An indomitable spirit in the face of fear and prejudice
Participating in the Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project as part of Roosevelt's New Deal is a source of pride to Cussy Mary Carter and it gives her a sense of purpose and independence.
Cussy, is unique among her fellow librarians as one of the last blue skinned people of her kind, a result of a inherited genetic blood disorder. Cussy loves her job and with her faithful, protective mule, Junia, she travels her route distributing books to the poverty stricken families of the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. Cussy's father, a widowed coal miner worries who will take care of her when he's gone and pushes Cussy into a marriage she doesn't want with tragic consequences.
When she has a second opportunity at freedom, she returns to her job. Her patrons rely on her to bring them books, magazines and news of the outside world. Some distrust the books she brings, afraid that they will bring change and some are just prejudiced of her blue skin. But despite the threats and dangers that lurk on her book route, Cussy is tenacious at serving the needs of her patrons. For example, when "Devil John" complains that his wife and children aren't getting their chores done because they're always reading, he tells Cussy to stop bringing books. But, she sees that his real fear is his children's ability surpass him due to his illiteracy. She cleverly handles situations like this with reasoning and her knowledge of the mountain folk.
I really loved Cussy and her indomitable spirit. Not only does she endure bigotry and fears directed at her because of her color, but she rises up against ignorance and superstition stemming from a lack of education and poverty. She demonstrates empathy and neighborly love for her patrons, often delivering not just books, but also much needed food and medicine at great cost to herself. This is a fascinating look the history of this unique library project, and also at the history of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. It examines the heartbreaking conditions of the impoverished people living in the Appalachian Mountains at one of the most economic trying times in US history. And yet, it shows how powerful literacy can be in the face of xenophobia and fear; themes that resonate today. I highly recommend this one!
Cussy, is unique among her fellow librarians as one of the last blue skinned people of her kind, a result of a inherited genetic blood disorder. Cussy loves her job and with her faithful, protective mule, Junia, she travels her route distributing books to the poverty stricken families of the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. Cussy's father, a widowed coal miner worries who will take care of her when he's gone and pushes Cussy into a marriage she doesn't want with tragic consequences.
When she has a second opportunity at freedom, she returns to her job. Her patrons rely on her to bring them books, magazines and news of the outside world. Some distrust the books she brings, afraid that they will bring change and some are just prejudiced of her blue skin. But despite the threats and dangers that lurk on her book route, Cussy is tenacious at serving the needs of her patrons. For example, when "Devil John" complains that his wife and children aren't getting their chores done because they're always reading, he tells Cussy to stop bringing books. But, she sees that his real fear is his children's ability surpass him due to his illiteracy. She cleverly handles situations like this with reasoning and her knowledge of the mountain folk.
I really loved Cussy and her indomitable spirit. Not only does she endure bigotry and fears directed at her because of her color, but she rises up against ignorance and superstition stemming from a lack of education and poverty. She demonstrates empathy and neighborly love for her patrons, often delivering not just books, but also much needed food and medicine at great cost to herself. This is a fascinating look the history of this unique library project, and also at the history of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. It examines the heartbreaking conditions of the impoverished people living in the Appalachian Mountains at one of the most economic trying times in US history. And yet, it shows how powerful literacy can be in the face of xenophobia and fear; themes that resonate today. I highly recommend this one!