4.5 stars. I love when I can find a new historical fiction topic to read and learn about. This story took us to Troublesome Creek, KY where the rare blue people once resided. Cussy is the last of the known blue people and finds herself joining the pack horse librarians. She is given the most dangerous, treacherous route yet finds connections with an eclectic mix of people in the mountains.
Being blue puts her in the "colored" category so she deals with racism and abuse from many of those around her. She loves her job and her new found friends but will it be enough to keep her safe from those who wish her harm and see her as less than a human being.
Meanwhile her father is miner and Cussy fears for him on a daily basis as he is also treated as a lesser citizen given the most challenging and dangerous tasks in the mines.
Books help Cussy to escape and to connect her to others.
All in all a very interesting read on a new-to-me topic. I did also read the other book on pack horse librarians that was released shortly after this one from a bigger named author and can honestly say The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was my favorite of the two.
Being blue puts her in the "colored" category so she deals with racism and abuse from many of those around her. She loves her job and her new found friends but will it be enough to keep her safe from those who wish her harm and see her as less than a human being.
Meanwhile her father is miner and Cussy fears for him on a daily basis as he is also treated as a lesser citizen given the most challenging and dangerous tasks in the mines.
Books help Cussy to escape and to connect her to others.
All in all a very interesting read on a new-to-me topic. I did also read the other book on pack horse librarians that was released shortly after this one from a bigger named author and can honestly say The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was my favorite of the two.