Riding The Bus With My Sister

Beth is Rachel’s younger sister, a woman diagnosed with an intellectual disability and living on her own. Beth chooses not to work and instead spends her days riding the city buses. She makes deep connections with her favorite drivers and some friendships with passengers. She is in love with her boyfriend, Jesse, and they have been together for 10 years. Beth is a vibrant, fun woman who loves to laugh and listen to music. She dresses in as many colors as possible and carries a radio with her to keep her spirits up. She writes colorful, sticker-filled letters to people she loves. She has a slightly rebellious side, and her doctors and aides have a hard time convincing her to take care of her physical health. Beth loves her independence more than anything, and this is one of the recurring struggles between her and Rachel.  

Jesse is Beth’s boyfriend of 10 years. They met when they both lived in group homes. Jesse is an African American man from the South. He has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. He comes from a poor part of the country where he was exposed to both racism and prejudice. As a result, he keeps mostly to himself and doesn’t care to be seen in public with Beth (because they are harassed for being an interracial couple). Jesse is infinitely patient with Beth. They speak or spend time together every evening, though they live separately in their own apartments. Jesse is athletic and rides his bicycle every day. He eventually gets a coach and begins to train to ride competitively. Beth often sees Jesse on his bike from the bus, and he waves hello. Rachel speaks with Jesse on several occasions and takes inspiration from his view on what it means to love someone.

Olivia is one of Beth’s aides. She manages Beth’s case for most of the book and is very connected with Beth. Olivia accommodates Beth’s bus riding schedule and conducts her meetings with her on the street between routes. When Rachel meets Olivia, she feels a special connection, and eventually she asks Olivia for guidance and education about Beth. Olivia’s kind and supportive beliefs about Beth humble Rachel. Olivia’s understanding of Beth and her diagnosis opens Rachel up to a whole new way of treating and respecting Beth.

Jacob is one of Beth’s favorite drivers. He is a humble man, having been given a second chance at life by a liver donor. After his near-death experience, he changed everything about the way he lives and treats people. He believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ and tries to convince Beth to always do the right thing. He also believes Beth is capable of more than she thinks and tries to challenge her whenever he can. He becomes so involved in Beth’s life that he becomes like family. He accompanies her to the hospital when she needs surgery and even brings her to his home to help care for her afterward.