tarajoy90's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
omgmkg's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
I really loved this book! Historical fiction, strong women, dealing with difference, and loving books are all my jam in stories, so that helps a lot. I really enjoyed learning about the Packhorse Librarians and the adventurous aspects of the story. I thought the narrative was well crafted and tied together well, and I felt like I understood much more about Appalachia in the Depression because of this book. I fell in love with Cussy Mary and her patrons, and with the ways she found to relate to them and gain their trust (not just as a blue person but sort of as a government social program representative).
The harm that comes to people that are not Cussy Mary in this book could have been a bit melodramatic, but I think it was just realistic enough and well written enough to pass. I agree with others that the violence Cussy Mary faces is at times a bit gratuitous… but also realistic.
I share concerns that perhaps this was not the author’s story to tell. I
do not believe that the author meant to imply that being Blue was just as discriminated against as being Black in Appalachia/Philadelphia at the time, but I agree that too many parallels were being drawn.
The harm that comes to people that are not Cussy Mary in this book could have been a bit melodramatic, but I think it was just realistic enough and well written enough to pass. I agree with others that the violence Cussy Mary faces is at times a bit gratuitous… but also realistic.
I share concerns that perhaps this was not the author’s story to tell. I
do not believe that the author meant to imply that being Blue was just as discriminated against as being Black in Appalachia/Philadelphia at the time, but I agree that too many parallels were being drawn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Death, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Child death, Suicide, Body shaming, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Miscarriage
deliberatehalf56's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book thinking it would be another light read about a woman finding her 'life' with the help of books. I'll be honest I didn't even read what the book was about, I usually love any book that talks about the main character loving books and such.
But The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was so much more than that. I was blown away with how well Richardson captured the desolate life of those in the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. And then there was Bluet, her story is just amazing. I loved the contrast of those who hated Bluet for her unusual color and those who openly loved her for it or just didn't see it.
But The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was so much more than that. I was blown away with how well Richardson captured the desolate life of those in the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. And then there was Bluet, her story is just amazing. I loved the contrast of those who hated Bluet for her unusual color and those who openly loved her for it or just didn't see it.
ashleychauntel's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Rape
deribash's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
melissabeth's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this book. It is an event in history that I didn't know about. I had read another book about the Pack Librarians but this added another dimension to that event in history.
jldowd11's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. Well written and researched. Very sad as well. Just the life in general.
dmagboul's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love this book. At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. It seemed kinda slow to me. I’m really excited that I finished this book. It was a wonderful book and had such wonderful information. Also, it lead me to research the condition and I found it fascinating to know that a family really existed.
chelsearaak's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
someryarns's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Chronic illness, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Medical content, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Incest, Murder, Suicide, Body shaming, and Rape