The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

ozma.of.oz

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pan

Cussy is one of the blue skinned people of Kentucky. She works as one of the Pack Librarians supported by the New Deal. This is her story.

This style felt very slice of life. Lots of interesting 2nd characters and historical context, but ultimately disappointing. Lots of threads that got dropped. A predictable ending that felt unearned. The last 10% kind of felt like overkill in the number of traumatic events. I hate time skips. 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑

ozma.of.oz CW 👇🏻 2w

ravenlee Yes, everything you said! It felt so promising, but story lines went nowhere, horrible things just kept happening and happening and happening. 2w

ozma.of.oz Sexual assault chapters 2 and 5, abortion chapter 3, child death chapter 34, suicide chapter 37, parent death chapter 45 2w

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ozma.of.oz @ravenlee Right? It felt kind of like trauma porn to me. And then everything‘s magically been fixed by a time skip in an epilogue? I felt manipulated. 2w

ravenlee Manipulated is a good word for it. I mentioned in a discussion that the ending, which makes so little sense, seems to set up the sequel. But given the amount of time between books that doesn‘t make much sense…I‘m just lost. I wanted so badly to like SOMETHING about this, but just no. 2w

ozma.of.oz I just looked it up and yeah, the description for the sequel makes me so confused. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Oh well. 2w

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MicrobeMom

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

March was a tough choice but this is a book I am still thinking about even though I read it in early March. I also learned a lot as I had had never heard of the blue people of Kentucky or the genetic disorder that effected them.
#2022readingbracket

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bookandbedandtea

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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This broke my heart and/or enraged me every 20 or so pages but it was beautifully written, Cussy is a wonderful charactor, and I loved it. The narration was A+.

@TheAromaofBooks This was my #BookSpin for March.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo

CarolynM Grest title 😀 2mo

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RedxoHearts

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

bailed

Unfortunately adding this one to my DNF list. I just couldn't get into it for some reason

25 likes

RedxoHearts

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Perfect night to just snuggle up and read. Fancy had to make sure her current favorite toy the rainbow llama was close by. #dogsoflitsy

Has anyone read this one?

BookNAround Fancy is precious. Gatsby likes to sleep with a disgusting looking, stuffing-less toy we call roadkill. Always charming to wake up with it in my bed. 😂 2mo

RedxoHearts @BookNAround my big dog was that way. His was a duck and he always had to make sure it was snuggled in bed too. Silly dogs lol 2mo

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bookandbedandtea

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

I'm halfway through listening to this. It's beautifully written but it's making my heart ache. I never do this but I'm thinking of checking the end to see if all ends well for Cussy. 😬

EvieBee I know exactly what you mean! Go for it. Also, the sequel will be out this summer. 2mo

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MicrobeMom

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

I finish this lovely book last night. I had never heard of the blue people of Kentucky or the Pack Horse Librarians. They were melded together beautifully. Cussy Mary‘s story demonstrates the brutality, poverty, bigotry, and ignorance of the time with touches of love, kindness, and hope. Loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chelleo This was soo good! 2mo

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MegsAnne

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

The Room in the Attic by Louise Douglas and the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson were such great reads. I learned a lot about the pack horse librarians and blue people of Kentucky from Richardson‘s book. I had no idea!

9 likes

LazyLimaLife

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

I‘ve been reading mostly romance and fun YA for the last 6 months in an attempt to “keep my spirits up” and not have to double down on meds because of, well, life. Didn‘t even finish the first chapter before the tears. This may not be the book for me right now unless someone tells me otherwise.

17 likes

Skyrimir

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Not a fan. Finished it for my book club, but if I had been reading it on my own it would have been a DNF. The audiobook wasn‘t bad though.

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Marmie7

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Had a slow reading month, but I managed to finish 5. I'm also in the process of finishing two more. I wish this slump would go away! Only one, The resort, was a bookspin pick. #Bookspin #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Great month!!! 3mo

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Blueberry

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Currently reading.

PhyllisH I loved this book😍 3mo

Blueberry @PhyllisH Have you read The Giver of Stars? Same basic subject, also good. 3mo

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DebbieGrillo

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

1. The tagged book is a fictionalized account of real subjects in the history of eastern Kentucky.

2. I have never been to Kentucky, but if I traveled there, I'd like to see the Lost River Cave, the Louisville Mega Cavern, the Creation Museum, and the Ark Encounter.

#ROADTRIPUSA2022 @megnews

megnews I enjoyed this book too. I just recalled I have been to the Creation Museum. Wanted to see the Ark Encounter as well but it was still being built when we went. 4mo

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crazyspine

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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#Bookspin I loved this audiobook.

marleed I mean, blue people - who knew! 4mo

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Singout

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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I found this an intriguing piece of historical fiction based on the lives of the “blue“ people of rural Kentucky, who due to a recessive gene had blue skin and were therefore marginalized. It interweaves this story with that of the “pack horse librarians,“ which I confess I found even more interesting: people (mostly women) who followed a regular route with packs and a mule to deliver books and magazines to people who otherwise had no access.

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

The end #SheSaid. I had mixed feelings reading this end…it felt like she wasn‘t sure if was going for a happy ending or a realistic ending…and like it flip flopped back and forth to me.😬 I was all in for the happy ending, which built, as she managed to kill off a bunch of characters at the same time, and then undo the happy ending too, but then reverse that a bit also. How did you all feel by this ending? Will you be tempted to read the sequel?

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @tenar @vlwelser @KVanRead @SamAnne @Julsmarshall @arlenefinnigan @Chab256 @Scochrane26 @CoffeeK8. @MallenNC @Caroline2 @DebinHawaii @Nute @Currey @Augustdana @Suet624 @Singout @mhillis @BarbaraTheBibliophage @megnews @Jgotham @AnneCecilie @Kdgordon88 @kspenmoll @staci.reads 5mo

CocoReads Wait, there‘s a sequel? I read this a couple years ago for book group and we had a great discussion but now I must know about the sequel. 🤣🤣 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Smrloomis @KathyWheeler @ImperfectCJ @bibliobliss @JenlovesJT47 @Karisa @fredthemoose @ravenlee @Christine @mandarchy @rjsthumbelina @rockpools @Tera66 @Megabooks @BookBosomed1 As always if anyone would like added or removed from this tag list, please just let me know. 5mo

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CocoReads Yes…The Book Woman‘s Daughter, I believe it comes out in May. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CocoReads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58803339 5mo

CocoReads Awesome, I‘ll have to check it out! 5mo

megnews I had mixed feelings in the book. I think it was the pacing for me. But I still want to read the sequel. 5mo

ravenlee I felt like any time something not-horrible happened, 2-3 horrible things immediately followed. And, knowing there‘s a sequel, it seemed like she was headed for a positive ending and then changed it so there‘d be a bridge to book 2. Some of this book was interesting, but overall I found it mediocre. I get why someone might like it, but I didn‘t. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @megnews I‘m somehow both glad she stayed fairly realistic to the real history of the times & area, and annoyed that the ending wasn‘t more straightforward as a Happily Ever After after that build up…so I guess I will fall into the not happy no matter which way she went. 😂 it might just be me. 5mo

MallenNC I had mixed feelings about the end also. It felt like a lot was ramped up in the last section with only a little resolution at the end. I think if she‘d done a book just about a book woman OR just about a blue person the story may have been stronger. I also felt a little uneasy with using a person with blue skin to tell a story about racism. I‘m not really able to articulate that well, but it didn‘t fully sit right with me. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @megnews Maybe it would have been better if she‘d have just picked a track and stuck to it. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee I thought that too, but it was years between books…I can‘t image she knew there‘d be a sequel. Who knows though, because that was my first thought too…. Like she had it wrapped up one way, and then tweaked it for sequel possibility 5mo

rockpools Hi Melissa. Please could I be untagged for the coming year - I‘m cutting right back on my challenge reads as I have to admit I‘m really not getting to them. (Or I may get to them in a year or two 😕) Thanks 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @MallenNC I understand that too. I‘m sure they were equally discriminated against… but yes…in ways it felt odd & forced. Maybe it‘s a good way for people who can‘t usually see discrimination/prejudices to relate to it more 🤷‍♀️. Did your addition have the historical information at the end? I found that interesting…maybe a need a nonfiction about the topic. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @rockpools I completely understand that, I‘m pulling out of some others of mine too. Have a great new year of reading, no matter what you read! 5mo

IndoorDame I‘d love to be added for the coming year. I loved your reading list this year every time I saw the tags! 5mo

megnews I don‘t always like tidily wrapped happy endings because life‘s not always like that but I agree with @ravenlee it‘s possibly to set up the sequel. I also agree with @MallenNC that sticking to one topic might have been better. There are books on the topics separately. I‘ve had this one on my tbr for awhile

The Last Blue: A Novel

5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @IndoorDame Welcome aboard. I‘ll add you to the tagging list. 5mo

IndoorDame @Riveted_Reader_Melissa thanks! 😁 5mo

ravenlee One thing that bothered me was the preacher storyline. He was set up as this major villain - and then it was just over. I thought there‘d be repercussions, but it was just a gimmick to manipulate Cussy Mary into the Doc‘s study. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @IndoorDame I‘m glad you been enticed by our book selections 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee Yes! Even at the end when the sheriff intervened… I thought it was going to be they found his remains….maybe something when they buried her father…something related back to him anyway. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Some things just felt rushed…the union storyline was good, then her dad & the accident…but then the mine just closed. And there was a new fabric store instead? Uh, without the mine…they would be more impoverished, not get a new store. (edited) 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa She brought food to the kids at the school from the doctor, Henry died anyway…the teacher had to leave and close the school….then nothing. I thought that might be an opportunity for Cussy to teach too 🤷‍♀️ 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I just felt like there were a lot of great leads that got left hanging.. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Oh and it was ok for Cussy to marry before, but not now, because the miscegenation law just happened to be passed during those 9 months? 5mo

vlwelser I loved this book right up until the last couple of chapters. It felt rushed and she jammed a bunch of unnecessary nonsense in at the end. I will not be continuing on to the sequel. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @vlwelser I agree… if she‘d have spaced a bunch of that out, it might have been fine… but those last few chapters were just 1 thing after another…boom boom boom 5mo

vlwelser Totally. She really lost me with the miscegenation thing. It felt unnecessary to throw that in as the penultimate chapter. Like we get it she's not considered white and people are prejudiced. 5mo

staci.reads @megnews I also had mixed feelings about it. I poured through it quickly and enjoyed the story overall, but it felt uneven. 5mo

staci.reads I also agree that the twist at the end came out of nowhere and then felt very underdeveloped. I also felt that way about Jackson proposing to her...too abrupt. 5mo

ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Richardson may not have known she‘d get a sequel, but it sure reads like she had written it one way and her agent/editor/somebody said, “you know, I‘m not promising anything, but this has sequel potential, so if you just reworked that ending to leave it open…” 5mo

Singout I‘m glad I read it, and learning about the blue people was very interesting, but found the ending a bit forced, as other people did. It seemed like the lynching element just came too quickly, with no kind of warning. Jackson also seems like too much of the perfect hero for me. 5mo

46 likes33 comments

MoBee

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

The most beautiful and accurate book about my beloved home, I have ever read. Well I live an hour away just across the state line but still these are my people. My own great grandfather was from that county died in the mines at age 40, my own grandmother was born in a coal camp. Another form of Slavery that no one talks about and very few are even aware of. The Forgotten Americans, my only complaint is The Reader mispronounced Appalachian

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ravenlee

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

so-so

I just finished this for #SheSaid and it was a struggle for me. The writing is good, though I felt sometimes the dialect slipped a bit. I feel like every time something good happened the backlash was severe. Any tiny bit of hope was just mercilessly crushed. And there were some threads I felt didn‘t get resolved properly. I don‘t plan to read the sequel, but I understand why some love this book.

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vlwelser

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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This starts out really strong. And I'm going to just stop there and let you make your own opinions.

#SheSaid with @Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Final discussion on Sunday. 🤐

#BookSpinBingo square 3
@TheAromaofBooks

MallenNC I just finished too, and am trying to decide how to phrase my review. Agree with you about the strong start. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa 🤐😷🤫🤭🙈🙉🙊 5mo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 5mo

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Hello #SheSaid

How is everyone this week? How is the book going for you? I‘m enjoying the stories of the book people on her trail still and want more of their individual stories, I‘m also appreciating how the author is laying out racism & prejudice & colorism as a problem that can‘t be “cured” by medicine…because it‘s a problem with the hater (hatefulness) not the hated (their color). Any thoughts you want to share?

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Is this book reminding anyone else of the Christy series? Maybe just me? 5mo

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megnews It‘s been so long since I read that series but now that you say that, yes. It‘s been awhile since I read this but I liked all the mountain folks she delivered books to. I have to admit I read Giver if Stars after this one and liked it better. I still plan to read Bookwoman‘s Daughter though. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @megnews I read some comparisons to Giver of Stars, and some seem to think it was a bit plagiarized from this 😬 I haven‘t read that one yet, but now I‘m a bit leery to try it. 5mo

vlwelser I love this book. It is fairly similar to The Giver of Stars but I'm actually enjoying this more. 5mo

megnews @Riveted_Reader_Melissa yeah, I read some articles on that. I did see the similarities. It‘s awful if that‘s the case. Taking that away, I think I just liked the writing style of the other author more. 5mo

Karisa I think you summed it up well! The school kids are still my favorite part. I was surprised that the doctor‘s study mellowed out and he seemed to find something that worked (though makes her sick). Agreed that the real problem is not her color though. The poverty and lack of necessities are heartbreaking. I haven‘t read the other books mentioned above but it‘s been reminding me of Dolly Parton‘s stories of growing up (TN not KY though).👇 5mo

Karisa I binge listened to Dolly Parton‘s America podcast about how she bridges so many disparate groups with her messages of radical offbeat acceptance, love, and compassion: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly-partons-america/episodes (so similar to my grandmother who also grew up in extreme poverty) 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Karisa I‘ll have to check that out, I‘m still convinced Dolly is part Saint. The work she does with books for kids is so admirable. (edited) 5mo

MallenNC I agree with your comments @Riveted_Reader_Melissa especially the part about the problem being the hater, not the person they‘re hating. I felt stressed as Mary was going to the celebration bc I knew it wasn‘t going to be how she hoped. I like the parts about her work best, and all the people she helps. 5mo

MallenNC I haven‘t read Giver of Stars yet but I want to. My understanding is the only overlap is the librarians on horseback. I am willing to read and judge for myself bc I‘ve liked JoJo Moyes‘ writing before. 5mo

Karisa @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Agreed! The podcast just made me love her all the more. They have an episode or two just devoted to Jolene. They talk to university students, some of which acknowledged that her book program made a real difference in their lives. Dolly‘s heart for people and books reminds me of Cussy Mary so much. 💗 5mo

ravenlee I found the “cure” to be interesting - how Pa calls it a vanity, and the doctor kind of loses interest in them now that he‘s solved the mystery. I agree with the earlier comments, that it wasn‘t going to change anything because it‘s the others who have the problem, not Cussy Mary. The reactions from her patrons warmed my heart. And I‘m worried about the fire-watcher/ranger-in-training after his fight for his bride. 5mo

38 likes14 comments

staci.reads

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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Finished this one up early for December's #SheSaid. I enjoyed the story a lot! I learned some history that was brand new to me. And while the writing felt uneven and a lot of it was predictable, I still really enjoyed it. @Riveted_Reader_Melissa

mariaku21 I loved that book. It was such a good read 5mo

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Hello #SheSaid. I hope the weekend is treating you well.

How are you making out with this book and section, thoughts, anything you want to discuss?

MallenNC I‘m enjoying this book! The tension in the story when she and the mule were both anxious over the preacher stalking them was stressful. But I didn‘t expect what happened in that part. And the doctor experimenting on her was so upsetting. I do enjoy her visits with those on her book route. (edited) 5mo

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staci.reads I found the scenes in the hospital infuriating. It was hard to read how she lost all agency over her body and everyone was just ok with it. 5mo

staci.reads I do love reading about her connections with the various families she delivers to. I am also looking forward to watching her relationship develop with Jackson Lovett. 5mo

vlwelser @MallenNC I definitely didn't expect the part with the preacher. I thought he was going to plague her through the entire book. It makes me curious as to what awful thing is going to happen instead. 5mo

vlwelser I was also horrified by what the doctor subjected her to. 5mo

ravenlee The doctor‘s actions make me feel ill. Blackmail‘s bad enough, but the horrible treatment in the hospital…I felt sick reading about it. I was wishing terrible things on those nuns. 5mo

ravenlee @MallenNC @vlwelser I agree - I expected that to be the big conflict throughout the story; now I wonder if there will be fallout later on, or if it was just the impetus for the medical testing. 5mo

ravenlee I‘m still on the fence about the book. I‘m interested enough that I want to know what happens - especially with all the patrons on her route; but I can‘t say I‘m enjoying it. 5mo

Karisa @ravenlee That‘s a good point. Just because the preacher is dead doesn‘t mean that problem is fully resolved… 5mo

Karisa I‘m finding this book really interesting. As others above mentioned, the medical study parts were so sad and uncomfortable. I kept thinking of all the medical photos and how many people unwillingly have been studied throughout history. I also love the book route parts best. The kids and teacher were so sweet. The lifesaver part sounds like a depression era story my grandmother could‘ve told 5mo

Singout I am really liking it as well: I particularly enjoyed the stories about the boy who gave her his lifesaver and the young man who wants to be a forest ranger. The commitment to mutual support and helping people get a bit further along when they‘re immersed in hardship is really inspiring. I‘m curious to see what happens with her father‘s mine, which is only being hinted at. And yes, the medical experimentation is gruelling. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Karisa I immediately thought of all the unwelcomed medical experimentation myself. From “lunatic” asylums, where you could be commuted for anything (like hysteria) and subjected to the most brutal treatments with no recourse at all…to the horrible experimentation done on slaves during that era, or Jews under nazism. So much suffering for scientific curiosity, and some of it outright sadism disguised as medicine. So much for “do no harm” (edited) 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @staci.reads Did you by any chance read the Christy stories or see the movies years ago. Her romance while working with the “hill people” is reminding me a bit of this, especially when Cussy and the smart dam builder have their moments together. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @MallenNC @vlwelser Right, you‘re happy the preacher is gone…yet his presence is stalking her even after death making her miserable. (edited) 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee I think I‘m with you, on the fence…it easily readable and I‘ll have no trouble finishing it. Some parts about books & reading & the folk are lovely. Some parts are very grim, but as much as they disturb me, I have to remind myself they are pretty historically accurate too (sadly). I read somewhere there is a sequel in the works, not sure if I‘m up for that though or not. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ yes, double checked…sequel comes out next year. 2022 5mo

33 likes18 comments

kspenmoll

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Started this tonight. #shesaid

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

MaggieCarr Second one is being published next year!

The Book Woman's Daughter

5mo

Pogue That was a good book 5mo

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Hello #SheSaid! What I difference from our last read. For historical academic to historical fiction.

I personally am really enjoying this so far, despite the pain and hardships of this life on the mountain full of dangers from mining, the elements, and (as always) other people. But how can I not root for a book woman and her ornery and protective mule.

How are you fairing so far?

Karisa I‘m enjoying it too. It was hard to stop at the end of this section. I felt like the creepy preacher was going to jump out again at any moment. I also spent all week telling anyone who would listen about the real blue people of Kentucky. I‘ll be mentioning it during our genetics unit for sure! How had I never heard of this? Thought it was magical realism at first. I really like learning about the mobile librarians too. What brave people! 5mo

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Daisey I read this a few months ago and really enjoyed it! I had heard of the pack mule librarians, but it was fascinating to actually learn more about them. 5mo

Scochrane26 @Karisa I have grown up in Ky & never heard of blue people until this book. My book club read this when it came our, & I don‘t think any of them knew either. 5mo

Scochrane26 Favorite character in this book is Junia the mule. Richardson called in to our book club, & we wanted to know more about the mule. 5mo

vlwelser I agree with @Karisa so hard to put down. I like that we're doing a fun fiction read this month instead of something more serious. 5mo

vlwelser It's stunning to me that she's treated as other and not even allowed to use the indoor toilet, like the "proper" ladies might catch something. Junia for sure is my favorite so far, but I already like a lot of the characters. 5mo

JenlovesJT47 I read this a couple of years ago and really liked it. I‘m thinking of grabbing the audiobook. This book is compared to The Giver of Stars a lot and some say GOS is a rip-off, but I loved them both and think they‘re both solid stories on their own. The blue skin thing is fascinating! 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @vlwelser Yes, December is a great month for a fun fiction instead of a more serious read. It‘s also a nice change of pace from time to time. 😉 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Scochrane26 I‘m so glad I‘m not the only one loving the mule. Junia seems like such a kindred spirit with Cussy, both abused and taken for granted, underestimated and under-appreciated. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Karisa I kept waiting for it too, I‘m sure he will again. 😬 5mo

ravenlee Another vote for Junia the mule - it‘s awful but I kinda hope she kicks the creeper preacher to death. It‘s taking me some time to settle in, it didn‘t sit right at first but it‘s been a frazzled few days and I‘m going to give it some more time. 5mo

ravenlee The racism/colorism makes me feel ill. The scene with Harriet fingering her wart-covered jaw and complaining that the “coloreds” might pass on some sort of disease was so disturbing. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee So reminiscent of all racism (that really isn‘t a race). It‘s different than what we‘ve read about before, but all too familiar in many ways. I‘m feeling like the genetics of blue, and the way she is approaching it in the story, might be eye opening for some who can‘t see it normally (the colorism, racism, prejudice views). If nothing else it reminds me that humans are equally bizarre about anything viewed as “different”. 5mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa A little background about the blue… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Fugates 5mo

MallenNC I am enjoying this book too. It‘s been in my TBR forever, and now that I‘m reading I had trouble stopping at the end of our section. The narrator for the audiobook is doing a good job with he accents, which isn‘t always true of southern/mountain speakers. I didn‘t know the people with blue skin before reading this. (edited) 5mo

megnews I had heard of pack mule librarians and blue people before reading this. Didn‘t know much about blue people though so I did a lot of research while reading this. I find both topics fascinating. I love the setting though not the racism. 5mo

Singout Really interesting: the pack mule librarians, the determination to make books and literature at all levels accessible to everybody who wants it, the people with blue skin and the clarity about how “whiteness” isn‘t just about skin color. Like the previous commentor I am loving the audiobook reader. 5mo

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MallenNC

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Saving our #SheSaid schedule so I can remember where I‘m supposed to stop! I‘ve had this one on my TBR forever.

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

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Lauranahe

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

so-so

This was interesting. I enjoyed the emphasis on reading and how much it impacts people. The emphasis on being white made me a little uncomfortable, and I felt the racial slurs at the end were unnecessary. I also felt like the ending was a lot in very few pages, very rushed. But the true stories behind this are fascinating (blue people, book women).

16 likes

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Our next selection is on sale in the US on Amazon (thanks for the tip @BarbaraTheBibliophage ). I always try my library first, but if you can‘t get it there 2.99 on kindle or free if you have prime. #SheSaid

Karisa 👏👏👏 Thanks for the heads up. Snagged it for free! 💗 6mo

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mandarchy That's a good price! I got the paperback as a gift and sent it across the country to my parents because we usually share kindle books. Kind of funny that it's free now. I could have sanded postage! 😆 6mo

Singout Just downloaded it last night! 6mo

BookBosomed1 Such a good book! There is a children‘s nonfiction picture book that is a great accompaniment. 6mo

PhyllisH Such a great book. 6mo

megnews I‘ve already read this but I‘ll join in conversation if you don‘t mind. 6mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @megnews I don‘t mind at all, please do! 6mo

45 likes9 comments

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Lots of updates today #SheSaid, but first the most important one….the schedule for our next book. So pick up your copy or put in your library holds we are heading into Troublesome Creek this holiday season.

BarbaraTheBibliophage Kindle edition is $2.99 today and free for Prime members 6mo

See All 6 Comments

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage Thank you, that‘s a great deal… I love free. 6mo

JenlovesJT47 This is really good! I read it last year. 🤗 6mo

Julsmarshall Yay for free! 6mo

51 likes6 comments

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Thoughts on this one… trying to decide what to read next!

#Boots
#GratefulHarvest

Eggs

Soubhiville I liked it, but there are a lot of sad bits. CW for abuse- physical and sexual, prejudice (racism?) against the blue skinned folks, misogyny, among others. 6mo

Eggs I give it a solid 👍🏼👍🏼 BC it‘s based on actual history; it‘s unique and good characterization. 6mo

BookBosomed1 I loved this book! There is a nonfiction children‘s picture book that also talks about the librarians that is delightful. 6mo

See All 9 Comments

iread2much I tried to read it, but the writing didn‘t hold my interest 6mo

erzascarletbookgasm Don‘t know about the book, but I like the 🥾 💛 6mo

Kdgordon88 Loved it! 6mo

Prairiegirl_reading I agree with @Soubhiville I had to DNF it because I couldn‘t the violence. 6mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Soubhiville awww 😢 6mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @erzascarletbookgasm thank you!!! ❤️ 6mo

69 likes1 stack add9 comments

mgoga78

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

What a gorgeous book! I couldn't put it down, and the ending didn't disappoint. You just can't help but adore the protagonist, from beginning to end. And, I also learned a bit of Kentucky history, which is always a fabulous bonus. 👌

5 likes1 stack add

mgoga78

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

#wintercosy @puddlejumper Reading goals: finish at least five books this winter! Starting with this one. :)

PuddleJumper Nice! Good luck! 6mo

4 likes1 stack add1 comment

Mccall0113

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

Excited to start this one. Thankful for my NYPL card! #libby

BookBosomed1 I loved this book. 7mo

63 likes1 stack add1 comment

slategreyskies

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

#LMPBC #GroupG

What do you all think of these options? Would any of these work?

📚✨

Crazeedi, Bookwormjillk, Tattooedteacher

slategreyskies

Where the Crawdads Sing

7mo

slategreyskies

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing

7mo

slategreyskies

Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel

7mo

See All 9 Comments

slategreyskies

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

7mo

slategreyskies

She's Come Undone

7mo

Bookwormjillk I'm reading Addie LaRue now, but the rest look good! 7mo

Tattooedteacher I‘ve read Crawdads and troublesome. BUT would love to read either again. (edited) 7mo

Crazeedi Any of them , least gave would be addie but I'm open to any, haven't read any of them 7mo

Crazeedi Least favorite!!⬆️ 7mo

36 likes9 comments

Chelleo

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

#CurrentlyReading

76 likes3 stack adds

Kleblanc

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads

CogsOfEncouragement I had a friend recommend this to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 8mo

13 likes1 comment

KimM

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

I didn't know about the existence of the Blue People in the Appalachians until I read this book. Some interesting science behind their appearance and history behind where they came from. The story is charming but painful at times.

For fans of librarians, mules and Appalachian literature.

23 likes1 stack add

EadieB

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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#TheBookWomanofTroublesomeCreek #KimMicheleRichardson #BookSpinBingo

Cussy Mary Carter is the last of her kind, her skin is a shade of blue which marks her as a Blue who is often blamed for any whiff of trouble. Not everyone is keen on Cussy's family or the Library Project. 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.

TheAromaofBooks

EadieB Kim Michele Richardson did excellent research of the Blue People and The Pack Horse Library Project of 1935. It is an emotional story which tugs at your heartstrings. It is a hard-to-put-down book and a story that is hard-to-forget. Katie Schorr did a great job with the narration of the audiobook. If you love books about books then you will love to read this one. 8mo

EadieB I also want to read Jo-Jo Moyes book called A Giver of Stars as it is about the same subject matter. 8mo

PhyllisH Such a great book. One of my favorites. 8mo

See All 7 Comments

EadieB @PhyllisH Yes! I found it very interesting! Never heard of Blue people! 8mo

PhyllisH I grew up in Kentucky and had never heard of them until a couple of years ago. 🤔 8mo

EadieB @PhyllisH Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise - Genetics and in-breeding cause six generations of family to turn blue. 8mo

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 8mo

54 likes2 stack adds7 comments

Daisey

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

I finished 11 books this month and feel like I read a good combination of books. My favorites are probably The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek & The Woman They Could Not Silence.

#MonthlyStats #ReadingStats #BookSpinBingo

rubyslippersreads I think there‘s going to be a Troublesome Creek sequel. 9mo

Daisey @rubyslippersreads Yes, I saw that just the other day! 9mo

34 likes1 stack add2 comments

Honeybeebooks

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

Engaging novel with a resolute heroine that embodies the best of us despite hardship, abuse and the peculiar discrimination of being blue. Cussy Mary Carter is a young woman finding her way in the poverty stricken backcountry of Appalachia. Despite helping others in her role as a pack horse librarian she is ostracized and abused for being blue. When a cure is found Cussy finds she has to choose between being white or being blue. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

8 likes

Peaceful_Reader

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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I really enjoyed Cussy Mary Carter‘s story and learning more about the pack horse librarian as well Kentucky life. I thought the ending was hurried though but over all a very solid, quick read.

26 likes

Daisey

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

This historical fiction novel was fascinating in several ways. I thought the setting was very well done and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the pack horse librarians as well as the blue people of Kentucky. It was sometimes a difficult read due to the poverty and discrimination, but it was ultimately hopeful and the book love throughout was wonderful.

JazzFeathers I'm going to stake it. It sounds great. 9mo

PhyllisH Such a great book. 9mo

79 likes6 stack adds2 comments

Daisey

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

It is a beautiful Saturday morning for an iced coffee and a new book in the backyard with Eleanor. I have so many things to do today, but there was time first for a couple chapters of this book that I‘ve very much been wanting to read. I also learned a fun new fact about groups of vultures.

#DogsOfLitsy

Scochrane26 Love this book 9mo

Tamra Nice way to spend the morning. Enjoy! 😊 9mo

Daisey @Tamra Thanks! @Scochrane26 I‘m really enjoying it so far! 9mo

62 likes1 stack add3 comments

Wife

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

so-so

Compared to The Giver of Stars, I thought this was the more original story, but I have to say I didn‘t like it as well. I thought the characters were less believable and I couldn‘t really engage with the read. 2/5📚s

Cortg I felt the same way, but a bookclub friend liked this one better. I'm always curious to see who like which book better. 10mo

42 likes1 comment

Addison_Reads

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

This was my library's book club pick this month. I'm a big fan of character driven stories and with Cussy Mary as the main character I absolutely loved this one.

Learning about the librarians and blue people made this even more enjoyable. I'm expecting my group will have a lot to discuss with this one.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

suvata The blue people storyline was so fascinating. It really made the book for me. 10mo

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! 10mo

40 likes2 comments

Djspens

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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Loved this story! And learned about the “blues” of Kentucky. 🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟

tpixie This was such an incredible book! 10mo

MaleficentBookDragon My favorite book last year. I recommend it to everyone. 10mo

61 likes1 stack add2 comments

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

One of the books we are reading later this year is on sale on kindle in the US today for anyone who is interested in picking it up. #SheSaid

Riveted_Reader_Melissa
@tenar @vlwelser @KVanRead @SamAnne @Julsmarshall @arlenefinnigan @Chab256 @Scochrane26 @CoffeeK8. @MallenNC @Caroline2 @DebinHawaii @Nute @Currey @Augustdana @Suet624 @Singout @mhillis @BarbaraTheBibliophage @megnews @Jgotham @AnneCecilie @Kdgordon88 @kspenmoll @staci.reads @Scochrane26
@Smrloomis @KathyWheeler
@ImperfectCJ @bibliobliss @sabyym
11mo

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @tenar @Smrloomis @ImperfectCJ 11mo

Scochrane26 A great book 11mo

KathyWheeler Thanks! 11mo

BarbaraTheBibliophage Thank you!! 11mo

54 likes1 stack add5 comments

suvata

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

pick

Similar to JoJo Moyes, The Giver of Stars, this book is about the amazing Pack Horse librarians. What makes this story unique is that our “Book Woman” is a from a family that lived in the hills of Kentucky, commonly known as the "Blue People of Kentucky" who are notable for having been carriers of a genetic trait that led to the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, which causes the appearance of blue-tinged skin. Super interesting!!

MaleficentBookDragon This was my favorite book that I read last year. 11mo

suvata @MaleficentBookDragon It‘s was fantastic 11mo

56 likes6 stack adds2 comments

MeJeMiller

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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This is more character driven than I usually go for. But I love the characters.

4 likes

magicalshelves

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek | Kim Michele Richardson

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3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed learning about the blue people of Kentucky and the librarians (book women) that traveled the hills to deliver books to the impoverished families in the hills. Parts of it were slow which caused me to rate it lower. It is also quite a sad book with a lot of death, racism, and mistreatment of women.

11 likes

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