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Historical Fiction

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Format: Book
Who it’s for:  Adults

Based on the true story of the Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky, this story is a love letter to Appalachia (Appa-latch-uh, not Appa-lay-cha) heritage, librarians and the blue skinned people.  Cussy Carter, otherwise known as Bluet, is one of the last remaining blue people of Kentucky and she doesn’t want to marry.  She wants to be a pack horse librarian delivering books to the mountain people in her town of Troublesome Creek.  Her father wants to make sure she is taken care of so he marries her off anyway.  The marriage does not go well and soon Cussy is living her dream delivering books and meeting all the people in her mountain community.

However, Cussy must deal with racism, poverty and the unforgiving hardship of living in 1930s Appalachia.  Cussy has blue skin and like others that are not white, she runs into the cruelty of racism.  She wants to be white and in exchange for food and protection decides to undergo experiments and experimental treatment for her blue skin which is in fact a genetic disorder called, Methemoglobinemia.

Cussy is one of the strongest, kindest characters I’ve read about recently.  She is beautiful inside and out and you want to wrap her up in a warm hug.  I really enjoyed this story of strength, compassion and, of course, librarians on horses!  I was also lucky to hear the author interviewed and found the history of the Pack Horse Library Project fascinating.  Check out her website for more information – https://www.kimmichelerichardson.com/the-book-woman-of-troublesome-creek

Find it in the catalog

 

#OwnVoices

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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “own voices.” I’m going to talk about what it means, why it’s important, and offer a few title suggestions.

Corrine Duyvis created the #OwnVoices hashtag in 2015 to promote children’s and young adult books written by someone from a marginalized or under-represented group who writes characters based on their own experiences, and from their own perspective. The number of #OwnVoices authors and their stories is growing, but their stories are still often told by authors with an outside perspective.

#OwnVoices is about bringing awareness to under-represented authors and what they bring to the world of writing through their lived experiences. It’s about bringing awareness to readers that there are so many more experiences in the world than our own; and that we become better people, citizens, and friends when we read beyond their own experiences. It’s about reaching the children and teens that pick up book after book, never seeing themselves or their experiences represented by the main characters in a book.

Use #OwnVoices on social media or in your search engine to find a selection of titles. Take a look at #WeNeedDiverseBooks on Overdrive or Libby to find a selection of #OwnVoices ebooks and audiobooks. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Published May 5, 2020
ebook and audiobook
Who It’s For: Teens

Alternating between the Dominican Republic and New York, the reader experiences what loss does to two teens, and how forgiveness brings them together and helps them to heal. I have started reading this and the poetic verse of Elizabeth Acevedo does not disappoint.

Find the ebook or audiobook.

 

 

Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden
Published January 14, 2020
Book
Who It’s For: Teens

Set in the early 1900s in Washington, D.C., Savannah is a member of the upper class. She soon gets a view into how the other half lives, and is inspired to fight for changes. Step back in time to 100 years ago when people were fighting for change, just as they are today.

Find it in the catalog.

 

 

I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
Published June 16, 2020
ebook
Who It’s For: Teen

Skye wants to be a K-pop star, and she’s going to audition no matter what people say about her weight. She has something to prove, and she’s going to do it in front of the world. Confident Skye brings on the fun and body positivity in this light-hearted rom-com.

Find the ebook.

 

 

The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
Published April 23, 2019
Book
Who It’s For: Teens

The stories of Esha and Kunal are based on ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology. Secretly, Esha is the Viper, an assassin bent on taking down General Hotha. Inevitably, Kunal, a soldier and the nephew of General Hotha, crosses paths with the Viper.

This first book in the series is full of romance, action, and magic.

Find it in the catalog.

Spellbound

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Spellbound by Allie Therin
Format: Hoopla
Who it is for: Adults

Arthur (Ace) Kenzie leads a double life. By day he is the son of a prominent politician and a member of the upper class. By night, he works with his paranormal friends to save the world from the supernatural relics that could cause the destruction of mankind. A new relic has appeared and Ace needs someone who can see into the past to keep the relic from causing havoc. Rory, the grumpy, young, and extremely powerful paranormal fits the bill. However, the last thing Ace needs is to fall for this grouchy but very handsome young man. 

If you are looking for an incredibly sweet paranormal romance set during prohibition in the heart of New York, Allie Therin’s delightful book absolutely fits the bill. Filled with mystery and longing looks, Spellbound is a wonderful escape. Find the audiobook on Hoopla. 

The Duke and I

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The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Format: Book and eBook
Who it’s for: Adults

Simon is never getting married. He has simply decided it’s not an option. However, this doesn’t stop all the marriage-minded mamas from trying to snag a duke for their daughters. Daphne would love to get married, but everyone seems to think of her more of a friend and not a potential bride. Daphne and Simon concoct a brilliant plan to help both of them through the marriage season in London. They will pretend to be court. This will help Daphne attract the eye of other eligible men, and Simon can escape the efforts of those marriage-minded mamas. However, neither planned on actually falling in love. Julia Quinn’s first novel in the lovely Bridgertons series, The Duke and I, is a sweet and funny story of two very stubborn people learning just what it means to make a relationship work. Be on the lookout for the Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix series featuring all the Bridgerton siblings, which will be out next year. Find it in the catalog

A Week to Be Wicked

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A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare
Format: Book, eBook, Digital Audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

Minerva “Min” Highwood has a problem—she needs to be in Scotland posthaste to present her newest fossil discovery at a geological conference, but as an unmarried woman, she can’t make the trip alone. Lord Colin Payne wants to leave the secluded town where they both live, but has no means to do so until he comes into his inheritance on his next birthday. So, what are a scholarly spinster and debonair playboy to do? Why pretend to elope, of course! At the onset of the trip, they both claim no romantic interest in one another whatsoever, but seven long days in extremely close quarters just might change their minds. A Week to Be Wicked is the second installment in Tessa Dare’s “Spindle Cove” series and the rest of the books come just as highly recommended.

Find it in the catalog

The Spymistress

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The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini
Format: Book
Who’s It For: Teens and Adults

Elizabeth Van Lew is true to her southern roots. Yet when delegates in Richmond, Virginia vote to secede from the Union, Elizabeth cannot bear to contribute a stitch to Confederate sewing circles. How can Lizzie aid President Lincoln?

After hearing of bloodied battles, Lizzie discovers that local prisoners of war live in squalid conditions. The food is inadequate. Blankets are nearly nonexistent. Wounds are often left to fester and worsen. Intrepid and creative, Lizzie and her mother bake their way into the prison, bribing guards to reach those behind bars. Soon Lizzie is smuggling messages to and from imprisoned leaders.

As the war continues, Lizzie must protect her family from possible deadly repercussions.  She holds dinner parties for Confederate leaders to obscure her true allegiance.  She enlists the help of a freed black woman to ferret out military secrets within the Confederate president’s home. Lizzie and her mother have a secret room built in their mansion.  They temporarily house runaway prisoners and slaves. Also, Elizabeth is introduced to a network of other spies in Richmond.  Together, they smuggle, confound, and plot for the sake of the Union.

Although this is a fictionalized account, Elizabeth Van Lew was an actual person in history. Through her eyes, the reader experiences this unique time in which our country was fiercely divided in its loyalties and devastatingly bloody in its consequences.

And look!  It’s in our catalog!