The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

A Novel

By: Kim Michele Richardson

Narrated by: Katie Schorr

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.
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

Loved it!

It was really interesting to learn more about the pack horse librarians of Kentucky and to hear about the love of reading they instilled in so many people that maybe never would have had access to books had it not been for these women. Also to hear about the people (men) trying to discourage their families from reading was frustrating but she handled it so well! Also to learn about the blue folk, so sad to learn they were treated as colored, if not with even more suspicion.

I loved this book it is beautifully written and the heroine Cussy/Blueet/Bookwoman (whichever name you call her) is a very strong woman through so much adversity. I loved how she handled her job and the people she meets along the way. The racism she goes through is terrible, one doesn’t realize that they weren’t considered to have a medical problem they were considered colored. And remember this is the 1930’s so she has many hits against her already but she is so strong and strong willed and nothing is going to stop her living the life she wants to live!

This is my first book by this author but surely won’t be my last!

This was also my first book narrated by Katie Schorr who did a fabulous job at the southern accent ad all the voices. I will definitely pick up another one of her narrations!

I highly recommend this book to book lovers, historical fiction fans and anyone who likes a well told story!

4 ½ Stars

Very Highly Recommended

This exquisite story brings not only heartfelt prose to living history; it touches on and elaborates daily human strengths and suffering in a way that only good literature can. I love books about Appalachia and the hard scrabble families of the mountains and "hollers". Very highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one to come out!

One of the BEST

This story is well written and touches on so many aspects of life. A favorite.

This book. Is amazing.!!!!

I debated on purchasing this book but so glad I did. Not too long ago my son was explaining to nurses that when people found out about his children's genetic disorder ,,that is not visable ,and controlled by diet it made them them different .I didn't know this book was about genetics when I bought it.. Glad the blue people found a cure.. We are still waiting rare disorders do not get all the attention that they should . This book is well written and I agree the narrator was phenonemenal .finished it within 24 hours only stopping to sleep and go to church. I carried my kindle from room to room.

Was unaware of this affliction

Twists and turns riveting. Kept my attention. Did not realize that there was another color called Blue in Kentucky.