Home › Books › Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots…
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
by
48/99
Critics' Rating Index
87/99
Readers' Rating Index
91/99
Scholars' Citation Index
66/99
Volume of Reviews
61/99
Volume of Reader Ratings
Sign in to add to your shelf, rate, or review this book.
About This Book
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.
Reviews
"At its center, the book is a nuanced commentary of how black bodies have been monitored, censured or violated, and it compellingly pulls readers into the current news cycle."
"a fascinating history of black travel as chronicled in the Green Book, the popular and essential guidebook for African-Americans founded by Victor Green in 1936 ..."
"An enriching look at African American history through the lens of the black motorist, and as one of the few books on the subject, this is essential for most collections."
"Overground Railroad is an eye-opening, deeply moving social history of American segregation and black migration during the middle years of the 20th century."
"The overt white nationalism of our era highlights the covert racism that never went away."
"By focusing on the people who pursued equality in their cars and with their roadside businesses...Taylor miss[es] a larger story about the social and legal changes wrought by the automobile that ultimately led to the injustices cited at the end of [the book.]"
Preview
Reader Reviews
0 reviewsSign in to write a review.
No reader reviews yet. Be the first!