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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

By: Kim Michele Richardson
Narrated by: Katie Schorr
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Summary

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

A PBS BOOK PICK

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.

©2019 Kim Michele Richardson (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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What listeners say about The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

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Loved it

I will read this book again after a while, it had me gripped from beginning till the end.

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Well written and well read

Very interesting fiction based on fact. Descriptive, colourful, and thought-provoking - thorougly enjoyable read.

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what a beautiful read

loved it from start to finish... interesting sad loving heartbreaking couldn't put it down .. best book I've read this year by far

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3 people found this helpful

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Brilliant

Absolutely loved this book, issues brought to light in it were well researched by the writer. The main character, Cussy, was incredible. I never knew there was a condition called methemoglobinemiane, found myself reading up on the Blue people of Kentucky (the Fugates). Cussy was a pack horse librarian - again another fascinating part of history. She was such a strong, truely beautiful and caring character, even with all the abuse she received. This is not a fluffy book and truly heartbreaking the amount of racist abuse that Cussy and her father and generations of family were subject too over years. Queenie (❤️ w onderful) Jackson and Cussy's father were all great characters. One of my favourite books this year! Cannot recommend enough.

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Delightful

I had previously read “ The Giving of Stars” by Jojo Moyes which I thoroughly enjoyed. However would say that this book topped it.
The only real similarity is obviously Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library link but this book has much more to offer.
The history of the “blue skinned people” is fascinating and I would highly recommend reading up on that at some point; however KMR does expand on that at the end of the book.
This is an important book- it covers themes of bigotry and racism and learning to except each other for what we are. ( nb The “N” word is used twice in dialogue which was common at that time). It emphasises also the importance of literacy and learning and how friendships and loyalties are forged through a love of reading.
This story is thoroughly researched and is a history book in itself.
The narration was excellent- there wasn’t a huge variation in voices or accents but no matter. Her voice helped set the scene and add atmosphere and gave a real feeling of life in Rural Kentucky at that time.
Overall I absolutely loved this story and would definitely recommend. I’m now about to start listening to the sequel!!

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Packhorse library

I truly wonderful story, dramatic, tender and absorbing. Also interesting as I knew nothing of the blue people of Kentucky and their strange origins and skin colour. I very much enjoyed the story and the reading. Also I do not think it was copied by JoJo Moyes for her book The Giver of Stars. It is just coincidence.

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Touching

worth every minute of listening. Cussy Mary ,and all the bookwomen , are my heroes .

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Lovely

I enjoyed this story - beautifully written and read. Didn’t want it to end, I would definitely recommend .

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brilliant

Excellent book just loved it.Well narrated .Great characters and some very strong topics .Wonderful

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Loved it.

A beautiful story, linked to history.
I never knew about the blue folk and it got me researching to learn more about them.
Kim's characters give great insight into life in Kentucky in those times.
I enjoyed the narration even though she missed a beat or two.
I'd recommend this gentle tale as worth a listen.

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2 people found this helpful