“Being able to return to the books was a sanctuary for my heart. And a joy bolted free, lessening my own grievances, forgiving spent youth and dying dreams lost to a hard life, the hard land, and to folks’ hard thoughts and partialities.”–Kim Michele Richardson, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
This is a fascinating story based on the real 1930s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Service as well as the people known as the Kentucky Blues. Cussy Mary Carter is an estimable heroine–fierce, smart, courageous, and determined. Hers is not an easy life, but books provide a welcome respite and she is determined to share that joy with others in the Troublesome Creek part of Appalachia despite facing prejudice and discrimination based on the blue color of her skin. Kim Michelle Richardson has crafted an emotionally satisfying read that also sheds light on two important parts of Kentucky history that have nearly been forgotten.
Content advisory: rape, abortion, suicide