Book: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
- Author: Kim Michele Richardson
- My Rating: 5 out of 5 BIG FAT UGLY TEARS
A book store employee recommended this book to me, and bless her, she deserves a raise. This is the best story I’ve read all year. Have you ever read a story so beautiful and harsh at the same time? And you’re just like “Why am I enjoying this?” Well, after much contemplation, I decided that I loved it because it blended two of my favorite things: a rich history and a woman’s love of books to create this compelling tale. It’s been a long time since a book has made me feel this much, y’all. On one hand, I hope someone turns this into a movie so it can slay me all over again. But on the other hand, I hope this never becomes a movie, because I don’t know if I’ll survive this assault twice.
The story takes place in depression era, Troublesome Creek, Kentucky. The brave Miss Cussy Mary Carter is a 19-year-old Kentucky Packhorse Librarian. (IT’S REAL!! Google the Kentucky Packhorse Library Project.) Each week she loads her stubborn mule, Junia, down with books and takes them to the hill people of Troublesome Creek. In addition to being a “Book Woman,” Cussy is also blue. (You’re not reading it wrong, she’s blue like Avatar. IT’S ALSO REAL!! Google the blue Fugates of Kentucky) Her story is full of hardship and pain, but also full of love and hope.
When I started reading, I expected nothing more than an interesting story based on little pieces of history. Y’all, I was unprepared for all the feelings. I fell in love with all of her patrons – especially sweet Angeline and little Henry. I fell in love with Junia, the stubborn mule. (She might have been my favorite character.) I almost lost my mind with Mr. Jackson Lovett and his foiled attempts to court Cussy.
I recommend this book to everyone. Whatever your tastes, you should read this story and let it make you feel all the feelings. I suggest you buy every Kleenex in town before you get started, though.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.