Book Woman of Troublesome Creek : A Novel by Kim Michele Richardson (2019, Trade Paperback)

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About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherSourcebooks, Incorporated
ISBN-101492671525
ISBN-139781492671527
eBay Product ID (ePID)2309432515

Product Key Features

Original LanguageEnglish
Book TitleBook Woman of Troublesome Creek : a Novel
Number of Pages320 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2019
TopicContemporary Women, Small Town & Rural, Historical
IllustratorYes
GenreFiction
AuthorKim Michele Richardson
FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.8 in
Item Weight10 oz
Item Length8.2 in
Item Width5.5 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade
LCCN2018-033574
Reviews"The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a timely and necessary novel, certain to find an enthusiastically loyal following among book clubs, for whom it offers myriad opportunities for engagement, and with librarians and library patrons, for whom it is a heartrending hero's tale. " - The Charleston Post & Courier, "The novel serves as a testament to the power of the written word, arguing that words can traverse barriers between class, race and individual differences." - Deep South Magazine, "Richardson's latest work is a hauntingly atmospheric love letter to the first mobile library in Kentucky and the fierce, brave packhorse librarians who wove their way from shack to shack dispensing literacy, hope, and - just as importantly - a compassionate human connection. Richardson's rendering of stark poverty against the ferocity of the human spirit is irresistible. Add to this the history of the unique and oppressed blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and you've got an un-put-downable work that holds real cultural significance." - Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants, "This gem of a historical from Richardson (The Sisters of Glass Ferry) features an indomitable heroine navigating a community steeped in racial intolerance. In 1936, 19-year-old Cussy Mary Carter works for the New Deal-funded Pack Horse Library Project, delivering reading material to the rural people of Kentucky...Readers will adore the memorable Cussy and appreciate Richardson's fine rendering of rural Kentucky life." - Publishers Weekly, "Based on true stories from different times (the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the WPA's Pack Horse Librarians), this novel packs a lot of hot topics into one narrative. Perfect for book clubs." - Library Journal, "With a focus on the personal joy and broadened horizons that can result from access to reading material, this well-researched tale serves as a solid history lesson on 1930s Kentucky. A unique story about Appalachia and the healing power of the written word." - Kirkus Reviews, "Readers will respond to quiet Cussy's steel spine...And book groups who like to explore lesser-known aspects of American history will be fascinated." - Booklist, "Emotionally resonant and unforgettable, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a lush love letter to the redemptive power of books. It is by far my favorite KMR book--and I am her huge fan. Cussy Mary is an indomitable and valiant heroine, and through her true-blue eyes, 1930s Kentucky comes to vivid and often harrowing life. Richardson's dialogue is note-perfect; Cussy Mary's voice is still ringing in my head, and the sometimes dark story she tells highlights such gorgeous, glowing grace notes that I was often moved to hopeful tears. " - Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Almost Sisters, "A rare literary adventure that casts librarians as heroes, smart tough women on horseback in rough terrain doing the brave and hard work of getting the right book into the right hands. Richardson has weaved an inspiring tale about the power of literature." - Alexander Chee, author of Edinburgh and Queen of the Night, "Richardson has penned an emotionally moving and fascinating story about the power of literacy over bigotry, hatred and fear." - BookPage, "A powerful yet heartfelt story that gives readers a privileged glimpse into an impoverished yet rigidly hierarchical society, this time by shining a light on the courageous, dedicated women who brought books and hope to those struggling to survive on its lowest rung. Strongly recommended." - Historical Novel Society, "Kim Michele Richardson has written a fascinating novel about people almost forgotten by history: Kentucky's pack-horse librarians and "blue people." The factual information alone would make this book a treasure, but with her impressive storytelling and empathy, Richardson gives us so much more." - Ron Rash, New York Times bestselling author of One Foot in Eden and Serena, "This is Richardson's finest, as beautiful and honest as it is fierce and heart-wrenching, THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK explores the fascinating and unique blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave Packhorse librarians. A timeless and significant tale about poverty, intolerance and how books can bring hope and light to even the darkest pocket of history." - Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of Liar Temptress Soldier Spy
Dewey Edition23
TitleLeadingThe
Dewey Decimal813/.6
SynopsisRECOMMENDED BY DOLLY PARTON IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE! A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER A PBS BOOK PICK 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. Look for The Book Woman's Daughter , the new novel from Kim Michele Richardson, out now! Other Bestselling Historical Fiction from Sourcebooks Landmark: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris, As seen on New York Times Bestselling List As seen on USA Today Bestselling List A young outcast braves the hardships of Kentucky's Great Depression and brings truly magical objects to her people: books. Inspired by the brave women of the Pack Horse Library Project! Cussy Mary Carter is the last of her kind, her skin the colour of a blue damselfly in these dusty hills. But that doesn't mean she's got nothing to offer. As a member of the Pack Horse Library Project, Cussy delivers books to the hillfolk of Troublesome Creek, hoping to spread learning in these desperate times. But not everyone is so keen on Cussy's family or the Library Project, and the hardscrabble Kentuckians are quick to blame a Blue for any trouble in their small town. 'Richardson's rendering of stark poverty against the ferocity of the human spirit is irresistible.' -- Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants 'Set in Kentucky's Appalachian region during the Depression, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a tale of determination and the power of books.' -- Cheryl Krocker McKeon #12 on the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association Bestseller List, "...a hauntingly atmospheric love letter to the first mobile library in Kentucky and the fierce, brave packhorse librarians who wove their way from shack to shack dispensing literacy, hope, and -- just as importantly -- a compassionate human connection."--Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants 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. Additional Praise for The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek : "A unique story about Appalachia and the healing power of the written word."-- Kirkus "A timeless and significant tale about poverty, intolerance and how books can bring hope and light to even the darkest pocket of history."--Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of Liar Temptress Soldier Spy " E motionally resonant and unforgettable, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a lush love letter to the redemptive power of books."--Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Almost Sisters, RECOMMENDED BY DOLLY PARTON IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE! A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER 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. Look for The Book Woman's Daughter , the new novel from Kim Michele Richardson, out now! Other Bestselling Historical Fiction from Sourcebooks Landmark: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
LC Classification NumberPS3618.I34474B66

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Ratings and Reviews

4.9
77 product ratings
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  • Interesting and Heartwarming

    For me , it's a book club read that introduces the reader to a 1930's rural Kentucky saga about the life and times of Cussy Mary Carter. The last of her kind she is a shade of blue unlike anyone else. She works for the Pack Horse Library Project established during the Teddy Roosevelt era, delivering books to the most rural homes in her area. In doing her job Cussy encounters danger, prejudice, and moments where she must be courageous. Great research by the author and inspired by the real blue skinned people of Kentucky.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Enlightening History!!

    This novel was chosen by our book club this month. A very good fast read. I couldn’t put it down. The author must have done a lot of research before writing. I could really feel the pain and suffering while reading. A part of history I didn’t know existed. Definitely recommend reading this!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Fascinating story full of heroes - including the mule! Loved it.

    I had never heard of the Blues of Kentucky until I read this book. The development of the characters was superb. The strength and ferocity of the women (even Junia) was nothing less than heroic and inspiring. Being able to live Cussy's life with her as she had these adventures was profound. I would love to see this made into a full-length feature or a mini-series!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Book Woman of Troublesome Creek says it all.

    Based on true events in Roosevelt's time when he commissioned women to deliver books to rural Kentucky. A great story.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • A must read

    A wonderful book that addresses discrimination, poverty, abuse, inequality and moral issues. The author conveys the heartache and social discrimination of a poor Kentucky community. I didn't want this book to end.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: New

  • A compelling and informative story!

    This novel of historical fiction sheds light on little known packhorse book women of Kentucky, an off-shoot of Roosevelt's WPA, as well as the blue people of Kentucky who had a condition called methemoglomenia that made their skin appear blue. This very touching story is about a "blue" packhorse woman who delivered books to people in their remote hill dwellings. Beautifully written!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Overly dramatic and slow moving but interesting subject

    Had already read about the horseback library women, but it was very interesting to learn about the blue people. A little overly dramatic at times and easy to realize she'd end up with the guy who was so nice to her. IRecommend especially if one doesn't already know about this awesome library project.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • A captivating story

    This account of the book woman in the Kentucky hills was heart wrenching. I was caught up in her life and cried through much of it. The author did well in bringing to attention the lives of the blue people of Kentucky.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Thought-Provoking and Real!!

    I had never heard of the Book Women in the 1930's nor had I heard of the "Blue" people. Dolly Parton mentioned that she read and appreciated this book is how I learned of it. It is a very compelling and a very thought-provoking book and story. We have it so-o-o good now (even in the middle of a pandemic) than the 1930's in the Appalachia Mountains. My daughter is reading it now and she will, too, pass it on.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Wonderful informative novel based on historical fact.

    Wonderful story founded on historical fact. I could hardly put this book down! Exciting, human drama, this story is about blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave women (and some men) who brought reading to the peoples of the hills and hollers of Appalachian Kentucky through the Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s. Fantastic read!!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: New