Helpful Score: 3
Cussy Mary Carter brings joy, wonder, practical skills, and a wider view of the world to the patrons along her book route while facing poverty, domestic violence, and racism. Along the way she reminds the reader of the power and importance of books and words. I loved getting lost in this story which felt like a mix of the homestead life from Little House on the Prairie and the gutsy survival of Educated. It moved me to tears and taught me about life in the hills of Kentucky. Bluet's story will stay with me for a long time.
Helpful Score: 2
I had no knowledge of the rare Blue people of Kentucky nor the historical Pack Horse Library Project. This is the story of 19 year old âBluetâ Cussy Mary and her trials and tribulations of being one of the compassionate Pack Hours librarians, trekking up and down treacherous mountains with her devoted mule. Cussy was the last of the Blue People, rejected and scorned because of her color. She was passionate about bringing books to her impoverished clients and help teach children to read.
This fascinating story had me telling every one who would listen to read this memorable book about the gentle Blue People of Appalachia. I couldn't stop thinking about it.
This fascinating story had me telling every one who would listen to read this memorable book about the gentle Blue People of Appalachia. I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Helpful Score: 2
This has to be one of my favorite books. I love the story, I love the strength that Cussy has and all she overcomes.
Helpful Score: 2
I saw this book just after it was released, and recommended it to my book club. Last month it was finally chosen, though it seemed every other book club in the area had made the same decision at the same time. All of the library copies have been checked out for months, so I purchased a new copy and passed it around.
The story grabbed me from the beginning. Growing up in Virginia, I've done a lot of camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains over the years, and I'm always interested in the history of that area. The Kentucky Blues are new to me, as is the Pack-Horse Librarian Project, and I am now inspired to learn more. Thank you for presenting that opportunity.
And the story was great! Cussy Mary lived a hard life, but it paled in comparison to most of her mountain neighbors. She was one of those hidden heroes that brought light into the darkness of others' lives. She provided them with hope and a willingness to push forward, with her spirit, and her books. This is definitely something I will recommend to my friends and community.
The story grabbed me from the beginning. Growing up in Virginia, I've done a lot of camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains over the years, and I'm always interested in the history of that area. The Kentucky Blues are new to me, as is the Pack-Horse Librarian Project, and I am now inspired to learn more. Thank you for presenting that opportunity.
And the story was great! Cussy Mary lived a hard life, but it paled in comparison to most of her mountain neighbors. She was one of those hidden heroes that brought light into the darkness of others' lives. She provided them with hope and a willingness to push forward, with her spirit, and her books. This is definitely something I will recommend to my friends and community.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a lovely book telling about a culture that I have never really understood or known. Always doing your best despite the tribulations of life is a great way to live no matter where you end up in your life.
