Excellently managed dual-timeline (1960s and 1990s) story about women reluctantly but firmly pulled into civil rights activism, and a bit about the men who love them.

Nancy Johnson is 2 for 2, and my new favourite African-American historical fiction author. She includes background on the FMCs' realistic and contextually-relevant interactions with men without centering them... unlike Victoria Christopher Murray... sorry not sorry.

I enjoyed The Kindest Lie a little more, but this is also a lovely historical fiction novel.

The author's note and her explanation of the book's title was beautiful.

This was a book I did not enjoy, though I do understand how one could. there was just something about either the prose or the way it was narrated that I did not connect with. It did not keep my interest.

“People of Means” is a powerful, well written dual timeline story that takes place in the 60s during the civil rights movement and the 90s during the time of the Rodney King trial. The story of Freda and Tulip, mother and daughter, is deftly woven. It examines not only the greater struggle of racism and civil rights, but also the struggle within the black community to decide what kind of activist a person “should” be. Will you go all in or will you put your own success and standing at risk?

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.

Book 15 of 2025 - ✅! Thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio & Nancy Johnson for an ALC of People of Means by Nancy Johnson, narrated by Nancy Johnson & Bahni Turpin
in exchange for my honest review.

I’ll be honest: I was immediately drawn to Nancy Johnson’s People of Means because of its beautiful cover. I came for the cover, but reader: I stayed for the story and the narration.

People of Means takes place in both the 1960s and 1990s. The 1960’s timeline is primarily at Fisk University in Nashville, and centers on freshman Freda Gilroy, who comes to the university to study mathematics, and follow in her parents’ footsteps. Nashville in the Jim Crow south is starkly different from her hometown of Chicago, and she feels compelled to be involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1990’s, Freda’s daughter, Tulip, is living in Chicago and working in PR. She’s on track for a big promotion, but is moved to be actively involved in the justice movement after the murders of Latasha Harlins and Rodney King. Both women are engaged in the ways they feel most empowered, within the time and societies they’re living in. Though they might differ on how they think progress can be achieved based on their own personal lived experiences, it’s clear that this mother & daughter duo is working toward the same goal.

Johnson’s writing is engaging, and as an American Girl Girlie, whose love for historical fiction started at a very young age, I was all-in from the beginning. Sign me up for fictional characters being placed in very real, and throughly researched spaces and times. The narration was wonderful, and felt like the right fit for the book.

This certainly won’t be my last book by Nancy Johnson. 4/5 ⭐️, and a 🌶️ rating is not relevant here. #NetGalley #PeopleOfMeans 🇺🇸 ☮️ 📕

People of Means is a dual timeline story that intertwines the lives of a Black mother and daughter. Freda is navigating the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and Tulip unearths family secrets in the 1990s while facing her own social reckoning. The themes of justice and equality resonate deeply, making it a powerful and timely exploration of legacy and sacrifice.

“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.”

I was most drawn to Freda’s compelling story which involves all she did, against her family’s wishes, to support the civil rights movement and a love story. The author does an excellent job incorporating real historical figures and events, lending authenticity to the story without sensationalizing its weighty themes.

Bahni Turpin’s narration is nothing short of phenomenal as always. Her ability to breathe life into each character, main and secondary, is remarkable. Whether capturing Freda’s inner turmoil or Tulip’s frustrations with corporate America, Turpin’s performance elevates the listening experience. Her narration keeps you engaged, even during the slower paced sections.

People of Means is a layered story full of heart, perfect for book clubs and anyone interested in historical fiction that speaks to contemporary issues. Grab your headphones and dive into this inspiring journey of justice and belonging!

Thank you to Harper Audio for the gifted copy of this book.

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.