We met once again via Zoom (thank you Maureen for helping to arrange that meeting) to discuss The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. I was happy that so many bookworms liked the book, and most of us agreed that although the setting was virtually the same as The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, the stories themselves, were vastly different from each other.
The book is set in Kentucky during the depression, and follows the life of Alice Wright, a British woman who marries Bennett Van Cleve, an American from Baileyville, Kentucky. Alice struggles in her marriage, and in her new town. She becomes a Pack-Horse Librarian, following Eleanor Roosevelt's program, and brings books to the rural residents of Appalachian Kentucky. The librarians have many obstacles to surmount in bringing books to the masses. As they face the many challenges together, the story is one of friendship, love, family, sexism, racism, domestic violence, and of course - books.
I loved the characters in this book, and was so sad when I finished reading it. The companionship and true friendship of the Pack Horse Librarians reminds me of our friendship with this book club. I just reread the poem that Fred Guiser reads to Alice in the novel, and placed it below for you to reread. It touched my heart.
See you in October!
XXOO
Robin L.
Hi Robin and book worms!
ReplyDeleteWow, I loved the footage! These pack horse librarians were like Santa Claus. Such beauty riding their horses to these remote places and bringing the joy of reading and learning to all these families!! Power of words!!
Hoping everyone is staying safe and I look forward to our next meeting. Lol, my face on the video showed my swollen cheek, from my wisdom tooth extraction. 😩
Be blessed,
Mary
Loved, loved this book! The camaraderie between the women was amazing. The singing outside the jailhouse, and the rescue from the floods make great scenes for a movie. I’m so glad this was chosen for our bookclub! Lourdes
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved this book! The camaraderie between the women was amazing. The singing outside the jailhouse, and the rescue from the floods make great scenes for a movie. I’m so glad this was chosen for our bookclub! Lourdes
ReplyDeleteLoved the book, especially the relationships formed among the women of that time period. They didn’t take “crap” from anyone and forged ahead to make this program a success. Interesting comparisons between this book and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which I also enjoyed very much. Somewhat different focus, character development but also showcased the bravery of the women who took on this job. Thank you Myrna for hosting and Maureen for setting up. Wonderful to see everyone virtually for now. Be safe and well. Love you all! ❤️
ReplyDeleteAlso, Thank you Robin A for doing this great blog! 💕
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me, I’m a bit crazy these days! I messed up a few times on this blog! First of all, thank you Robin L for hosting last months book club, sorry I did know that in my head somehow it don’t translate into this blog. And can’t wait to talk about The Keeper of Lost Things with Myrna on 10/5. Also, thank you Robin L, too funny, I thanked myself about putting up this blog! Thank you, Robin L for doing your always amazing job!!!!!! Too much quarantine time! See you all soon, sorry Robin L 😘💕💕💕
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ReplyDeleteI loved the book. It was nice to see a different spin on the lives of the Book Woman. It's amazing what a small group of women can do! I loved their love and dedication to their jobs and their friendship. It reminds me of our group and our of love of teaching, learning and gathering together despite a pandemic to read and discuss great books together. I'm looking forward to discussing Myrna's book with "a lovely cup of tea".
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