bloopers's review
4.0
4/5 stars
This book wasn't for me, probably because of the plot. It just felt somewhat empty and I feel more could've been added more to it. In the middle, there are some events that do make things more interesting, but overall it fell flat.
The characters though, now that's a different story. They were really good, the author gave them one purpose and really stuck with it. That's a pro and a con in itself, the characters aren't complex but have perfect simple characters that either make you really angry, sad, or a mix of the two. They weren't memorable, though, for example, there was a pregnant woman and her husband, and a ranch-man who doesn't like reading. I loved going through all these character's stories in the bookwoman's perspective, but they didn't really give an impact.
Now writing, it was on the boring side, but still fairly addictive. The author is amazing at writing emotions and pushing out her themes, but even better at natural dialogue which is arguably more important as this book wouldn't be *this* without it.
So overall, amazing book! Really the only thing that bothered me was the uneventful plot. If you're looking for a decent historical fiction that gives you a flurry of emotions, get this!
This book wasn't for me, probably because of the plot. It just felt somewhat empty and I feel more could've been added more to it. In the middle, there are some events that do make things more interesting, but overall it fell flat.
The characters though, now that's a different story. They were really good, the author gave them one purpose and really stuck with it. That's a pro and a con in itself, the characters aren't complex but have perfect simple characters that either make you really angry, sad, or a mix of the two. They weren't memorable, though, for example, there was a pregnant woman and her husband, and a ranch-man who doesn't like reading. I loved going through all these character's stories in the bookwoman's perspective, but they didn't really give an impact.
Now writing, it was on the boring side, but still fairly addictive. The author is amazing at writing emotions and pushing out her themes, but even better at natural dialogue which is arguably more important as this book wouldn't be *this* without it.
So overall, amazing book! Really the only thing that bothered me was the uneventful plot. If you're looking for a decent historical fiction that gives you a flurry of emotions, get this!
mtoolan89's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really interesting look into the life of rural Kentuckians in the early 20th century. Loved the characters and the plot.
melps1611's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
lindasdarby's review against another edition
3.0
While I did enjoy this book I found that as far as it being about the pack horse librarians it wasn't nearly as good as "The giver of stars". I found the story of Cussy Mary interesting where it pertained to her being blue. It was really heartbreaking how she was treated because she was blue. Once again the ulgliest parts of humanity exposed when someone is different. I liked this book and it was worth reading but it didn't change my world or anything.
shelbynik's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
storytimewithgrammy's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn’t really expecting to feel the way I feel about this book. I was expecting it to make me think a little and just be a light read. Well, I got into it, started feeling all the feels, started relating to the people in the town and it really made me think about how I treat other people. A book that makes me feel the feels and think the thoughts will is the kind of book I really look for.
whythough's review against another edition
2.0
One-dimensional stock characters and a trite insta-romance!
lillulu's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting tale with great characters, but there were only certain moments when I felt connected to the story, and those happened to be the most heartbreaking moments. Most of the time they were kind of out of the blue so it just felt forced.
The ending didn’t leave me very satisfied. However I will say that the trials and tribulations Cussy goes through are EXTREMELY well done.
Maybe I’m just being picky but I just wasn’t feeling this as much as I probably would if there was more content to delve into the characters.
The ending didn’t leave me very satisfied. However I will say that the trials and tribulations Cussy goes through are EXTREMELY well done.
Maybe I’m just being picky but I just wasn’t feeling this as much as I probably would if there was more content to delve into the characters.