What would you include? Do you think these materials were helpful to Cussy's library patrons?Ħ. Imagine you are making a community scrapbook like the ones Cussy distributes to the people of Troublesome. How do you think Cussy's father feels after he marries her off to an abusive man? Why do you think he agrees to Charlie Frazier's proposal in the first place? What do you imagine life was like for an unwed woman at that time?ĥ.

Do you think Cussy faced this kind of prejudice from the outside world? Is there any prejudice or stigma associated with the people of Appalachia today?Ĥ. Missionaries, government, social workers, and various religious groups have always visited eastern Kentucky to reform, modernize, and mold hillfolk to their acceptable standards. How has a librarian or booklover impacted your life? Have you ever connected with a book or author in a meaningful way? Explain.ģ. Looking at the novel, how did the program affect the people in this remote area? Do you think library programs are still a vital part of our society today?Ģ. The Kentucky Pack Horse program was implemented in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to create women's work programs and to assist economic recovery and build literacy.

It's also inspiring as one young woman struggles to find her own way.ġ. The book also deals with discrimination of the blue-skinned people that lived in Appalachia. 'A timeless and significant tale about poverty, intolerance and how books can bring hope and light to even the darkest pocket of history.' - Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of Liar Temptress Soldier Spyīook Club Talking Points: An Emotional and compelling read highlighting the extreme poverty and monstrous conditions of the coal mining country of Kentucky.

A quick, riveting read that celebrates the power of both books and community.' - Toronto Star ' explores a premise that's highly unusual - and utterly compelling. 'hauntingly atmospheric.an un-put-downable work that holds real cultural significance.' - Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants

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The book troublesome creek