Helpful Score: 1
The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautifully written historical novel. The author captured the time-period and locale. I felt that the author transported me into the hills of Kentucky where working in the coal mines was the main occupation. There are some great characters in this story. Addie Cowherd was fortunate when she was adopted by Fern and Penrose Cowherd. They raised her to be resilient and to rely on God. Emmett Tharp is proud to have completed high school and college. He is a hard worker and a gentleman. Nanny Fay was my favorite character. She had such a cheery attitude despite how she is treated and the hardships she endures. Nanny Fay was a woman of strong faith. It was fascinating learning about the Kentucky Pack Horse Project. Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to feed people minds. Women worked long hours transporting reading materials by horseback or mule to remote farms. The point-of-view switches between Addie, Emmett, Nanny Fay, and Bettina (a horseback librarian from Boone's Hollow). The author captured the mountain vernacular spoken by Bettina and the other mountain folk. I like how the Christian message was present through the whole book. It is wonderful that we are reminded to be kind to others and despite how one may be treated to âkill them with kindnessâ (a phrase my mother used with me when I was growing up). I also liked the Scripture passages used in the book that supported the various messages. The Librarian of Boone's Hollow was a joy to read. There are references to physical abuse in the story which, unfortunately, was common. I like that the romance was not at the forefront. Some wonderful classic books are mentioned in the story. My favorite phrase came from Addie who loved books and said, ânothing more magical or as satisfying as a book.â If you like to read Christian historical novels, then you should read The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. The Librarian of Boone's Hollow is a special Christian tale with beloved books, a stubborn steed, a persistent person, a missing manuscript, surprising superstitions, and a gracious God.
