I just finished reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. It’s a historical fiction about the pack horse librarians who traveled the Kentucky wilderness of Appalachia to bring reading materials to far flung often isolated patrons. It also focuses on the “blues” whose congenital blood disease turned their skin blue from lack of oxygen.
The story unfolds through the eyes and experience of Cussy Mary who rides the hills on her mule Junia, an important character in the story. The folks on her route welcome “Book Woman” with varying levels of enthusiasm, including a few who see no value in reading and book learning.
The author grew up in a Kentucky orphanage and foster homes and was on her own and homeless at fourteen. She tells that story in her memoir which I plan to read as a follow up to the novel.
The book includes supplemental information about the pack horse program funded by Roosevelt’s WPA. It also offers a section of study questions for book clubs. There are a few scenes describing abuse so it’s not an appropriate choice for younger children, but would be appropriate for older teens to focus on and discuss serious issues like prejudice, poverty, economic exploitation, the value of education, etc.
This would make a good companion to J. D. Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, to experience the world of the dirt poor of Appalachia.
My wife loves historical fiction, reads a lot, so is always looking for good new leads. Thanks for the recommendation … this will make her day, I’m sure.
ReplyDeleteCome to find out, she’d already read it. Said it was kind of heavy in some of the abuse depictions, but she’s going to give it another go.
ReplyDeleteAlways love to hear about books that others’ have found interesting.
Great story and interesting topic of methemoglobinemia (I teach biology). There is a sequel: The Bookwoman's Daughter.
ReplyDeleteWifey’s favorite books this year: City of Tranquil Light (Bo Caldwell);
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8152618-city-of-tranquil-light?from_search=true
Mrs. Mike (Benedict Freedman);
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/155712.Mrs_Mike?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8
She loves good books and loves good recommendations. When one is an avid reader, one is always looking for the next good lead. I am not that, but do pass on good ones I hear about to her, her bibliophile Watson to her Sherlock.