One of NPR's Books We Love This Year ! “A powerful, thought-provoking saga.” — Woman’s World " An evocative story of love and sacrifice.”— People From the acclaimed author of The Kindest Lie , a heartrending novel about a mother and daughter each seeking justice and following their dreams in 1960s Nashville and 1990s Chicago. Two women. Two pivotal moments. One dream for justice and equality. In the fall of 1959, Freda Gilroy arrives on the campus of Fisk University full of hope, carrying a suitcase and the voice of her father telling her she’s part of a family legacy of Black excellence. Soon, the ugliness of the Jim Crow South intrudes, and Freda, reluctant to get involved, is torn between a soon-to-be doctor and an audacious young activist. Freda must decide how much she’s willing to risk in the name of justice. In 1992 Chicago, Freda’s daughter, Tulip, is an ambitious PR professional on track for an exciting career, if workplace politics and racial microaggressions don’t get in her way. But with the ruling in the Rodney King trial weighing heavily on her, Tulip feels called to action and must choose, just like her mother had three decades prior, what her role will be in the story of America’s quest for equality. Insightful, evocative, and richly imagined with historical details, People of Means is an emotional tour de force about the lasting legacy of family bonds and the far-reaching ways the past shapes our present. "People of Means left me breathless! A beautifully crafted story...profound and sharp."—Sadeqa Johnson New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve “This dual-timeline story will get you thinking about the ebb and flow of out country’s ongoing fight for racial justice.” - Real Simple “If you're a fan of how Sadeqa Johnson weaves fictional storylines into real historical timelines, you'll very much appreciate Nancy Johnson's newest novel… It's a brilliant reminder you shouldn't assume you know another person's story, and you also don't know how your own story is meant to be written.” - Southern Living “An evocative story of love and sacrifice. This beautifully crafted, dual-timeline story follows a mother and daughter each seeking justice and following their dreams during pivotal moments of social reckoning — 1960s Nashville and 1992 Chicago. Even amidst deep struggles comes equally deep determination to achieve their versions of the American dream in this propulsive novel of indomitable women.” - People “[P]owerful…Each of the main characters are sympathetic, even as they make choices that lead to pain for others. Johnson doesn’t flinch from the terror young activists experienced in the Civil Rights era, and by exploring the parallels … 30 years later, Johnson emphasizes that while some things change, racism stays the same. A heart-wrenching story of love, family, racism, and resistance across decades.” - Kirkus Reviews “In our current political moment, People of Means feels vital.” - BookPage “A thrilling literary journey about a mother and daughter seeking justice and following their dreams in 1960s Nashville and 1990s Chicago. This time-spanning trip follows two unforgettable women who face the ugliness of racism and injustice to forge a new path forward for themselves and their family. Johnson’s writing is consistently compelling, and  People of Means  follows this trend—get comfortable, because you’re sure to fly through it once you start reading.” - Chicago Review of Books “Through her richly drawn characters, Johnson illustrates the effects of class, race, and family and the lasting consequences of our decisions.” - Booklist “A powerful, thought-provoking saga.” - Woman's World “Nancy Johnson's People of Means spins a compelling narrative that explores the courage of a Black mother and daughter as they navigate the tumultuous waters of societal change. Beautifully written, propulsive and poignant, this novel is a meditation on love and resilience. I loved this gorgeous book!” - Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and The Leftover Woman "People of Means left me breathless! A beautifully crafted story rife with struggle, intrigue, and the sheer determination to achieve and hold on to the American dream with poise and dignity. Nancy Johnson has a knack for layering the complexities of class and culture while shining a light on a little piece of history with sound details, vivid imagery and the indomitable spirit of women strong enough to answer a higher calling even when it means risking it all. Profound and sharp, this sophomore novel is a delight." - Sadeqa Johnson New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve "Johnson doesn't shy away from the complex and conflicting emotions and consequences that both characters face as they decide to take a stand, and in this way, she speaks for all those who have ever faced a decision about how far to go in the name of what's right. A memorable story of mothers and daugh