They say to write about what you know. Kim Richardson grew up and lives in Kentucky, the book's setting. Her story portrays the people, places and history of the Depression era pack horse library project in Appalachia. It also brings the extreme poverty, illiteracy, and racial discrimination to life.
Cussy Mary Carter lives with her widowed father in Troublesome Creek, a hill-country coal mining town. They are descendants of French immigrants who carried the methemoglobinemia gene, causing blue skin tones. At the time, little was known about the condition. In tight knit communities, anyone different was subjected to discrimination and persecution.
Due to her physical condition, Cussy Mary has to go behind the back of the local librarian and apply by mail to become a Pack Horse Librarian. Her mother was an avid reader and instilled in Cussy a love for books. Serving as a unique mobile librarian, she shared her love for reading and learning with individuals and families isolated by location, poverty and antiquated attitudes.
I highly recommend The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I learned about a part of the United States far from my homes in California and the Pacific Northwest. Living conditions were dire, women were subjected to harsh conditions and abuse, and young children often died from starvation. Yet, families endured and the pack horse library program brought a bright diversion and educational opportunity to people with few opportunities.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is available in print, e-book and auditory book options online and in bookstores.
More about Kim Richardson and Book Woman:
Kim Richardson's Facebook page.
A book trailer at Kim Richardson's website.
Controversy about another book published with similarities.
The story continues with The Book Woman's Daughter.
Visit the monthly Book Review Club for teen/young adult and adult fiction over at Barrie Summy's blog.Also shared with Your the Star at Stone Cottage Adventures.
My book group read it and none of us had heard of this program.
ReplyDeleteThis was the first I'd heard about it as well. - Margy
DeleteI believe someone else in our group reviewed this novel a few years back. It was the first I'd heard of that medical condition and the book delivery program. Interesting historical topic!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's how it ended up on my reading list. - Margy
DeleteThis is the third book I've heard of in the past couple of years that talks about these pack horse librarians. It's a fascinating story.
ReplyDeleteIt was a hard job, but so important for the people living back in the hills, especially women and children. - Margy
DeleteGood memory, Sarah! I'd forgotten, but checked. It was Linda McLaughlin who reviewed this book 2 years ago. https://www.lindalyndi.com/2020/06/03/book-woman-review/
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing, Margy! Your post is a good reminder to read this book.
ReplyDeleteGlad it refreshed people's memories. - Margy
DeleteThanks for the review! I'm always looking for books.
ReplyDeleteYou are an avid reader I know. - Margy
DeleteRead this book a couple years ago and very much enjoyed. Passed it on to my elderly aunt and she liked it, too. Nothing like a good read!
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you. How are you doing? What's happening over your way? There's a sequel now that I want to read. - Margy
DeleteLooks like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it and loved learning something new. - Margy
DeleteI've had this book on my TBR pile for a while now, I'll move it up! Thanks for the review, Margie.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I had it on mine for some time. I purchased it in Kindle format a few months ago. Now it's free with the Kindle Unlimited membership. - Margy
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