Junie: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

Written by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Narrated by Angel Pean

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • As the Civil War looms, a young girl must face a life-altering decision after awakening her sister’s ghost in this “poignant story of love, family and friendship [that] celebrates the power of liberation” (People).

“An enrapturing tale of survival . . . Eckstine has poured a ton of heart into her characters.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“The richly textured prose quickly pulled me into [Junie’s] treacherous yet magical world.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

Sixteen years old and enslaved since she was born, Junie has spent her life on Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, cooking and cleaning alongside her family, and tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet. Her daydreams are filled with poetry and faraway worlds, while she spends her nights secretly roaming through the forest, consumed with grief over the sudden death of her older sister, Minnie.

When wealthy guests arrive from New Orleans, hinting at marriage for Violet and upending Junie’s life, she commits a desperate act—one that rouses Minnie’s spirit from the grave, tethered to this world unless Junie can free her. She enlists the aid of Caleb, the guests’ coachman, and their friendship soon becomes something more. Yet as long-held truths begin to crumble, she realizes Bellereine is harboring dark and horrifying secrets that can no longer be ignored.

With time ticking down, Junie begins to push against the harsh current that has controlled her entire life. As she grapples with an increasingly unfamiliar world in which she has little control, she is forced to ask herself: When we choose love and liberation, what must we leave behind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 4, 2025
• ISBN: 9780593946282

[cmjenkins122 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Junie is a quiet, powerful historical novel that lingers with you. The story is rooted in slavery, memory, and survival, and it is told through the perspective of a young Black girl who is observant, thoughtful, and deeply affected by the world around her. The writing is intentional and emotionally grounded, and the historical setting feels carefully handled.

What stood out most to me was Junie’s voice. She feels real, and the story captures how children understand pain, loss, and truth even when they do not fully have the language for it yet. There is a heaviness to the book, but it is carried with care.

The reason this was a four star read for me is that some elements pulled me slightly out of the story. The inclusion of the ghost aspect, along with the romantic storyline, felt less essential to the heart of the narrative and shifted the tone in ways I did not fully connect with. They were handled gently, but for me, the story was strongest when it stayed grounded in Junie’s lived reality and historical experience.

Still, this is a meaningful and beautifully written novel that adds depth to Black historical fiction and Black girlhood. I am glad I read it.

[cljavier400 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautifully written story. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just reading

[spiritrider1101 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Junie" is a profoundly heartfelt story about a young girl enduring the painful realities of slavery. The subject is profoundly troubling and can often feel overwhelming when approached lightly. However, Erin Crosby Eckstone has beautifully rendered a narrative that honors the gravity of this topic while conveying a message of resilience and hope.

Junie is a bright and spirited girl who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her enslavement. Despite the oppressive environment around her, she bravely learns to read and write, nurturing a deep-seated desire for freedom that speaks to her heart. When faced with the agonizing choice of remaining with her mistress, where she feels a small measure of safety, or returning to her fellow enslaved individuals, she chooses the path of integrity, even though it carries its heavy burdens.

As readers accompany Junie on her journey, they will feel the weight of her struggles as a teenage girl living in the brutal reality of the South during such a tumultuous time. The impending Civil War casts a shadow over her life, raising questions about the future of her family and community on the plantation.

Throughout her story, Junie experiences profound loss, cruelty, and the harshness of abuse, yet her spirit remains resilient. She embodies a deep commitment to her dreams of freedom, a testament to her inner strength. Amidst these challenges, she also finds unexpected love in a place she never imagined, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine brightly, and connections can flourish. Junie's journey invites readers to reflect on the power of hope and the importance of compassion in the face of adversity.

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story of a slave on the brink of the Civil War. Junie is haunted by her sister's ghost and the secret she had. Junie is close friends with her master's daughter, Violet, and she is taught to read and write. When Violet is sent to be married, Junie goes along, however, Violet has a secret. Junie meets and falls in love with Caleb, but with war starting, their love is in danger. Junie tries to save herself and get to freedom. This story is loosely based on the author's ancestor. Very good historical novel, I enjoyed it very much.

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Junie has spent her entire life on Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, cooking and cleaning alongside her family, and tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet. However, Junie is wracked with guilt over her older sister’s, Minnie, death.

Junie is such a great character. She struggles tremendously against, well, everything. But, she truly stole my heart. She loves big. She is smart. And when she discovers information about her family, including Minnie, she does not let it go!

There is a lot in this story. The author did a fabulous job weaving this tale together to create a novel you won’t soon forget.

And you do not want to miss the secrets and the twisted ending!

Need a southern, historical fiction that is full of love, hate, guilt and friendship…and full of secrets…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.