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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

A Novel
4.22 goodreads logo

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( 256,168 ratings, 27,171 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is a historical novel set in 1930s Kentucky, following Cussy Mary Carter, one of the last of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. As a dedicated packhorse librarian, Cussy Mary faces numerous challenges due to her unique skin colour and her determination to deliver books and joy to the impoverished, isolated residents of the Appalachian hills. The story richly explores themes of prejudice, resilience, and the transformative power of literature.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by historical fiction exploring unique cultural narratives. It's set during the Great Depression and delves into the real-life Pack Horse Library Project in Kentucky, focusing on themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of books, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity and the bonds formed through shared struggles.

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A young outcast braves the hardships of Kentucky's Great Depression and brings truly magical objects to her people: books. Inspired by the brave women of the Pack Horse Library Project!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A young outcast braves the hardships of Kentucky's Great Depression and brings truly magical objects to her people—books. Inspired by the brave women of the Pack Horse Library Project!

Recommended by Dolly Parton in People Magazine!
A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Los Angeles Times Bestseller

The bestselling historical fiction novel from Kim Michele Richardson, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, follows Cussy Mary, a packhorse librarian, and her quest to bring books to the Appalachian community she loves. The perfect addition to your next book club, this novel is ideal for readers of William Kent Kreuger and Lisa Wingate.

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 travelling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.

Cussy's not only a book woman; 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.

Look for The Book Woman's Daughter, the new novel from Kim Michele Richardson, out now!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is widely praised for its emotionally resonant narrative and depiction of 1930s Kentucky. Reviews highlight Richardson's exploration of literacy's transformative power amidst a backdrop of racial intolerance and poverty. The story features a memorable heroine, Cussy Mary Carter, a packhorse librarian, who delivers literature to rural communities, showcasing themes of hope, perseverance, and social barriers. The novel is celebrated as both an inspiring historical tale and a powerful testament to the impact of books.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781492671527

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Sourcebooks Landmark

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 296g

Pages: 320

About the Author

NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Kim Michele Richardson, is a multiple-award winning author who has written five works of historical fiction, and a bestselling memoir. Kim Michele was born and raised in Kentucky and lives there with her family and beloved dogs. She is also the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writers residency and scholarship implemented for low-income writers. To learn more, please visit Kim Michele on her Facebook page and or website at www.kimmichelerichardson.com

Also by Kim Michele Richardson

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  • The Book Woman's Daughter
    Revisit the packhorse librarians of Kentucky with this stunning companion to the New York Times bestseller The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Bestselling historical fiction author Kim Michele Richardson returns with the perfect book club read, following Honey Lovett, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, who must fight for her own independence with the help of the women...
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  • The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (Collector's Edition)
    Kim Michelle Richardson's New York Times bestselling tale of love and hope, now available in a beautiful collector's edition. The limited edition collector's edition with printed edges! Recommended by Dolly Parton in People Magazine! A New York Times Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller A Los Angeles Times Bestseller A PBS Book Pick The bestselling historical fiction novel from Kim Michele...
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    Revisit the packhorse librarians of Kentucky with this stunning companion to the New York Times bestseller The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Bestselling historical fiction author Kim Michele Richardson is back with the perfect book club read, following Honey Lovett, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, who must fight for her own independence with the help of the...
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    From the author of New York Times bestsellers The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman's Daughter comes a delightful return to the librarians and blue people of Kentucky, in a spirited, book-infused, tale of Appalachia and its people, as told by the original Book Woman, Cussy Lovett. In this standalone and companion novel to the The Book...
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