NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author,
Kim Michele Richardson, is a multiple-award winning author who has
written five works of historical fiction, and a bestselling memoir.
Kim Michele was born and raised in Kentucky and lives there with
her family and beloved dogs. She is also the founder of Shy Rabbit,
a writers residency and scholarship implemented for low-income
writers.
To learn more, please visit Kim Michele on her Facebook page and or
website at www.kimmichelerichardson.com
"Richardson has penned an emotionally moving and fascinating story
about the power of literacy over bigotry, hatred and fear." -
BookPage
"With a focus on the personal joy and broadened horizons that can
result from access to reading material, this well-researched tale
serves as a solid history lesson on 1930s Kentucky. A unique story
about Appalachia and the healing power of the written word." -
Kirkus Reviews
"This gem of a historical from Richardson (The Sisters of Glass
Ferry) features an indomitable heroine navigating a community
steeped in racial intolerance. In 1936, 19-year-old Cussy Mary
Carter works for the New Deal–funded Pack Horse Library Project,
delivering reading material to the rural people of
Kentucky...Readers will adore the memorable Cussy and appreciate
Richardson's fine rendering of rural Kentucky life." - Publishers
Weekly
"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." - Deep South Magazine
"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
"The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a timely and necessary
novel, certain to find an enthusiastically loyal following among
book clubs, for whom it offers myriad opportunities for engagement,
and with librarians and library patrons, for whom it is a
heartrending hero's tale. " - The Charleston Post & Courier
"Based on true stories from different times (the blue-skinned
people of Kentucky and the WPA's Pack Horse Librarians), this novel
packs a lot of hot topics into one narrative. Perfect for book
clubs." - Library Journal
"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
"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
"Readers will respond to quiet Cussy's steel spine...And book
groups who like to explore lesser-known aspects of American history
will be fascinated." - Booklist
"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 un-put-downable work that
holds real cultural significance." - Sara Gruen, author of Water
for Elephants
"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
"Emotionally resonant and unforgettable, The Book Woman of
Troublesome Creek is a lush love letter to the redemptive power of
books. It is by far my favorite KMR book—and I am her huge fan.
Cussy Mary is an indomitable and valiant heroine, and through her
true-blue eyes, 1930s Kentucky comes to vivid and often harrowing
life. Richardson's dialogue is note-perfect; Cussy Mary's voice is
still ringing in my head, and the sometimes dark story she tells
highlights such gorgeous, glowing grace notes that I was often
moved to hopeful tears. " - Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times and
USA Today bestselling author of The Almost Sisters
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