“This is Richardson’s finest, as beautiful and honest as it is fierce and heart-wrenching.”

“A hauntingly atmospheric love letter to the first mobile library in Kentucky and the fierce, brave pack-horse librarians who wove their way from shack to shack dispensing literacy, hope, and—just as importantly—a compassionate human connection.”

“Fascinating…The factual information alone would make this book a treasure, but with her impressive storytelling and empathy, Richardson gives us so much more.”

“[A] demonstration of the power of learning to overcome prejudice.”

“This gem of a historical…[is] fine rendering of rural Kentucky life.”

“Based on true stories from different times, this novel packs a lot of hot topics into one narrative.”

“Schorr delivers a touching narrative performance, really striving to capture the essence of the Bluegrass State. Throughout the reading she maintains an authentic Southern lilt and uses subtle changes in her accent or pitch to differentiate among characters. Schorr especially brings Cussy’s character to life, allowing her to become a lovable, almost tangible heroine the audience is sure to adore.”

“Essentially about the power of reading and libraries, it also explores the extreme rural poverty of 1930s Appalachia and labor unrest among coal miners. Readers…who like to explore lesser-known aspects of American history will be fascinated.”

“With a focus on the personal joy and broadened horizons that can result from access to reading material, this well-researched tale serves as a solid history lesson on 1930s Kentucky.”

“Emotionally resonant and unforgettable…a lush love letter to the redemptive power of books.”

“A rare literary adventure that casts librarians as heroes, smart, tough women on horseback in rough terrain doing the brave and hard work of getting the right book into the right hands. Richardson has weaved an inspiring tale about the power of literature.”