I love historical fiction that teaches me about something I did not know before. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek tells the story of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Library Project, which was essentially a Bookmobile on horseback. Set in 1936 Appalachia, Cussy Mary, the last of the Blue People, delivers books to the impoverished residents of the mountain. As the term Blue People implies, Cussy Mary’s skin indeed has a blue hue.
Cussy Mary has struggled to find her place in her mountain community. She ends up finding a purpose through her love of books and sharing that love with others as the Book Woman. Although many people are kind and accepting of her, there are also many who mistreat her because of her skin color. This story is full of love and hope and heartbreak and danger. I learned so much by reading this book. I had never heard of the Pack Horse Library Project nor of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. Such an interesting read! This checked all my boxes for a great read!
Cussy Mary has struggled to find her place in her mountain community. She ends up finding a purpose through her love of books and sharing that love with others as the Book Woman. Although many people are kind and accepting of her, there are also many who mistreat her because of her skin color. This story is full of love and hope and heartbreak and danger. I learned so much by reading this book. I had never heard of the Pack Horse Library Project nor of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. Such an interesting read! This checked all my boxes for a great read!