Overground Railroad

The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America

By: Candacy Taylor

Narrated by: Lisa Reneé Pitts

The first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Green Book, a travel guide for Black motorists.

Published from 1936 to 1966, the Green Book was hailed as the "Black travel guide to America". At that time, it was very dangerous and difficult for African Americans to travel because Black travelers couldn't eat, sleep, or buy gas at most White-owned businesses. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and Overground Railroad celebrates the stories of those who put their names in the book and stood up against segregation. It shows the history of the Green Book, how we arrived at our present historical moment, and how far we still have to go when it comes to race relations in America.

©2020 Candacy Taylor (P)2020 Tantor

The narrator’s voice

I loved this book, it taught me things that we did not learn in high school.

Overall good

Enjoyed this book but: there is a strange amount of repetition in it. Also some oversimplification of legal principles and the narrator's perky voice is a bit much for me. I've heard other books she has narrated and found the same thing. She is talented no doubt--just a personal preference for me. I do recommend this book especially for people unaware of history or the current state of things.

Must Read! For younger generations.

This is a must read for younger generations, than those who lived through it. As a 1980s baby white and suburban in a small town I had no idea. I wasnt raised to hate or see people different. I had little understanding from school or college about these issues and times. I cannot believe what happened and this is just a small sample Im sure. And what the repercussions of it are today. Author does get political, more in the beginning than the end (or she converted me more by the end through education). If you disagree with her politically, get past your differences and keep going, its worth it.

Ive started looking at the world through different eyes. Seeing things, such as TV shows I grew up with, with a different perspective. I still see the enjoyable show but also the undercurrents of prejudice there now that I missed before.

Read this and share with others. In traditional Green Book fashion.

So much History Revealed

With ever chapter read, new, unknown history was revealed. Even with such great inequities, systemic racism, and Jim Crow laws, Blacks proved yet again their determination to overcome and be free, and the Green Book helped them to safely navigate those dangerous travel barriers.

The amount of researched information

I loved learning the history and its relevance to today’s society. I want to see some of these places! Narrator was great.