The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim MIchele Richardson

I am not a reader who tends to cry at books, but The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek moved me to tears. During the late 1930s as part of the WPA, books were delivered to very rural parts of the United States, especially the south by women (with the exception of a few men) who journeyed on horses or, in this case, mules. They were referred to as Pack Horse Librarians or the Book Woman. 

Cussy Mary Carter is one of the librarians who lives with her father, a coal miner in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky - not too far from Hazard. Her father, Elijah, is determined that Cussy be married and he sets out to find a suitable husband for her, as he had promised his late wife and Cussy's mother. There is a major obstacle in that Cussy, also known as Bluet, is one of the Blue People of Kentucky. She is a descendant of Martin Fugate, who brought his family to the area around 1800. He and his descendants suffered from a genetic trait that caused their skin to take on a blueish cast. Cussy has no desire to be married, but her father wins out and she is married to Charlie Frazier, a horrible man who rapes her and beats her into submission. He meets an appropriate end and Cussy returns to her father and her job as a Book Woman with her trusty, but temperamental mule, Junia. 

Throughout the novel the reader becomes acquainted with and enjoys the company of Cussy's patrons - Angeline and Willie Moffit (she pregnant and he who is dying from gangrene where he was shot in the foot), Winnie, the school teacher who is waiting to join her husband in Detroit, Henry, the little boy who suffers from pelagra, is starving, but gives Cussy a pineapple lifesaver as a present, R.C., who mans the firetower and anxiously await magazines, Oren Taft, who collects books for a family miles away, and Jackson Lovett, a wonderful man who flirts with Cussy and has a way with Junia. 

And then there are those who figure prominently in her life. She develops a warm relationship with Queenie, a colored co-worker who leaves Troublesome Creek for Philadelphia to become a librarian. Harriett Hardin is Cussy's boss at the library center and is mean, a racist, and jealous of Cussy's relationship to Jackson. Doc is the town physician, who takes an interest in a medicinal way to treat Cussy's blueish color. 

Cussy will take her place as one of my favorite literary characters. She is determined, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and a lover of books who enjoys sharing that love with others. She accepts her color despite the despicable and insidious racism of Troublesome Creek. When Angeline dies in childbirth and leaves her daughter, Honey, Cussy has no qualms about taking her for her own. 

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek tackles the theme of how religion can be tied to racism and as a threat when used by those who don't understand how a person of color feels. But it also is a testimony to the role that books play in society and the necessity of a family to participate in the education of the children. This theme is echoed throughout and was a major factor in my love of this book. It is definitely one of my favs and Cussy, a soul mate, for her love of sharing books.


 

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorrris

Inspired by a real life story, Sold on a Monday is a novel of despair, hope, and justice. Ellis Reed, a reporter for the Philadelphia Examiner, while out on an assignment, happens upon a sign that reads "2 Children for Sale." The year is 1931 when people are still feeling the effects of the depression and in the time of prohibition. He snaps a photo because he was so taken by their innocence. In a series of events, some propitious and another unfortunate, Lillian Palmer, secretary to the editor, of the paper sees it in the darkroom and shows it to the editor of the paper who assigns Ellis to write a feature story based on it. However, somehow before it can be used, it is destroyed. So Ellis needs to get back out in the country to get another one. However, when he reaches the home, he finds the sign in a heap and no children around. And so he recovers the sign, finds two children and stages a photo shoot.

Upon returning to the scene, he finds that the Dillard children, Ruby and Cavin, have actually been sold when their mother received a dire health diagnosis. As the novel progresses, Lily and Ellis feel responsible for the sale of the children and they concentrate their efforts to returning them to their mother, who has been informed that the health diagnosis was wrong. Along the way there are depictions of speak easies, heart-to-heart talks with Ellis' parents about what happened to his younger brother, romantic involvements for Lily, a brush with the mob, and self-realization for both Lily and Ellis. After an escapade that begs the reader to suspend reality, the novel comes to a satisfying and emotional conclusion. 

The characters are well drawn and elicit emotions from the reader: Clayton, Lily's romantic interest is kind, the Millstones are not what they appear to be, and the Palmers are understanding, kind and supportive. 

Kristina McMorris has penned a poignant and telling novel about how perseverance, guilt, and family ties influence the acts of individuals. It is a very good read and deserves the praise that it has garnered.