Plano Reads: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
Second Tuesday Book Club meets October 13 for our Zoom discussion of Kim Michele Richardson’s novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
We will meet on Tuesday, October 13, at 7:15 p.m. using Zoom. Register for this session by sending an email to Cathe Spencer or fill out your information on Zoom here. You can join this Zoom book club session via computer or phone.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Print | Large Print | eBook | eAudiobook
Cussy Mary Carter is Troublesome Creek’s own daughter and its Book Woman, too. As a traveling librarian in Kentucky’s Pack Horse Librarian Project, she brings books and more to the people of the Creek. But the unusual pale blue skin she has inherited from her family causes unease and suspicion among her neighbors. As a Bluet, how will Cussy be able to earn the respect of the mountain people she works so hard to serve?
Inspired by a real Blue family, and the Depression-era Pack Horse Library Service, this charming novel is a tribute to a valiant young woman, her unusual heritage, and the wonderful power of books and learning.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek appeared on the IndieNext List at Indiebound.org in May 2019 (see the link, here).
Publisher’s Weekly called the novel a “historical gem,” featuring an indomitable, memorable heroine in Cussy, and providing readers with “a fine rendering of rural Kentucky life.”
Kirkus Reviews described it as “a unique story of Appalachia, of the healing power and personal joy that access to the written word” can bring.
A quote from Kim Michele Richardson, discussing her historical fiction about her home state:
I love exploring my birthplace in my writings; the beautiful, brutal and mysterious Kentucky land and its people. I have traveled to mostly every corner and nook of Kentucky and am always searching for another cranny to discover. I impart my novels with my fierce love for the land, showcase its intriguing people, history, and forgotten song of the region, exploring historical social injustices and the unusual and cherished traditions, myths and legends of Kentucky.
For more information about the author and her work, visit her website, here: kimmichelerichardson.com
In an interview at the Los Angeles Public Library last year, Ms. Richardson shared her thoughts about the “Blue Fugates.” They are the real Troublesome Creek family whose members share the rare genetic disorder called methemoglobinemia, which causes blue-tinted skin. She mentions an unexpected email she received from Douglas Fugate, who is a family member.
You might be interested to know that Mr. Fugate, now retired, is a former staff member at Haggard Library. He enjoyed The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek very much, and thrilled its author!
We look forward to seeing you on Zoom on Tuesday, October 13! Be sure to register here.
