The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek Book Club Discussion Questions

Read synopsis here.

Discussion Questions:

1. Before reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek did you know about the Kentucky Pack Horse program that was introduced in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA)? Did you know about the blue-skinned people of Kentucky? Did it pique your interest that you did some research about the topics?

2. The WPA raison d’etre was to to help create jobs and improve economic recovery in the Great Depression. The women’s work programs such as the Pack Horse Librarian was a result of that goal. Do you think that the Pack Horse Librarian program helped the people in the remote area of the Appalachians? What changes did you notice? Do you think today’s library programs are essential for the community?

3. Elijah, Cussy Mary’s father, marries her off to Charlie Frazier. Why did he accept Charlie’s proposal knowing that Cussy didn’t want to wed him? What do you think of Elijah knowing that he married Cussy off to an abusive man? What do you think Elijah felt like?

4. There were many themes in the book such as racism, violence and discrimination, poverty, rare genetic disease, and grief to name a few. Which impacted you the most?

5. The Pack Horse Librarians supported their patrons by bringing them books and other helpful materials to them in their treacherous and remote locations. Is there a librarian or book lover that has impacted your life or improved it?

6. Of the patrons that were detailed, which did you like the most? Which character did you dislike?

7. Were you surprised with anything in the book?

8. Do you think that Jackson Lovett and Cussy are a good match? Why?

9. Cussy did get a cure for her blue skin from Doc but the medicine gave her side effects that were too much for her to handle. Would you continue to take the medicine if you in Cussy’s shoes? Would you choose health or being white skinned?

10. At the Independence Day celebration Cussy was still ostracized despite her skinned changed color. Why do you think she received so much prejudice? What does it say about the community in which she is part of?

11. In the 1930s, interracial marriage was a crime that could lead to a prison stay. Do you think that the prejudices towards interracial couple are still prevalent?

12. What did you think of the ending? Did you find it ended abruptly? Did you want to find out more about what happened after the end/epilogue? Did you feel satisfied with the ending?

13. What did you take away from the book? Did you learn anything new?

14. Did you enjoy The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and who would you recommend it to?

Enhance Your Book Club:

Check out Study Guide: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek for detailed chapter summaries, character analysis, quotes and key themes.

Enjoy the author interview with Kim Michele Richardson!