The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (2019 fiction)
In the 1930’s and 40’s, the WPA sponsored the Pack Horse Library Service, which was a group of (mostly) women who delivered library books and other reading materials in rural areas. Cussy Mary Carter is one of those women. There is an inherited condition called methemoglobinemia which causes the skin to turn blue. Cussy Mary has that condition and is persecuted by most of her neighbors for it. This story takes place during the depression, and in rural Kentucky, many people suffered from starvation and lived a hardscrabble existence, so the visit from the Book Woman was anticipated by most. The bright spots in Cussy’s life are the visits to the homes and school that look forward to their next read. The dark spots are the prejudice against her skin color and the way women are treated. Her story is that of many women during that time, and the reader is well able to share her joys and sadnesses. At the end of the book, the author has included the facts pertaining to the Book Women, methemoglobinemia, and some of the other trials of living in rural America during the depression. This is not only a wonderful story, but it is also interesting. Especially recommended for those of us who love books, but it’s a valuable history lesson for anyone.
Reviewed by Ginger Russell
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