Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks. This book is coming out on May 7, 2019, in a trade paperback.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek begins in 1936, in deep woods, high mountains Kentucky, and follows 19-year-old Cussy Carter, the last blue-skinned girl. Called "Bluet" and often reviled for her skin, Cussy joins the Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky, riding her mule to distant and often dangerous farmsteads to bring books and magazines to the people, many of whom learn to read on the materials. Along the way, she encounters some of the best and worst of human nature, and the people slowly learn to accept Cussy as more than just blue-cursed, but as the only person that understands that these books are the only escape from their impoverished and hardened lives.

This book is a journey for Cussy as well, whose whole life has centered on the colour of her skin, making hard scrabble Kentucky life even harder. And yet, her and her pa have always had food on the table, a luxury that many of the families along her book route do not have. Cussy has been persecuted her entire life, and only now can learn to love herself for what she is - a fierce and brave librarian that brings a love of literacy wherever she goes.

"I leaned into the raw spring wind feeling the spirit of books bursting in my saddlebags - the life climbing into my bones."

What I Loved

•The historical aspect. I have to admit, when I first picked this book up, I didn't read the full description, and at first thought the author arbitrarily created blue people as an extended allegory to racism in the US. Much to my surprise and chagrin, I realized that these people actually existed.

Upon realizing that this was true, I began to read this with a much more critical, historical eye, and this made me love it all the more. Cussy's story of being a mounted librarian, while maybe not completely accurate, comes directly from FDR's literacy program, and the mounted librarians existed for almost a decade in this time. Even if Cussy herself wasn't real, these brave women (and a couple of men!) are wonderfully honoured in this book.

•The Writing. Richardson is, simply put, a great writer. She makes you engaged with the characters, the harshly unforgiving, but still beautiful Kentucky Appalachians, and the plight of these people whose only crime was being born poor.

"That there was medicine for Henry and all the Henrys out there, for the hunger and hungry, didn't seem right. Not much of the pox or influenza sickness in Kentucky as much as there was the hunger disease right now. That there were stores full of the cure for hunger kept me awake with that special kind of anger that comes from helplessness."

What I Didn't Love

•Triggers. I am not normally the kind of reader that gets affected by violence, rape, etc, but Cussy is violated extremely early in the book, and I honestly almost put it down after that. This is partially due to the violence in the scene itself, and partially due to the fact that I felt it unnecessary. The author does not really use her trauma in any meaningful way later in the book, and the only thing it did do was set a scene of what marriage looked like in rural regions in the 1930s and the toll it took on women. In other places, there is a great deal of suffering, including an attempted rape, a suicide, and children dying of hunger. While these things all existed and should be acknowledged, I felt that it took me a little away from the beauty of the book and the core premise of the love of reading.

•The Pacing. Another big deterrent to reading this book was that the first 11 or so pages were just slow and did not add a lot of movement to the plot except to show the town, the mountains, and various characters that play bigger roles later. the prose was beautiful and Cussy has a strong voice, but getting through the first part of the book was rough at times.

Conclusion

I genuinely liked this book, and found it to be one of the most interesting and informative things I have read this year so far. While it has some pacing issues and hard scenes to get through, it is overall a worthy read and felt extremely relevant given today's racially divided rhetoric. I highly recommend for people who love books about books and readers, are interested in historical fiction, or need a good cry. 3.5 out of 5 raised to 4 specifically for the subject matter.

I enjoyed this historical fiction based in Kentucky mining country in the 1930s. The story follows Cussy, the last blue person and a book woman as she navigates this difficult time and place, bringing books to her neighbors. I enjoyed her story and learning a bit about the time in that area.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek expertly tackles the weighty themes of racism, poverty, hunger, and illiteracy in a gritty, earthy, yet charming story about the coal mining country of Kentucky in the 1930s. Cussy, the protagonist, whose name is derived from a place in France, rides her cantankerous but loyal mule into the remote reaches of Troublesome Creek to deliver books to library patrons. Cussy tells her own endearing story as she battles cruelty, hardship, and other countless troubles in the aptly named backwoods community. The author, Kim Michele Richardson, has created a story so deep with emotion and rich in meaning, that the story will find a special place in the reader’s heart. I will forever count Cussy, as one of my all-time favorite characters in literature. One word of warning to the reader—be prepared with Kleenex at hand. The dialogue is so well-written the reader will likely become engrossed in the story and shed tears of sadness and joy.

What a privilege and an honor to read and review this beautiful book in advance of its release. Thank you to the publishers and to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

This was a heavy read for me. Too much information. It was all interesting but too much all at once. As both an educator and medical laboratory student before becoming a teacher the history was interesting. My only complaint was there was too much information to make the story flow well for me. It was too much textbook information for me. All in all of the facts had been woven in less closely I would have enjoyed it more.

This book will capture your attention, break your heart, have you crying and mad enough to spit all at the same time. Cussy Mary is a "blue," one of a small group of people with a blue tinge to their skin; she even has the nickname "Bluet." She also is one of the Pack Horse Library Project workers. Being a Book Woman is a bit extraordinary, but Cussy Mary enjoys providing books to her patrons scattered up and down the hollers despite the natural hazards as well as the danger from mean-spirited residents who distrust anyone different.

As you read, you will see the natural beauty that surrounds the harsh living conditions of the miners and their families. The fact that they are trying to survive the miserable economy of the 1930s makes the outlook even more bleak. Modern readers will be amazed at the home remedies Cussy Mary's neighbors try and the edibles they manage to forage from the woods around them.

But the most enjoyable thing to see is Bluet's spirit, her inner strength despite all the sorrows and hardships, and the hope for a better future for her will keep you reading until the last page.

If you enjoy historical fiction with resilient heroines, you must read this book.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is both an intriguing and endearing novel..I had never heard about the rare condition that Cussy suffers from and was not sure was it simply created by the author for interest purposes or did it really exist. I was so interested I looked it up myself and was astonished to read more about the rare condition. I really enjoyed the plot of the novel and found Cussy to be one of the most likeable and believable characters I've encountered in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading more novels from the author in the future.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

Having recently finished “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson, I am happy to have had the chance for the preview; thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark!

Genetics, geography, gumption and a great love of books… filled the pages of this book; a part of American history that was never known to me until Ms. Richardson enlightened me throughout the pages of this inspiring and memorable story.

Discrimination abounds in the isolated and struggling community of Troublesome Creek. Despite the rare blood disorder that tinges her skin blue and has caused her prejudice from many her entire life, traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter, fills her days with a determination and dedication to bring books to the neighbors and patrons of the Pack Horse Library Project along her route in the Eastern Kentucky Appalachian mountains. The vivid story of these characters and their impoverished lives, filled with incredible sadness and amazing perseverance, have remained with me after the last page.

Cussy Mary Carter was arguably the last "blue skinned person" in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky. The year, 1936. Living in a backwoods, one-room log house, life was a struggle for the nineteen year old and her pa, a coal miner. Pa lit a "courting candle", intent upon making sure Cussy "will knot". Suitors would come and go wanting "a surety" that their progeny would not be blue. Cussy, nicknamed "Bluet", was subjected to taunts, prejudice and continuous ridicule due to her cobalt-blue skin color. Her rare condition called methemoglobinemia caused decreased oxygenation in the blood producing blue skin. She was socially isolated, treated like an outcast.

President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal included educational programs with the aim of bringing books to a poverty stricken populace living in hollers and backwoods. The Pack Horse Library was born. Single women could apply to deliver books, newspapers and magazines by horse, mule, boat and on foot. Cussy Mary aka Bluet knew that it was unlikely she would find a suitor. "I didn't have myself an escape until I'd gotten the precious book route". Bluet rode through dangerous passes, dark hollers, and forded creeks "toting a pannier full of books" carried by her trusty old mule, Junia.

"Book Woman" another moniker for Cussy Mary, delivered hope to children and adults starving for learning. Children were "...as hungry for the stories in those books as they were for the food that always seemed sparse in this real land". Book Woman was unaware of the positive impact she had on library patrons on her book route. Her acts of kindness were in direct contrast to the reception she received at her once monthly visit to library headquarters. She arrived in town wearing a big brimmed bonnet to escape the stares and pointed fingers of the townsfolk.

"The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michele Richardson is a magnificent, well written work of historical fiction. As a child, I remember my delight when the "Book Bus" visited my school. We could examine the shelved books and choose two books from the lending library. Dial back to the 1930's. Pack Horse Librarians like Cussy Mary were true pioneers addressing illiteracy. "Folks here are hungry...folks tell me the books ease their burdens...". Kudos to Kim Michele Richardson for a 5* star read I highly recommend.

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek".

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a historical novel set in 1936 Appalachia. Author Kim Michele Richardson has a deft touch with characterization and and description. The time period and settings really shine through. This is a book based around real historical events and people. The New Deal traveling library project was designed to bring books and literacy to the most remote areas of Appalachia.

Due out 7th May 2019 on Sourcebook's Landmark imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardback, paperback, ebook, and audioCD formats.

Reading and literacy have played such a fundamental role for me that I cannot imagine the path of my life without free access to reading material from infancy. My parents were teachers/engineers who were both lifelong readers. My mother was a librarian. I grew up in a state (WV) which, then and now, is consistently in the bottom group as regards education and literacy. For some reason, the love of reading and books was instilled in me at a very young age. I cannot imagine living in a world where books weren't readily available and the majority couldn't read and furthermore saw reading as undesirable or outright dangerous.

I personally found the book quite distressing to read in a number of places. The bald racism and brutal language as well as the sexism and misogyny (and actual violence without any real repercussions for the 'bad guys'), while certainly historically accurate, was painful to read.The book itself is very well written and plotted. It was just so jarring to read the violent interludes. There are descriptions of coerced sex, threatened sexual assault, racism, misogyny, the 'n' word (as well as 'colored'), and physical assault and violence throughout the book.

I don't think the brutality of the book detracts from the essential message; beauty and literacy are vital forces for good and change can happen.

For readers with thicker skin than mine, I'm sure this book would be a 5 star reading experience. I've absolutely no doubt it'll be (or already is) optioned for a high budget Hollywood film. For me, the detractions brought the overall enjoyment down to about 3,5 stars. Rounding up because the writing is superlative.

From start to finish, I enjoyed every page of this wonderful novel! I adore a book that not only entertains me, but also educates me and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek definitely attained both! I have never heard of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and I found them so interesting! So much so, I actually did online research while reading this novel because I was so fascinated! Trust me when I say everyone should read this 5 star gem- I cannot stop telling all my friends and family that The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a must, must read! I have never read Kim Michel Richardson before and I am so excited to dive into her prior books!

This is a fascinating story combining facts about the blue people of Kentucky and the Pack Horse Library Program. I loved the character, Cussy Mary. She was such a strong, caring person who loved books and had such a deep desire to share her love. She also loved her patrons and wanted to feed them with not only knowledge but food that they desperately needed.
Much research was put in this book to make the story come to life. The strange superstitions that the Appalachian believed and the judgemental views of people added to the story. Having never heard of the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, I was glad that the author's note was very informative. Highly recommended!

was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*Trigger warnings: racism, abuse, rape, suicide, child starvation/hunger.*

I requested this book because I love reading and any book about books or librarians are a delight. That being said, this book wasn’t what I bargained for at all. I enjoyed the history and the storytelling but some of the content was very hard to swallow. It’s a true representation of living conditions of the people in the Hills of Kentucky in the 1930s, but still a shock to the system.

I had never heard of the Blue People of Kentucky and not many pages in, I found myself wondering if it was something author made up or if it was real. I believe she did a great job of fictionalization.

I love books set in the mountains. This take on it with books and the urge to read and making books available was interesting. Was hooked from the first page

This was an absolutely fascinating read about several little known topics. The novel's protagonist is Cussy Mary Carter, one of the "dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s," who would make library deliveries on horseback throughout the forbidding terrain of her KY region. The book would've been interesting just with this angle, but Cussy is also one of the "Blue People" of Kentucky- a little known but true and fascinating group of people. I love books that make me turn to Google to research and find out more- and this book did that for me. It isn't an easy read at first, for Cussy's life is very difficult. But as time goes on, she discovers her own voice and worth. This is a definite "please do read it" from me. If I could, I would give it 4.5 stars.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2713493608

I really enjoyed reading this book, I’ve never read about the women who delivered books throughout the wilderness, very interesting. The main character, Bluet, was so likeable and unique, what an interesting storyline that develops with her job and her background. The book really made me want to keep reading and the writing was just beautiful.

Would definitely recommend the book to others who enjoy a beautiful story about overcoming hardship, and loving and accepting yourself in the process.

An entertaining and fascinating read about a woman who actually had a blue tint to her skin and the prejudices she faces try to bring books to the poor in Kentucky

This is a wonderfully written story on so many levels. I have read a lot about the depression, but I had never heard of the Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project nor of the genetic disorder of the "blue people." I can't stop thinking of Cussy and the desperate people that she served. What a beautiful way to portray this project, these people and the power of the written world. Kudos to the author.

I requested The Book Woman of Troublesome creek because the description captured my attention - a story set during the mid 1930’s in the mountains of Kentucky featuring a Pack Horse Librarian who was a blue skinned woman. Sounds interesting right? I expected a tale featuring the history and work surrounding the Pack Horse Librarians. What I took away was a story about humanity, the power of books, and the will to survive and find hope even in the darkest of situations.

At times this book and the characters who inhabit it felt bleak. The harshness of the land, the harshness of the people and their prejudice views of those who are a different color, and the brutal reality of trying to survive on essentially nothing but what the mountains can provide leant to this feeling. But then the goodness of the mountain people and their quiet devotion to the books and the relationships they formed would shine bright and bring hope that happiness could be found even in the most devastating of circumstances.

I felt the full range of emotions with this book, from anger and despair to hope and pride for the people. And it was this combination that made me so appreciate this story . I have a feeling that Cussy Mary and the people of Troublesome Creek will be with me for a long time and that, for me, is the surest sign of a great book.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those books where I can't start another right after. I have so much to think about. This was a beautifully written story about a family in Troublesome Creek, KY. Life is hard in the 1930's for people living in this area especially for the blue-skinned People like Cussy and her father. Cussy is one of the last born females with this genetic disorder that turns the skin blue. This story shows the prejudice, hunger, mining work. What I also saw through out this book is hope, generosity and love found in the relationships she built in her job. The author did a great job on character development and setting the landscape. Anytime I can learn something new reading a historical fiction is a blessing. I wasn't familiar with the packhorse librarians and was amazed at the work and bravery that was involved to do this outreach on foot or horse/mule to the tucked away homes in Kentucky so people had access to reading material and conversation. When you love books you want to spread that joy as Cussy did. I loved Cussy's mule - Junia and his devotion to her safety. I highly recommend it.

Kim Michele Richardson has knocked it out of the park with her novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Set during the depression in the rural mountains of Kentucky, Richardson has brought us a tale combining depression-era poverty, the crushing life of a coal miner, domestic abuse, the place of women in 1936, sexual abuse, racism, unabated hunger, and the fate of Kentuckians with methemoglobiemia. Yes! There was a clan of Kentuckians who had blue skin! But more importantly she has written about good versus evil, the importance of literacy and the power of love.

The protagonist of Richardson's novel is Cussy Carter, a strong, independent young woman, who also becomes known as the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Due to a series of uncommon misfortune, even for these hard times, Cussy (a blue person) is left pregnant, widowed and severely beaten with her widowed father who is suffering from black lung disease. Through some clever manoeuvring Cussy manages to be hired as a full time librarian by the Pack Horse Library Project and spends her days travelling outback trails on her mule to deliver library books to the remote inhabitants of Troublesome Creek.

The setting of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek could also be considered a main character. Everything that occurs during the story is influenced by the geography and vegetation of Troublesome Creek, from it's rugged landscape, mountainous terrain, coal mines, rapid runoffs, and isolation. They all have a direct influence on the story arc. Richardson obviously knows Kentucky well, both her love and knowledge of it shine through in this novel.

If you are interested on history, biology, geography, sociology or just love really great literature this book is for you!

I received a free copy of the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.