Tales of a Traveling Librarian
In the Appalachian hills of Kentucky, Cussy Mary Carter is the Book Woman, a traveling librarian for President Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project. In 1936, the mountainfolk of Troublesome Creek lived hardscrabble lives filled with hard work, little food, and even less money. And, although Cussy Mary loved her library job, she continually confronted obstacles since her blue skin relegated her to the same discriminatory rules as the African Americans. [It would be many, many years before researchers discovered that her blue skin was a trait caused by a recessive gene.]
Believable characters, a strong sense of place, and an intriguing story combine to pull the reader into the telling of this compelling tale. Based on historical fact, the slowly-unfolding narrative touches on poverty, prejudice, and the universal need for love as it evokes empathy and keeps the pages turning. Thought-provoking, enlightening, and impressive, the narrative celebrates the transformative power of books.
Following the narrative, readers will find a special, informative section including an author’s note and several pages of images from the Pack Horse Library Project.
Highly recommended.
Believable characters, a strong sense of place, and an intriguing story combine to pull the reader into the telling of this compelling tale. Based on historical fact, the slowly-unfolding narrative touches on poverty, prejudice, and the universal need for love as it evokes empathy and keeps the pages turning. Thought-provoking, enlightening, and impressive, the narrative celebrates the transformative power of books.
Following the narrative, readers will find a special, informative section including an author’s note and several pages of images from the Pack Horse Library Project.
Highly recommended.