monbon's review against another edition
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
carolbsmith's review against another edition
3.0
I would have given this two stars, but the story was good and I learned a lot about people I didn't know even existed. I didn't care for the style of writing, however. Some of the conversations and/or descriptions we're too lengthy (I lost interest), and the writing was repetitive.
megansgc's review against another edition
5.0
How could this book not be a five star? A beautifully written tale about the librarian heroes who braved weather and dangerous terrain to bring the love of reading to the poor people in the hills. These people, who were trying to eek out an existence with extremely limited resources, were nourished by the written word. Woven throughout the tale is the emphasis on the importance of love over prejudices.
twistinthetale's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
ktxx22's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as part of a virtual book club. Things I liked... the history of the pack horse librarians, and the new to me discovery of the Blue people of Kentucky. My husband is from the hills of Kentucky and he didn’t even know about them! That was a fun time looking them up and doing some research. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed our main character, I did not really care for this book I think the author took a bunch of convenient liberties with the story and I think the ending is just trying way too hard to be sad so much so that it comes off as sad for the sake of sadness and I don’t go in for that. I also think the romance in this is unrealistic and underdeveloped. I gave it 3/5. I think it has an audience but I am not it.
netha_williams1's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
naddl0r's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
fromsarahsbooknook's review against another edition
2.0
I like drama. I don’t like melodrama... and I admit there’s a hairline of a difference there sometimes, but this book laid it on a little too thick for me. Also, maybe I don’t love reading depression era stories.
dannycakez8808's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this Southern tale about the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. It was inspired by the Blue Skin People of Kentucky and the pack horse librarian women. I loved learning about this group of people and more about the library system. These women were absolutely awesome. Trigger warnings for abuse, rape, and violence.