NEW YORK TIMES and LOS ANGELES TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a powerful message about how the written word affects people--a story of hope and heartbreak, raw courage and strength splintered with poverty and oppression, and one woman's chances beyond the darkly hollows.
Inspired by the true and historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a first in traditionally published literary novels— a bold and unique story and tale of fierce strength and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home
“Cussy Mary Carter is A Heroine For The Ages. Atmospheric, fascinating, and an important footnote of history that should be prized and preserved, Kim Michele Richardson provides an authentic Kentucky voice in this beautifully-told and meticulously researched tale.”
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AWARDS & honors
Libro Maniacs Best BookClub Books of 2023
Dolly’s Recommended Read! The Book She Devoured! - Dolly Parton, People Magazine, People’s of The Year 2021
The Most Popular Book Club Books of 2021
Reading Group Choices #1 Favorite Fiction 2020
Reading Group Choices #1 Most Read Book 2020
PBS Books Readers Choice 2020
Little Free Library.org An Action Reads 2020
2020 Indie Bestseller
A Costco Pennie’s Pick, February 2020
Oprah’s Buzziest Books for May 2019
An All Arkansas Reads One Book
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee
A Women’s National Book Association Great Group Reads
Southern Independent Book Alliance SIBA / OKRA PICK
Indie Next Pick
LibraryReads Pick
U.S. Embassy in Moscow Cultural Affairs Office with Mayakovsky Library in St. Petersburg Annual Literary Conference Selection
2021 Publishers Market Place BuzzBooks Spring/Summer 2019
A Forbes Best Historical Novel 2019
Books-A-Million Best Fiction of 2019 Pick
Book-A-Million EXPERT PICK
A PopSugar Favorite Book of Summer 2019
BAM! August 2019 Book Club Pick
Shortlist Winner 2019 OWL (Outstanding Works of Literature) Award
Semi-finalist 11th Annual Goodreads Choice Award
LibraryReads Voter Favorites 2019
Bookbrowse Best Books of 2019
Reading Group Choices Favorite Fiction 2019
A SHE READS Best Historical Fiction Books 2019
2020 Texas Library Association Lariat Award for Outstanding Reading
A National Network of Libraries of Medicine Book Club Selection
PRAISE
“Richardson’s novel displays the tenacity and compassion that these Book Women encompassed and the impact they had on the poor and needy of Appalachia. Not only a beautiful and heartbreaking story, but a wonderful representation of the importance of books and those who share them.”- 2023, Library Love - Libby Life“
(Cussy Mary) clearly is an unsung hero.” - PBS Kansas
“An unforgettable heroine of a truly extraordinary novel. Cussy is basically the emblem of every exclusion, and of every emancipation, of every redemption."—FQMagazine Il Fatto Quotidiano
The Book Dolly Parton Devoured! People Magazine, People Of The Year, 2021
“… a MUST read!” - The Wilkes Record
“Richardson has penned an emotionally moving and fascinating story about the power of literacy over bigotry, hatred and fear.”- BookPage
“A supreme delight and a masterfully told story that refuses to be put down.” - Roanoke Times
“This novel is both heartbreaking and beautifully written, historically defining education and socioeconomic struggles we continue to battle today. The profound joy and promise that books brought to these simple, good people is priceless.” - Keys Weekly Newspaper
“Bittersweet and beautifully told, this one will resonate with anyone who’s ever had a book change their life.”- The Globe and Mail
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson, has brought national recognition to the Pack Horse Librarians of early twentieth century Appalachian Kentucky. Richardson’s book is a haunting testimony to the first mobile library in Kentucky. It is a literary psalm of praise for the brave Pack Horse Librarians who rode hundreds of miles each week to dispense literacy while making an important human connection with people who lived in isolation and desperate poverty during the Great Depression. Richardson’s book is an inspiring tale about the power of reading during a difficult period in Kentucky’s educational history. - The Daily Independent
“Readers are likely to find Ms. Richardson’s fourth novel to be one of the most original and unusual contributions they will encounter in the realm of the current literature of the American South.” - May Read of The Month Southern Literary Review
“Meticulously researched and engagingly written.” - Fort Wayne News-Sentinel
“Beautifully written and heartbreaking at times, this is a story I will never forget.” -Mary Patterson, The Little Bookshop
For the rest of my days I will hold dear the poignant and deeply moving scene from this book that captures how reading and books can touch the soul and connect us with others. Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a profound and touching story that will stay with the reader long after finishing the final page.”— Belinda / Staff Picks, Quail Ridge Books
“What Richardson has written is a novel about the best of us. And the worst. And has done so with magnificence.”-Bren McClain, Willie Morris award-winning author of One Good Mama Bone
“An authentic Southern voice straight out of Kentucky, well graveled, rough with moonshine, and damn near irresistible.”— Joshilyn Jackson, NYT bestselling author of gods in Alabama and The Almost Sisters
“A powerful story rooted in historical fact.” -Bookreporter
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” is being hailed by readers and critics alike as an invigorating, powerful and timely novel. This book excels as well-researched, addictively readable historical fiction. The Blue People of Kentucky and the Pack Horse Library Project are both fascinating historical realities that are barely understood today. The novel is securely rooted in a time and place — Depression-era rural Kentucky — and yet it still speaks to universal truths about the power of the written word, literacy and the free exchange of ideas. This gives it a multifaceted appeal. ... a supreme delight and a masterfully told story that refuses to be put down.” - Roanoke Times
“Riveting. Highly unusual — and utterly compelling.”- Toronto Star
“Remarkable book that offers important and informative messages about people in Appalachia.”—Herald-Dispatch
“A really terrific book, one of the best I’ve read in a long time.” Todd Cummings, School Superintendent, PBS Michiana
“A fascinating look at 1930s in Kentucky hills.”- Journal-Advocate
“Richardson has created a deeply human, deeply moving story with a beautiful cast of characters who represent the best and worst of human nature, as well as a universal desire to be seen and loved for who we are. It is highly relevant to present-day issues and a perfect book club selection for its many layers and themes and pure enjoyability.” - HERLIFE MAGAZINE
“Richardson’s descriptions will have all your senses seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting the hills of Appalachia. She has you coming face-to-face with acute poverty and the daggers of intolerance and small minds. She also speaks to the power of reinvention and redemption. Her book opens readers to a time and place in history that is given little attention but is of huge cultural significance. Her protagonist comes alive on the pages, bringing us an indomitable spirit that brings light to a dark world. Cussy’s story is one of stunning strength in the face of formidable odds. She confronts danger, suspicion, and prejudice but always leaves herself open to places that her books can take her.”— The Epoch Times
“This novel is beautifully written, and along with its extensive research, tells a moving story about a brave woman who lives in an era and a locality we know little about.”— Lake & Sumter style. Magazine
“A riveting journey through Appalachia with a pack horse librarian in 1936.” -Blue Ridge PBS Channel
“A riveting read, not only as an action-packed, fictionalized account of the first mobile library in Kentucky but also a celebration of the tough, smart women who who made it happen - on horseback. Exhaustively researched and action-packed, “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” is a gripping, revelatory read.” - Daily Press, Virginia
“A Reading Group Choices Most Popular May Books” - Reading Group Choices
“Everything from the dialect to the flora and fauna to the family dynamics is fiercely evocative of a time and place still visible today. ” -BrocheAroe, River Dog Book Co.
“This book left me bawling like a baby and I adored it! ”-BookBar
“Set in the hollers of Depression-era Kentucky, the novel serves as a testament to the power of the written word, arguing that words can traverse barriers between class, race and individual differences. Richardson’s descriptions throughout the novel breathe life into the mountains, the books and the lives of her characters. She captures both the beauty of the mountains and the ugliness of ignorance. It serves as a wonderful reminder that our similarities can overcome our differences—and a love of reading is one of those similarities. In a time of constant polarization, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek reminds us that all is not lost.” - Deep South Magazine
“A superb personal read and I have no doubt many book clubs will enjoy this massively... So far, one of my favourite books this year!” -NB Literary Magazine UK
“Richardson, a master of phrase, cadence, and imagery, once again delivers a powerful yet heartfelt story that gives readers a privileged glimpse into an impoverished yet rigidly hierarchical society, this time by shining a light on the courageous, dedicated women who brought books and hope to those struggling to survive on its lowest rung. Strongly recommended.” -Historical Novel Society
"A book that is so full of social relevance that it would be worth reading even without the wonderful descriptive writing and the fine characterizations. Lucky for readers that it has both." -London Free Press
“Richardson’s beautiful story is one of perseverance, compassion, and self-acceptance. Through Cussy’s journey, we learn there is no struggle so worthy of our might, as the one that strives to bring joy into the lives of others.” - Due South Magazine, NC
“This novel is both heartbreaking and beautifully written, historically defining education and socioeconomic struggles we continue to battle today. The profound joy and promise that books brought to these simple, good people is priceless.” - Keys Weekly Newspaper
“Readers are likely to find Ms. Richardson’s fourth novel to be one of the most original and unusual contributions they will encounter in the realm of the current literature of the American South. Ms. Richardson creates an unexpected poetry out of Cussy’s voice and speech patterns. That voice is not the only kind of unexpected beauty in this surprising novel.” - May Read of The Month Southern Literary Review
“Meticulously researched and well-written, Richardson was born to write this remarkable story of the Pack Horse Librarians”— JDC Must Read Books - Top Books of 2019!
“An impressive historical novel. Authentic, lyrical. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is timely and necessary.” - The Post and Courier Newspaper - Charleston, South Carolina
“Historical fiction at its best, brilliantly conceived. If you read one book this autumn, make it THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK.” — Fresh Pick, Readers Selection - Fresh Fiction
“Kim Michele Richardson has written a fascinating novel about people almost forgotten by history: Kentucky’s pack-horse librarians and “blue people.” The factual information alone would make this book a treasure, but with her impressive storytelling and empathy, Richardson gives us so much more.” - Ron Rash, New York Times bestselling author of One Foot in Eden and Serena
“Richardson's latest work is a hauntingly atmospheric love letter to the first mobile library in Kentucky and the fierce, brave packhorse librarians who wove their way from shack to shack dispensing literacy, hope, and - just as importantly - a compassionate human connection. Richardson's rendering of stark poverty against the ferocity of the human spirit is irresistible. Add to this the history of the unique and oppressed blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and you've got an unputdownable work that holds real cultural significance." - Sara Gruen, #1 NYT bestselling author of Water for Elephants
“This gem of a historical from Richardson features an indomitable heroine navigating a community steeped in racial intolerance. Readers will adore the memorable Cussy and appreciate Richardson’s fine rendering of Kentucky life.”- Publishers Weekly
“A unique story about Appalachia and the healing power of the written word. This well-researched tale serves as a solid history lesson on 1930s Kentucky.” -Kirkus
“A rare literary adventure that casts librarians as heroes, smart tough women on horseback in rough terrain doing the brave and hard work of getting the right book into the right hands. Richardson has weaved an inspiring tale about the power of literature.” -Alexander Chee, author of Edinburgh and Queen of the Night
"This is Richardson's finest, as beautiful and honest as it is fierce and heart-wrenching, THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK explores the fascinating and unique blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave Packhorse librarians. A timeless and significant tale about poverty, intolerance and how books can bring hope and light to even the darkest pocket of history." - Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of Liar Temptress Soldier Spy
Bookseller Praise
Lindsay Crist Lawson, Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Cincinnati, OH): The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a novel made for book lovers with interest in little-known pockets of history. Richardson's novel is a heartbreaking ode to the power of literature as a mechanism for changing culture. Fans of Appalachian fiction will eat this up! The Book Woman is an must-read for anyone who has ever loved a library.
Jen Steele, Boswell Book Company (Milwaukee, WI):Kim Michele Richardson brings us an unforgettable historical novel full of heart with a gutsy heroine to boot!
Mary O’Malley, Anderson’s Bookshop (Naperville, IL):Some books are like fast food - quick reads; some are like comfort food - satisfying and hearty; and some, like The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, are fine dining - multi-textured, flavors and layers mingling and mixing and meant to be savored. Kim Michele Richardson has written a stunning piece of historical fiction that reinforces the vital importance of books and the people have always worked to get them out into the world. I will joyfully put this into the hands of my readers.
Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN):This book is a searing portrait of poverty and the hope that books can provide, told through the lives of the Kentucky Pack Horse librarians and the Blue people of Kentucky.
Carrie Deming, The Dog Eared Book (Palmyra, NY):From the opening line to the last sentence, I adored every minute of reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I raced through this book over the course of a weekend and am only sorry that I couldn't keep reading more about these characters!
Stephanie Crowe, Page & Palette (Fairhope, AL):“Cussy was so courageous and her strength an inspiration. She knew that her people needed books and she was willing to face any obstacle to achieve her goal. I loved this book!”
Nancy Simpson-Brice, Book Vault (Oskaloosa, IA):“Richardson’s story is endearing, eye-opening, and homey. Praise libraries, bookstores, and an amazing human spirit!”
Vicky Titcomb, Titcomb's Bookshop (East Sandwich, MA):“This story was poignant, inspiring and fascinating! There's so much to talk about! It will definitely make a great book club selection.”
Lee Virden Geurkink, Monkey and Dog Books (Fort Worth, TX):Beautiful. A love letter to a world that is gone and the fierce, smart people who inhabited it.
Derrick Brunner, Well-Read Moose (Coeur d'Alene, ID): O.M.G.! This is my favorite book in the past year! The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is a MUST READ!! I couldn't put this Appalachian novel down! Cussy Mary aka Bluet is born with an affliction, she has blue skin. She is also part of a program that brings library books to patrons in the mountains. That's just the tip of the iceberg! You will have to read it to find out more! LOVE!!
Jessica Kaplan, Bronx River Books (Scardsdale, NY):An absorbing read about the hill folk, the “hollers,” and Bluet, the courageous protagonist who well knew that “books’ll learn you.”
Joanne Berg, Mystery to Me (Madison, WI):Reading this book captures why ignorance is the number one cause of prejudice...I will love selling this book.
Victoria Patsantaras, Out West Books (Grand Junction, CO): I'd give it 10 out of 10 stars. What isn't to love?
Judy Manzo, Book Ends (Winchester, MA): I look forward to putting this book into the hands of many, many readers who love historical fiction as much as I do!
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"Book Woman of Troublesome Creek Song"
On Spotify
Words and music by Ruby Friedman, Guitar, Violin, Banjo : Ben Landsverk
translations
Canada, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Spain, Czech Republic, italy, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, FRANCE, UKRAINE, netherlands, French Canada
