The Back of the Bus by Mary Mebane Essay

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· 7 ratings · 3 reviews

Start your review of Mary: An Autobiography

I can't describe the brilliancy with which Mary Mebane writes about the struggles she encountered trying to improve her self, so that she would not be a maid,custodial worker, or any type of domestic worker.
She did not want to lead a life already claimed to be her niche in society by the prejudice world she lived in.

Mary's language is so real, passionate and indescribably vivid when she narrates about she and her mother's relationship-toxic. Her mother did not want her to get an education, while

Mary's language is so real, passionate and indescribably vivid when she narrates about she and her mother's relationship-toxic. Her mother did not want her to get an education, while Mary felt it was the only way to rise above.

Nonetheless, when Mary does 'make it', she is never comfortable in either world. To the blacks, she is not black enough, to the white's she is too black to be so educated and capable. It is no wonder her life ends tragically later on.

To me, Mary is an unsung heroine.Many will not discover her tremendous accomplishments and contributions to history, until they go to college, and stumble upon her many essays. Her work is very powerful!
THB

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I really liked the ways Mary Mebane talks about the difficulties in her life in a vivid way, it's like you're there experiencing the hurt and the disappointment with her. This book mainly covers the hardships Mary faces from her family, the betrayals from the "friends" she meets and the colleagues in her teaching career. It also covers the struggle of African American rise against various forms of discrimination because of their skin color. I really liked the ways Mary Mebane talks about the difficulties in her life in a vivid way, it's like you're there experiencing the hurt and the disappointment with her. This book mainly covers the hardships Mary faces from her family, the betrayals from the "friends" she meets and the colleagues in her teaching career. It also covers the struggle of African American rise against various forms of discrimination because of their skin color. ...more

Mary Mebane writes about her deepest thoughts and insecurities in this book. She creates readers to feel the emotions she went through as she struggled to find her place in society. I thought this book offered powerful insight as to how things were in the past, and the dangers of miscommunication and a lack of understanding. She is so aware of everything that is occurring around her, that it is hard to not connect with her experiences.

Mebane starts her story right from the beginning, and the rea

Mebane starts her story right from the beginning, and the reader is able to connect and grow with her as the pages are turned. When she gets older later on in the book, one would believe her struggles would slowly fade away. However, her awareness and memories create a whole different woman.

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