, not giving up, and finding your way in a harsh and unfair world. And somehow it is simply beautiful.

I was captivated by the story from beginning to end. There was no moment when something distracted me or pulled me out of the tale. I just wanted to finish this in one sitting. At the end I was happy and sad and felt like I learned something - what that is, I am not sure. And so to this day I am still thinking about this wonderfully moving story.

Thank you to netgalley to giving me access to a free review ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This book will be included in my wrap up video going live on my Youtube Channel on March 11, 2021.

I’m thrilled today to take part in this interesting historical fiction novel's tour about a woman who is seeking a new life and a current day woman who is navigating hers. I enjoyed the vivid writing and dual but intertwined stories. At first I thought this would be a book for my students, but it’s really targeted to an adult audience.

(full review on my blog at drbethnolan.com Beth's Book-Nook Blog)

A tremendously beautiful book with exquisite writing, beautiful imagery, and empowering and heartfelt story. Though it does highlight racial inequality in both 1950s and modern America, this book is- at it's heart- about love, family, perseverance, and self discovery.

Brilliantly written; The Girl at the Back of the Bus is written with dual timelines, 1950's America and the present day and has two narrators.
Mattie is the main character in the 1950's and lives in the Deep South. It was a time when segregation was the norm and sixteen year old Mattie has to deal with infinite racism and a teenage pregnancy.
Fast forward to the modern day where Mattie's grand daughter Ashlee is the main character; dealing with a huge blow on the corporate front due to discrimination and racism in the work place.
I was more drawn to Mattie's character and her story - the pregnancy, trying to get through high school, having a natural talent for writing and finding herself for who she truly was.
At times, their stories entwine and mirror each other's. Through her wonderful writing, Harrison has been able to create two strong and powerful women each with their own story to tell.

Mattie Banks is travelling by bus to an abortionist when Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat. This simple act inspires Mattie to keep her baby and hope for a better future.  In the present day, Mattie's granddaughter Ashlee loses a prestigious promotion and discovers that her grandmother's cancer is back...
Wow. Just wow.
The Girl at the Back of the Bus is quite extraordinary in its careful balance of tragedy and hope. The power of the opening chapter where we are introduced to the racism and segregation of 1950s America is shocking and revolting. Yet the Black characters act with courage and dignity throughout the book, aspiring for a life of equality and acceptance.
Author Suzette D. Harrison includes the casual and normalised use of terms of racial abuse: this is terrible and inspires a revulsion in modern readers. I cannot believe that such inequality and despicable attitudes were permitted and enshrined in law in my parents' lifetime. I felt ashamed of the overt White acts and insidious institutional racism that continue to perpetuate the discrimination even in modern times.
Ashlee and her white boyfriend Brad negotiate personal as well as racial politics. The shadow of their different histories of their ethnic backgrounds impacts on their interracial relationship. Ashlee appears to have more opportunities than Mattie yet she is still held back by her sex and race, doubly discriminated against compared to her colleagues.
Despite the intensity of the historical content, The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a love story and a story of love between the generations. The love of Ashlee for her grandmother and her other family is beautiful and compellingly written. It brought a tear to my eye, especially due to the lockdown and our current enforced separation from loved ones, as well as the grief that I have now lost all of my own grandparents. The enduring love between Mattie and her husband was also charming and I hope that my husband and I keep the romance alive in our 80s!
The Girl at the Back of the Bus was thought provoking and brilliant. My heart hurts with the love and pain contained within its pages.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette D. Harrison is an important, emotional story. With a dual timeline, we learn about the difficulties that African American women dealt with and still deal with all the time. The chapters switched seamlessly from 1955 to present day. Mattie's story was hard to read. To learn about what it was like living in the Jim Crowe era and how she was treated just because of the colour of her skin. Struggling to get an education and raise a child as an unwed mother is hard for anyone, but for a black young girl, it was almost impossible. Thankfully she has some strong female role models to help her succeed. She was a strong woman with convictions and I was rooting for her all the way. Ashlee's story was also eye opening. She faced different problems, but there were still obstacles in her way because of her skin colour.

This is a very timely story considering all the race issues there have been over the last year. This is a great book to educate and open eyes about what minorities deal with every day, in the past and the present. I loved how Rosa Park's act of refusing to move on the bus sets the stage for these strong women to make changes and stand up for themselves as much as they could under the conditions they were living. A wonderfully written story that had me crying several times. If you enjoy historical fiction, dual timelines, well-developed strong characters and a well-written and plotted story, then this is for you.

An exceptionally written Historical fiction about the fight for independence. The chapters alternate between Mattie and her granddaughter, Ashlee. Miz Rosa park has inspired many over the years, as we see very well in this book. Mattie, on her way for an abortion becomes determined to keep her baby after seeing Rosa's adamant behaviour in refusing to give up her seat on the bus. From the start, we see how racism has segregated the people. Mattie has to hide her pregnancy from everyone including her mother in fear for being laughed at, and labelled as 'dirty'. Her character is a strong one, tough and intelligent. Her mom is another amazing character. She struggled to bring up her family alone. We see Mattie and the many emotions she has to go through, after they are kicked out of their house. She takes charge of her life, helping out her mom at the same time taking care of her baby.

The true meaning and family and friendship is emphasized in Mama, Sadie, and Mattie's cousins and family. A story of true love, hope, survival.

On the other hand, we are introduced into Ashlee's life. A prestigious lawyer, who is at the height of her career but still doesn't feel confident has to travel back to her hometown after she received a call that her grandmother is sick. We see Ashlee as a tough lady who is confident in herself, and loved by those around her.

I feel so invested in the book. The emotional toil it carries, I relate so much to the characters and the fight they have gone through to make a name for themselves and inspire many others along the way. The characters are written in a captivating manner, so real that at some points I thought I was reading a true life story. I love each POV - the setting, the way the plot carries us into the world of Mattie and Ashlee. This book is already one of my best reads this year. Even though I've never read any of the author's works, I'm already keeping my eyes peeled for more of her books.

Mattie Banks James, you are absolutely splendid.

Its a historial fiction book half set in Montgomery in the 50s, I kneeewww it would break my heart. I cried a lot. But its so sweet and heartfelt and the characters are so precious. The reality behind Mattie's character is hard to read most of the time but the fictional story running alongside it is fun and funny and wonderful. The dual timeline works perfectly and I dont think I've ever adored every character in a book as much as I did this family. ❤

This book, I cannot write a review that will do justice. The alternation between present and past is flawless. This book is a beautiful story of strength. Strong characters and so very well written. If you are looking for a read that will stay with you long after you finish it, this is the book. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

The Girl At The Back of The Bus by Suzette D.Harrison is a historical fiction story that is one of the most memorable reads for me in a while. A story of injustice; love; heartbreak and a tenacity to fight against the norm.
It's 1955 and it was at this time Rosa Parks chose to go against the norm, by sitting down on a bus and refusing to get up and allow a white person to take her seat. In this story, on that same bus that day Mattie Banks watches this action and decides there an d then that she will make her own personal stand.
The story is told from two points of view and alternates by the chapter. We see Ashlee Turner, Mattie's granddaughter; in the present day. A black woman living in a world with so many more opportunities than Mattie. Then comes the day she is overlooked for promotion and she goes back home to see her dying grandmother, Mattie. This simple action sees Ashlee discovering her grandmothers story as we, the reader sit beside her while she reads and we are with her as we witness what happened after the fateful day on the bus with Rosa Parks. The parallels between Ashlee and Mattie's challenges within their lifes are interesting to see. I revelled in the inspiration Mattie's story took from her grandmother's issues that she had to overcome. From this knowledge Ashlee is able to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish and also create the future she wants for herself.
This book was so enjoyable and almost educational in a weird way. The way that the women's lives were similar, even with decades between them. The dignified and brave way Mattie faced the prejudice and social injustice throughout her life made me sad that this still goes on in different forms today. A very emotional and moving story that has been written so beautifully, that makes an impact even before you realise it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Suzette D. Harrison for this e-copy in return for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book and it will definitely stay with me for a long time. The subject matter of this novel is quite deep and it was written with such sensitivity. Beautifully crafted story with strong, engaging characters. Stunning novel. I'll definitely be recommending this one.

I can’t remember the last time that I fell in love with a story like this. Turning the last page, I wanted to hold this one close to my heart and just spend some more time with the characters.

The story begins with 16 year old Mattie sitting at the back of the bus in the segregated ‘colored’ section. She is holding a suitcase in her hands as her thoughts run something havoc. 16, pregnant and unmarried, Mattie knows that her life is about to change, and not in a positive way. Her mama’s dreams of seeing her making it in life are just about to be shattered. In the same bus is Rosa Parks, a remarkable,strong black woman who stood her ground and refused to give up her seat for a white passenger. Rosa’s actions inspired Mattie to rethink her life and make some courageous choices.

I loved the characters in this story. Mattie and her whole family melted my heart. I admired her mama’s dreams and resolve to offer her a different life. Working as a servant for a white family, mama was determined not to let her daughter live the same way. When Mattie’s life took a different turn, it was her mama’s strength that carried her. Other support characters such as Sadie, Ransome and Mattie’s cousins found their way into my heart too.

Narrated in two timelines, we have one story-line following Mattie’s life in 1955. The second story-line set in the present follows the life of Mattie’s granddaughter, Ashlee. There is so much strength, love, passion and determination flowing through the chapters as illustrated by a number of memorable, strong female characters. I was inspired and challenged. This story sure did move me.

The themes are undoubtedly heavy. Racism is one of the most despicable things in the world and I can’t imagine what life was like, under the Jim Crow laws. It still baffles me how people can hate each other just because of skin color. My heart bleeds for everyone who has ever been discriminated against. It further breaks my heart to know that although times have changed, some of the ugliness from the past is still alive today.

The story is so well narrated with deftly crafted characters. It is moving, captivating, haunting, heartbreaking yet beautiful. This is undoubtedly a book that I recommend to everyone.

I love a good dual timeline!
The two protaganists, Mattie and Ashlee were immensely likeable, and I was cheering them on throughout the book.
This book really highlighted to me how racism is such a huge part of history, and all it takes is a handful of people to start to demand change. The way the story of White/ Coloureds segregation was told was so effective and incredibly poignant and the medium of the dual timeline was used with immense success.
I expected a teary ending and that didn't happen, but I definitely got a warm fuzzy feeling and it has been a very moving reading experience.

Two women from two different times and generations, have to be strong for different reasons. in 1955, 15 year old Mattie has to make a decision in whether she should keep her unborn baby or not. Originally deciding not to, she travels by bus to a woman that will take care of it for her. On her way there, she witnesses something heroic and historic and changes her mind. Years later, her grand daughter, Ashlee has a different decision, but no less important, after being overlooked for a promotion at the law firm she works at because of her race. She takes a break from work and visits her ailing grandmother. She is then told by Mattie to look for something hidden, and that something changes Ashlee's life and perspective on life.

This book is historical fiction at it's finest. Both women struggle when dealing with life's many issues, but overcome in only ways some could imagine. This masterfully written story will stay with me for a while . I saw myself in Ashlee in several instances, from the relationship with her grandmother, to the conundrum of making a decision that can affect you professionally. This was a suburb and very well written story.

What an AMAZING story. Suzette D. Harrison has written a masterpiece! The Girl at the Back of the Bus is the story of Mattie, the grandmother, and Ashlee, the granddaughter, and their family. I laughed! I became angry with certain characters! I cried several times! Most of all, I loved reading this book.

We first meet Mattie who is a sixteen-year-old pregnant girl who gets on a segregated bus in 1955 on her way to “take care” of her baby. It just happens to be the bus Rosa Parks is on and refuses to give up her seat. You will need to find out what Mattie decides when she reaches her destination. Fast forward to Ashlee, Mattie’s granddaughter, who is a lawyer and in a long term relationship. Mattie is in her last days of cancer and Ashlee decides to go and spend some time with her. The book alternates chapters between Mattie and Ashlee.

Harrison has created a story full of rich friendships and family set against a segregated South. I think this book would be a great bookclub choice. I know I want to reread this story in a few months. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

A moving story of generations of strong, Black women standing up for themselves despite all odds.

The story moves between Mattie in 1955 and thereafter and her granddaughter, Ashlee in present times. But it’s also the story of Mattie’s mother, Dorothy and Ashlee’s mother, Savannah.

Fifteen year old, Mattie, pregnant and scared and on her way to get an abortion witnesses Miz Rosa Parks stand up to the bus driver and refuse to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. This was the start of a quiet, yet very strong Civil Rights movement in America. I love how the author used this historical incident as the catalyst for Mattie’s own journey of standing up for justice.

Back to Ashlee, an up and coming lawyer, who comes back home to sort out herself and to be with her dying grandmother, Mattie. She discovers hidden letters of her grandmother from decades earlier. As she learns her grandmother’s story, Ashlee gathers courage and strength to make the necessary changes in her life.

The author didn’t hold back from telling us that racial discrimination continues to exist despite the passage of time, but there are women and men willing to stand up and fight against it.

Beautiful strong characters, a great story line, the warm love of family and some brilliant conversations made sure book that’s going to stay with me for a very, very long time.

I loved so many things about this book. I loved the use of the two timelines to draw attention to the two women’s unique, yet similar in some way, stories. I have to say that I was more encapsulated by Mattie’s story, but found both narratives enjoyable…

I thought it was brilliantly unique and interesting to see the story of Rosa Parks from another point of view. I am very familiar with the story, but it was great to see how this event sparked not just a movement, but a personal sense of determination and injustice that spread far and wide.

As a woman with a black partner and a mixed race daughter, some of the treatment of black women within the novel completely infuriated me and broke my heart. Unfortunately, my partner reinforces to me daily that this is an issue that has not gone away, not by any stretch.

I absolutely loved the characters and thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the strong will and determination of these two black female characters.

Overall, this has been a powerful, inspiring and thought-provoking read that I would recommend to fans of multicultural and/or historical fiction.