The Giver of Stars was not what I expected....it was better. Sadly, as I librarian, I didn't know much about the Pack Horse Library Project during the Great Depression so I am really thankful for Jojo Moyes creating this novel and opening my eyes to this important piece of American History. Centered around two unlikely heroines, I found myself caught up in the tale of Alice and Margery as they form a friendship traveling on horseback to deliver books to neighbors who may be illiterate or unable to make it into town for books and magazines. Though seemingly different, both really want the same thing: to be independent, loved and seen for who they truly are. I can't recommend this book enough!

Another great book from Jojo Moyes! Don't read this book expecting You Before Me, because it's nothing like it, but that does not mean you should not read it because it's wonderful.

Alice agrees to marry Bennett Van Cleve, a handsome American, hoping to escape her life in England which has left her feeling trapped. She quickly finds out that she is just as trapped in America, until there is a call for horseback librarians in her area.

It through this job she that meets and becomes from with Margery, who because of things her father did in the past, does not have a great reputation. Both women have to beat the odds stacked against them to truly be happy, especially when one of the townspeople ends up dead and everyone wants to pin it on Margery.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Engaging and endearing characters drive this wonderful historical fiction novel. JoJo Moyes takes you to a time and place that is heart breaking yet hopeful! A must read for fans and a great introduction those new to her novels.

Having lived in Kentucky my entire life, I always approach books about my state somewhat skeptically. It seems many do not characterize our rich heritage in a manner that sheds light to the beauty and rich culture we have developed. However, I must say that, with this read, I was most pleased and touched with the beautiful story that unfolds throughout the plot. The women who became known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky are wonderfully described and very fully come to life through the pages of this book. The story has resounded themes such as justice, humanity, passion, and of course, the dramas that ensue with fierce loyalty. Through their lives, actions and deeds, they share the great equalizer with the masses and that is the concept and knowledge that comes through education and learning. It is truly a gift. I recommend this to the fullest. Its richly developed storytelling abilities are sure to be a hit among many.

Right now it seems as if there are several books about the horseback librarians that worked for the WPA in the depression. I read one that was absolutely terrible--this one though, is wonderful. It has a lot of information about how the program worked as well as romance, mystery, murder, and great friendships. I guess I would not expect less of JoJo Moyes, but this is a little different for her and she does a masterful job with this story. It will especially resonate with librarians, but I think everyone will love it. (It would make a great audio book I would surmise as there would be Alice"s British accent contrasting with the southern accents of the residents of Baileyville. Enjoy!

This was such a great book! The plot revolves around a team of packhorse librarians, and it is all that and so much more! There's friendship, women and the hardships faced just for being women, there's motherhood, love, and the Kentucky mountains. I really loved this book!

I love Jojo, I have read them all
When I saw this coming- I looked up history and was delightfully surprised at the history I uncovered--
I am now wanting to learn more.

I began reading and was transported back to Dec 20, 1937.
Depression - Mrs Roosevelt tries to restore attention to learning, mainly literacy.
The Works Progress Administration set up mobile library system, the USA PACKHORSE LIBRARY

Yes, the full story now...

The Giver of Stars is an actual narrative of librarians during the Great Depression.
It is an authentic account of riding horses and mules up mountains with saddlebags full of books,
delivering them to families and reading to the illiterate.

I was transported back and I was riding along through creeks, in forests, up mountains.
I felt like I was living in rural Kentucky.
You will feel the history of how they learned to read and love books,
(though even some were forbidden to read)
Library service for all people, rural and urban, colored and white.

To Seek Knowledge is to Expand Your Own Universe

This book releases in October
I highly recommend you read this

My first novel by Moyes, not my usual fare but...horseback librarians in depression-era eastern Kentucky with a ruthless coal company raping the mountain, how could I resist. Well written and interesting. I didn’t even mind the last chapter neatly wrapping up every character in neat little packages and one ironic ending. I enjoyed the snippets from other publications at the beginning of many chapters, they were an insight to the content.

I loved this book from the moment I started it. I have read a few other books about the Kentucky pack horse librarians and the journeys they had while delivering books to people in the mountains and not all of them have kept my interest like this one did. Not only was this novel wonderful for its historical background but the story line of the different women that she writes about kept me reading all night long. I loved how each woman learned to be strong in their own ways by the end of the book. I am a big fan of Jojo Moyes and this book did not disappoint. I loved it! As a librarian myself I took pride in the fact that these women took the job very seriously and used books to bring joy and hope into peoples lives. WONDERFUL!!

Jojo Moyes has written a wonderful story depicting a program started by Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great Depression where women delivered books by horseback to residents in very rural areas of our country. She has great character development where you become fully engaged with each and every one. There are wonderful descriptions of the area as well as the role of the woman during this time period. I was unfamiliar with the story of these brave traveling librarians who endured many obstacles including weather, terrain, and the men who felt the woman's place was at home. Censorship also played an important aspect to the storyline and many felt that the only book needed was the Bible. Historical fiction at it's finest! #thegiverofstars #netgalley

Upon reading the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued. Moyes has a great skill for making you fall in love with her characters. Reading this story I felt the struggles each woman faced in my heart. I was constantly rooting for them to over-come the challenges they face as they work to deliver books to a rural community.

Such a wonderful poignant story about so many things: strong and resilient women, libraries, environmental concerns, civil rights, poverty and enduring friendships. This is the second story that I've read this year based on the Pack Horse Library Program, initiated in the 1930s by Eleanor Roosevelt to bring libraries to Appalachia. The characters here are so well defined and the plot so interesting, it was hard to put down..

I've always been a fan of Moyes books. She has employed her considerable talents in character development to a historical story this time around and made a beautiful novel. The history of the Pack Horse Library project in Appalachian Kentucky is not well known outside Appalachia. She has rendered it well, with respect for the culture and the period, and without the stereotypes of illiteracy the story usually underscores. Instead she chooses to focus on the bravery of the women who had to overcome a lot of resistance to bring library services to rural Eastern Kentucky. As a librarian and Appalachian regional bibliographer, I am glad she chose this story to tell. Thanks to a Netgalley ARC, I will be heartily recommending this book to not only those with an interest in history, but to anyone who enjoys strong writing. Moyes could probably write about a day in anyone's life and make it interesting. Mark it on your calendar for October and buy copies for friends for Christmas.

In 1936, President Roosevelt's WPA program established libraries that delivered books to families in the remote areas in the Appalachian Mountains. Members of the community donated books and storage facilities to house their libraries. Librarians on horseback would travel the various mountain trails delivering reading material to families and schools in these remote areas. The librarians would have to provide their own horses.

This story is about a mining community in a remote area of Kentucky and the five women who are the horseback librarians.

Jojo Moyes brings the reader an unflinching look into the hardscrabble lives of the inhabitants of rural Kentucky during the 1930s.. A place of intolerance born of ignorance and isolation and a few brave women who endeavor to change their community against great odds for the better.

What a wonderful story! JoJo Moyes has done it again.

GIVER OF THE STARS is different than the contemporary fiction that Moyes has written in the past. However even though this novel is based on true events and people it is Moyes's rich character development and the story line of these ladies that drives the novel.

I knew little of the WPA library but love that i learned more about it from reading this novel. The strength and fortitude these ladies showed is incredible. I want to learn more about this initiative. I loved how books, literacy and the act of reading or providing the books to read empowered all the characters.

Absolutely loved it. Cant wait to share when this novel releases october 8 2019. I can boldly predict that it will be best seller!

This book is so beautifully written. Strong women and libraries?? Count me in! Will be buying this for everyone I know.

I was beyond thrilled to receive an ARC of this title from NetGalley, as I have read almost everything else that Jojo Moyes has written. So, you’d think I’d be prepared for the book, right?!

But no. Nothing like what I expected. Everything I SHOULD have known would be contained in this perfect, glorious, exquisite book. It has everything. It IS everything. Historical. Based on actual events. Romance. Mystery. A cast so rich and beautifully written even into the third and fourth tier. A landscape that is so perfectly described as to make me actually weep for the prospect of Alice having to miss it.

And the books. The Library. The devotion to the written word. “Just the facts,” as Margery would say. Such a joy of a book. Love is too small a word for how I feel about this book. 🤓💜📚

This book was such a lovely surprise. Moyes could've depended on tropes and stereotypes of Kentucky/Appalachia and instead treated the region as an additional lovely, complicated character. A delightful quick read encompassing friendship, romance, and the power of the written word.

What I read of this book was very good. Great character development, and an interesting glimpse into the history of the horseback librarians. The ARC wasn't the entire book, so I am looking forward to reading the whole story.
Thanks You NetGalley for this preview