Book Woman of Troublesome Creek & the Book Woman's Daughter 2-Book Set

by Kim Michele Richardson

Introducing a captivating duo of novels that will transport you to the mesmerizing world of the "Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" series. Delve into the pages of "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" and "The Book Woman's Daughter," where the beauty of Appalachia, the power of literature, and the unbreakable bond between generations come alive.
Book 1: "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" Immerse yourself in the extraordinary story of Cussy Mary Carter, a woman whose blue skin sets her apart in the rugged terrain of Troublesome Creek, Kentucky. Set in the 1930s, this unforgettable tale takes you on a journey alongside Cussy Mary as she defies societal norms and embraces her role as a "Book Woman." Witness her courage as she traverses treacherous landscapes, delivering books to isolated communities. Experience the transformative power of literature as it illuminates the lives of those yearning for knowledge and connection. This captivating novel is a celebration of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of the written word.
Book 2: "The Book Woman's Daughter" In this poignant sequel, "The Book Woman's Daughter," journey alongside Kate, Cussy Mary's daughter, as she navigates her own path in a changing world. Kate's connection to her mother's legacy intertwines with her passion for books, as she strives to honor her mother's work and preserve the power of literacy. Set against the backdrop of the 1940s, Kate's journey of self-discovery unfolds, filled with love, loss, and the unwavering strength of family bonds. This captivating novel explores the deep-seated impact of a mother's legacy and the enduring influence of books in the face of adversity.
This set
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (book 1)
The Book Woman’s Daughter (book 2)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Book Club, Fiction, Audiobook

672 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

The NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Kim Michele Richardson is a multiple-award winning author and has written five works of historical fiction, and a bestselling memoir.

Her critically acclaimed novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a DOLLY PARTON RECOMMENDED READ, a Goodreads Choice award nominee, and has earned the 2020 PBS Readers Choice, 2019 LibraryReads Best Book, Indie Next, SIBA, Forbes Best Historical Novel, Book-A-Million Best Fiction, and is an Oprah's Buzziest Books pick and a Women’s National Book Association Great Group Reads selection. It was inspired by the remarkable "blue people" of Kentucky, and the fierce, brave Packhorse Librarians who used the power of literacy to overcome bigotry, hate and fear during the Great Depression. The novel is taught widely in high schools and college classrooms.

Her fifth novel, The Book Woman’s Daughter, an instant NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and INDIE NATIONAL bestseller, is both a stand-alone and sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

Kentucky-born native, Kim Michele Richardson, lives with her family in the Bluegrass State and is the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writer's residency scholarship.

Reviews

[Ami Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After read the Giver of Stars, I decided to continue my reading about the Packhorse librarians and I’m glad I did! I didn’t know anything about the blue people, and I was fascinated to learn about them. I wasn’t fully aware of the grim starvation issues or truly the sacrifices of miners. I enjoyed Cussy Mary’s story and character.

[Margo W · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I only read the 1st one - didn’t mean to post it as the 2 book set)
Beautifully written but hard to get through the first third of the book. The topics of this book were fascinating - the blue people of Kentucky and the Pack Horse Library Project were both news to me. I learned a lot. But the grinding poverty in 1930s Eastern KY, discrimination, coal mining were all very real issues at this time and place. Without adding spoilers, the end wasnt very satisfying either. We have made some progress today but I suspect we still have a lot of work to do to move beyond bias based on appearance.

[Amy Pennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.
Appreciated the storytelling and the ease of the writing.

[Joni Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no clue that either this condition or this service ever existed. A great example of why I love the historical fiction genre.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting historical fictional read of the "Blues" of Kentucky. Sad feelings much of the time, but the Book Woman rose above!

[Margie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second reading of this wonderful book (volume 1) has prepared for when the second volume becomes available at my local library. I can't wait to see what happens to The Book Woman's Daughter!

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I struggled to get into this book, it was a wonderful read. The author does a great job staying as true to historical facts as she can, and explains in an authors note any reason for altering these. The story is raw and powerful. It’s an emotional ride that stirs up every emotion, but it’s a beautiful story. I am giving it four stars due to it being so difficult to read for the first several chapters. But I would recommend this book for sure!

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really torn on how to rate this book. Really cool history to learn about, but it was a real slog to get through. I didn’t enjoy reading it. Felt like not much of a plot for the first 95% of the book, then a book’s worth of drama went down in the last 1-2 chapters.

[Kristine Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 38 chapters of this book. Where it failed for me was the authors trying to tie up all the lose ends in the last few chapters and situations that allowed others to follow that didn't seem natural to the story.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read for KTL Book Club, previously read for BC. All I had remembered was that the heroine was blue, the poverty and the racism. Cussy is Blue and it's 1930's depression in Appalachian eastern Kentucky. Her father is a coal miner dying of lung disease, overworked and underpaid (mostly in Company store Script) He's desperate to get Cussy married but she's not really interested and most men are not interested in a Blue. She's married off to a man who wants her for the promised land from her dad. Her rapes her on their wedding night and immediately dies of a heart attack. She's working for the WPA as a Pack Horse Librarian. She brings old books, newspapers, and magazines to the hollows of the area. Most are very poor and barely literate. There is one, Jackson Lovell, a new one, who has recently returned from working on Hoover Dam and finds here interesting.
The brother of he husband is a minister determined to assault then rid the world of this defective. Her mule chases him off. Later in the book he come to their house but the mule kicks him in the head. While Cussy is fetching the doctor, he dies, probably killed by her father. They know that as Blues, and having 2 brothers die on their watch, their lives are in danger. They convince to doctor to not report the death in exchange for letting the doctor study Cussy.
Taken to Lexington by car to a hospital, Cussy understands nothing so she resists undressing, etc. She's physically restrained by some nuns, is sedated, and examined. In addition to blood a sample of her cervix is taken, so she is essentially assaulted again.
The Doctors identify he blood as lacking red blood cells. Her blood is brown, but this does not really affect her health or length of life. The dr, gives her a treatment that makes he look white, but makes her feel really sick and has to be taken daily. Everyone who knew her as Bluey is just weirded out by her color change and still will not accept her as one of them. At this failure she stops taking the drug.
Cussy arrives at one patrons home hours after the 15 year old wife has given birth to a Blue child. Her husband has evidence of blue and the mother must have been a carrier. The husband has hung himself before C's arrival and the mother dies a little after her arrival. She asks Cussy to take her child. She gets Jackson to bury the parents and takes the child home where Cussy pretends to the world at large that it's the child of her husband.
Jackson proposes and is accepted. The same day C's dad is killed in a mine accident not long before the mine will be closed. They marry a couple of months later. As soon as they are married, the sheriff accuses them of breaking the law against mixed marriages. Jackson gets mad punches the sheriff. Fast forward 4 years, the end is that he goes to prison for a while and is banned from Kentucky for 25 years. They are trying to find a place in Ohio to move to.
In amongst this plot there is a lot about life in the mountains, the hardships, festivals, etc. There's some nasty co-workers when she goes the the library. She was loved and taught by her dead mother. There is a black woman who is also a Pack Horse Librarian. Queenie finds employment in Philadelphia and is continuing her education there. Cussy & her dad argue a lot about her marriage, his union activity, and what he will do when the mine closes but there is love.

[Cynthia Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish "The Book woman's Daughter" because it starts out so rough. I cant get over how cruel people can be. Honey Lovett watches from behind a bush as the sheriff breaks her mom's arm and beats up her dad looking for her. She has it rough because of her condition, and alot of people are so cruel.
I did love the women in this book, her dear friend Pearl who doesn't care if she has blue hands and feet. Bonnie who has to go down in the terrible mines to put food on her table, and the miners treat her terrible. Retta who is so spunky at 90 years old. Love her attorney and the doctor that gives Honey so much help and of course Devil Jack and her mule Junia.
Than you have cruel Mr. Gillis who is such a bully and is so mean. You just want to slug him, at least I did. I couldn't put this book down. To think that the social worker wanted to put Honey in a reform where she would be shackled and in a rock quarry until she was 21!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read (listened to.) I thoroughly enjoyed it. NOTE: I tried reading this book a couple of years ago but just didn’t get in to it. It HAS to be listened to. The narrator took me right to Troublesome Creek in the Kentucky mountains. The fact that it was written about events of that time period and that were/are actually Blue People fascinated me. The bravery and stamina of these women is unbelievable. This and the previous one, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek are must reads in my opinion.

[Kale’A Savion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written! The writer weaves so much history through the story of these characters. Even more well portrayed is the perspective of the families who had blue skin and the hatred they endured while carving out honorable lives for themselves. It was an emotional journey with sorrow and triumphs! I did shed a few tears at some point in each book. The underlying messages of self-acceptance, perseverance, and moral development shines through!
10/10 would recommend. Audioboo set on 1.35x speed was also helpful.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this (book 1) after reading Giver of Stars, both about the pack horse librarians of Kentucky in the 1930s and 40s. Both are based on a true story and both are well written. This one was grittier and I suspect more accurately portrays attitudes of the times. This book also told a story of the blue people of Kentucky, bringing their plight (and an awful first cure) to light. Thoughtful and engaging.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I have read other book women stories and I think I like this one the best. It was much more entertaining than the others. I loved how much personality the main characters had.

I think the other books did a better job explaining the job of the book women. This book had real pictures at the end of real book women. I really liked that. I love when the author ties in the facts with the story.

Clean.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tour of Eastern Kentucky during the years before and after the Great Depression. In the culture of Appalachia, some people were born into poverty and struggled to get by. As children began to attend school their parents wanted to learn to read. They met outdoors on moonlight nights to study. The librarians hired local women to transport loaner books and magazines on mule or horseback.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First audio book I’ve listened to in a long while. Had a long drive and needed to occupy the time. This was a little too flowery and exaggerated wholesome language for my taste with long descriptions, which might have translated differently had I read it myself. The storyline wasn’t bad. I may read the sequel, may not. Haven’t decided yet.

[Alicia Whitbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and this book checks all the boxes for me. There is some predictability to the story but plenty of heart wrenching parts that lead to heart warming parts. This book doesn't hide the ugliness of the world but it is a good reminder that mindset makes a huge difference. Junia is my hero!

[TaraLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 2nd book I’ve read about the ‘librarians of Kentucky on horseback’. This was a good one, it included information about the kentucky blues. The book by Jojo Moyes - giver of stars was the other book about this same subject, and Jojo’s was better, but only by a little. I recommend both of these books.

[E J Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t tire of the characters and setting that I came across in the first book, THE BOOKWOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK. This is a satisfying yarn that moves along at a good pace . Yet again, the importance of reading and being literate is confirmed. So desperately needed right now with the banning of books making an utterly crazy reappearance in 2025, in America

[Kathy Krieg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "The Book Women's Daughter" Hard to put this book down. I liked both of Kim Michele Richardson books. I have had "Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" discussed in two different book clubs. It was enjoyed by all. I really loved "The Book Women's Daughter" because it was based on true things happening in the Kentucky Appalachian.

[Erin Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book's character. The narrator for audio did an amazing job! I just wasn't gripped by the story. It was easy to turn off and forget about. But like I said, I did like the main character it was about. This review is referring to "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek."

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I didn't want to put it down. It's a historical fiction about the blue people living in the mountains in Kentucky in mid 1930's. That part is true. It was a blood disease propagated by in-breeding and made for another form of racism. Can't wait to read the sequel.

[Paloma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, there was a lot of drama and lemme say this poor woman needs a break from all the problems. Aside from that it was very interesting to see a realistic book told from the perspective of someone who was blue

[Correen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both books (1 and 2) are written to give the reader a feeling of life in the Tennessee hills. Sometimes this felt somewhat clumsy but it worked for me.

The story is compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story based on the real WPA women who delivered books to those in poverty. Lo ved the protagonist in the story. She was very complex, kind and smart. She is surrounded by many interesting characters.

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book was a bit hard to get started, but once it got going it was a great read. The second book was much easier read. Such an incredible story about the “Blue” people and the pack horse library.

[Britnyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Having read Giver of Stars first it’s hard not to compare the books. Both tell the story of the women’s pack library. This one introduced me to the Blue Fugates of Kentucky. Unfortunately the book felt too similar to Jojo Moyes’ version to really draw me in.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! The writing, the story telling, the narration (I listened to it first on an audio book that I borrowed from the library and then quickly bought my own copy.) One of those books that I can't put down, and then grieve when I finish.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I enjoyed all the history I learned in this historic fiction as well as the character development. My only complaint was the end...too much I thought but otherwise it was an enjoyable and educational read.