debc's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
excellent_taste's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-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? No
3.75
cricket771's review
3.0
Enjoyed going back to this world and seeing what the characters were doing 15+ years later. Hoping there will be a third book.
hwoodard's review
3.0
Really enjoyed , but wish I had read the first book for some background knowledge .
chanellf's review
5.0
The first novel in this series is still one of my favorite books, so coming back to these characters was sweet nostalgia. Only this time this version wasn’t just highlighting the resilience of one book woman, but the roles many women (nurses, fire tower watch woman, librarians and mothers) held in breaking norms and empowering one another in rural Kentucky in the 1950s.
pawfectbookreviews's review
4.0
I really enjoyed both books and learned a lot! I either do not remember learning about The Packhorse Library or they never taught us in school. Which wouldn’t surprise me. I also had no idea that there was a condition that made your skin blue or any of the hatred that came with it. So I’m very glad I was able to learn! I was very engaged in both books and enjoyed the stories and journeys that took place.
In book one, Cussy, a 19 year old is the last living female who has the rare-blue disorder. She is looked down on and treated different. She joins the pack horse library to give herself a sense of purpose. Her and her trusty mule travel all over their part of the Appalachian delivering reading material to those who cannot otherwise get it. She makes new friends through this route and connects with people who would usually not give her a second glance. She brings joy to the people and even helps some learn to read. It is a dangerous but important job!
Without spoilers to the first, the second book follows a girl named Honey. She is independent and strong willed already at a young age, but when her parents are imprisoned she realizes she’s all alone. She also has to continue to fight for her freedom since she is still a minor. Honey finds the pack horse library and must learn how to survive on her own while also navigating dangerous routes. She needs to learn that despite all odds and how the world is run, women can forge their own path and make a difference.
I gave both books 4 stars only because I love sickly sweet happy endings and I felt we didn’t get that! But I get it. It’s historical fiction. But overall both are amazing and you should read them back to back! I tried but I had to wait for my loans on libby haha but I was close!
In book one, Cussy, a 19 year old is the last living female who has the rare-blue disorder. She is looked down on and treated different. She joins the pack horse library to give herself a sense of purpose. Her and her trusty mule travel all over their part of the Appalachian delivering reading material to those who cannot otherwise get it. She makes new friends through this route and connects with people who would usually not give her a second glance. She brings joy to the people and even helps some learn to read. It is a dangerous but important job!
Without spoilers to the first, the second book follows a girl named Honey. She is independent and strong willed already at a young age, but when her parents are imprisoned she realizes she’s all alone. She also has to continue to fight for her freedom since she is still a minor. Honey finds the pack horse library and must learn how to survive on her own while also navigating dangerous routes. She needs to learn that despite all odds and how the world is run, women can forge their own path and make a difference.
I gave both books 4 stars only because I love sickly sweet happy endings and I felt we didn’t get that! But I get it. It’s historical fiction. But overall both are amazing and you should read them back to back! I tried but I had to wait for my loans on libby haha but I was close!
cleague's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shanniberry's review
4.0
I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, so I was happy to see a second book. The narrator was good for the audiobook. This story is about Cussy Mary's daughter and the book was very enjoyable.