"The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Richardson

  This novel is about the power of reading - books, as well as magazines, and even home-made books with recipes and patterns and local gossip.  It is based on facts.  
  In the hills of Kentucky in the 1930's, the government organized a Packhorse Librarian program.  The protagonist of this novel was 19 and wanted that position.  She was unusual in that she had blue skin.  It is a fact that there were people with blue skin in Kentucky at that time.  For that reason, this fictional character was nicknamed Bluet, but her real name was Cussy Mary Carter.  She was discriminated against and for that reason, she sent her application for the pack horse project by mail, so they would not know the color of her skin.
   Cussy Mary was very serious about this job.  She hoped to bring comfort and literacy to the isolated people living in the hills of Kentucky.  She rode a mule on her trips and often she stopped to read to those who were illiterate.
  The novel also touches on the custom of 'courting candles'.
  It is basically very sad in many parts as there is poverty and abuse, but it is also inspiring.

  I have written a blog about librarians with a mission.  One of those librarians is also in the hills of Kentucky.  You can read about it here.