Let me start by saying that I loved The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek SO much. I picked it up before our Kentucky trip because I realized a few years back that I enjoy reading a book set in a place while I’m visiting that place. I didn’t get to it on that trip, but when I eventually cracked open the cover, I was completely invested. I laughed, I cried, and I mourned when I turned the last page. I adored Cussy Mary. I learned an immense amount about a place and time I didn’t previously know anything about – life in Appalachia in the 1930s and 40s. When I finished the book, I went down a long trail of researching and learning more about the “Blue People of Kentucky“. If I could give this book 10 stars out of 5, I would. It is one that will stay with me for a long, long time.
The bestselling historical fiction novel from Kim Michele Richardson, this is a novel following Cussy Mary, a packhorse librarian and her quest to bring books to the Appalachian community she loves, perfect for readers of William Kent Kreuger and Lisa Wingate. The perfect addition to your next book club!
The hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek have to scrap for everything—everything except books, that is. Thanks to Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome’s got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.
Cussy’s not only a book woman, however, she’s also the last of her kind, her skin a shade of blue unlike most anyone else. Not everyone is keen on Cussy’s family or the Library Project, and a Blue is often blamed for any whiff of trouble. If Cussy wants to bring the joy of books to the hill folks, she’s going to have to confront prejudice as old as the Appalachias and suspicion as deep as the holler.
Inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere—even back home.
The sequel, The Book Woman’s Daughter, came out last month and is in my queue. I can’t wait to savor every page!
If you’ve read anything amazing this summer, please share!
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The Lincoln Highway! It’s wonderful, just as good as his first 2 books.
I just downloaded this book after a neighbor recommended it to me. Can’t wait to start reading
I just downloaded this book after a neighbor recommended it. Can’t wait to start it
I just finished this book as well! It had all the markers of an enjoyable read for me. Would definitely recommend! xo
Thanks for recommendation.
I see that that say if you like William Kent Kreueger you’ll like this. I just finished “Ordinary Grace” and did not want it to end.
Embarrassing …I haven’t picked up current read (“Drowning Ruth” ) in days because I’ve been carrying it around with me around vacation property & can’t find. I really want to find it so I can read! Vacation is when I do bulk of reading for the year.
Ha! Hope it turns up soon!!
I enjoyed this book too and I’m on the waiting list at the library for the sequel. Other summer greats have been Under the Magnolias and Remarkably Bright Creatures.
I just ordered the sequel! I usually do library books but couldn’t resist. :-)
Read The Giver of Stars-it takes place in Kentucky and is also about the librarians who deliver books to the mountain people. One of my favorite books!
I have and I LOVED it!!
This is the book that gave me the incentive to have my own “Little Free Library”. I’ve shared so many donated books with a food pantry now. I’m glad I don’t have to ride a horse to do so, though.
I love my little free library too!! <3