It's ironic that both The Giver of Stars (#876), Jojo Moyes's latest novel, and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson arrived at the library for me at the same time. I read The Book Woman first, because a number of my friends had recommended it, and if you read my post of 1/27/20, you will see that I do too.
What was a rich evocation of time and place in Book Woman is watered down into pretty pastel white women's romantic woes in The Giver of Stars. I know Jojo Moyes has a legion of fans out there who will undoubtedly think this is the best thing since sliced bread, but to me, there is no comparison. I couldn't even be bothered to waste my time finishing this. If you want something that is closer to what these hill folk of Kentucky experienced during the Great Depression, skip The Giver of Stars and go directly to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. You'll actually learn some interesting facts by reading it, and be moved by its emotional power.
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