Book discussion started off the year with a terrific read. This book combines two factual things--the Pack Horse Librarian program of FDR's WPA and the Blue People of Kentucky. In 1936, Cussy Mary and her father are the last of the "Blue People" of the eastern hills of Kentucky. They and their ancestors suffer from a rare genetic disease that turns their skin blue. They are not treated well by the white hill-folk or the townspeople of Troublesome Creek. Despite that, Cussy took the initiative and became accepted in the Pack Horse Librarian program. She rides a mule (Junia--a truly delightful personality) and delivers books and magazines deep into the hollers and hills of Kentucky. Going along with Cussy on her delivery route is both fascinating and heartbreaking. I had to keep reminding myself that the story takes place in 1936 because this area of Kentucky was very underdeveloped and the poverty was staggering. The attention to historical details and each and every unique character make this book a standout.
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Sunday, January 19, 2020
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek/Kim M. Richardson/308 pgs
Book discussion started off the year with a terrific read. This book combines two factual things--the Pack Horse Librarian program of FDR's WPA and the Blue People of Kentucky. In 1936, Cussy Mary and her father are the last of the "Blue People" of the eastern hills of Kentucky. They and their ancestors suffer from a rare genetic disease that turns their skin blue. They are not treated well by the white hill-folk or the townspeople of Troublesome Creek. Despite that, Cussy took the initiative and became accepted in the Pack Horse Librarian program. She rides a mule (Junia--a truly delightful personality) and delivers books and magazines deep into the hollers and hills of Kentucky. Going along with Cussy on her delivery route is both fascinating and heartbreaking. I had to keep reminding myself that the story takes place in 1936 because this area of Kentucky was very underdeveloped and the poverty was staggering. The attention to historical details and each and every unique character make this book a standout.
Monday, July 8, 2019
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek / Kim Michele Richardson / 299 pages
This historical fiction novel takes place in 1936 in Kentucky. The author uses a program created by President Franklin Roosevelt, Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, to create her story. Cussy Mary Carter is a traveling librarian for Troublesome Creek. She travels by mule over treacherous territory to deliver books to her patrons every day. The town is a coal mining town and lives are greatly affected by the Depression. Cussy also faces prejudice because of a hereditary blood condition passed on in her family that causes her skin to be blue. The author gives the reader a true feeling of what it was like to live in this time of history. Great character development and historical research made this a wonderful book to read. I always like it when I can learn something new from reading a book!
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