Kim Michele Richardson wrote “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” a story set in the 1930s that follows Cussy Mary Carter, one of Kentucky’s packhorse librarians. She is part of the historical Pack Horse Library Project, delivering books to people in remote Appalachian areas.
As one of the “blue people” of Kentucky, Cussy faces prejudice and isolation while trying to bring education and hope to her community. The book captures the struggles and resilience of a woman dedicated to her mission in a neglected corner of the world.
“The Dollmaker” by Harriette Simpson Arnow tells the story of Gertie Nevels, a resourceful woman from rural Kentucky who sacrifices her dreams to support her family.
Gertie carves wooden dolls, but when her husband moves the family to Detroit for work during World War II, their lives are changed. The novel shows the contrast between the simple life they left behind in Kentucky and the hardships they face in the industrial city.
It’s a powerful look at family, identity, and resilience.
C. E. Morgan’s “The Sport of Kings” follows generations of the Forge family, wealthy landowners in Kentucky, and their longstanding obsession with horse racing. The story dives into the family’s ambitions, secrets, and the racial and class tensions that shape their world.
At its heart is a complicated relationship between the Forges and an African American horse trainer, Henry, whose life intertwines with theirs in unexpected ways.
The novel captures life on the sprawling farm and the high stakes of the racetrack against the backdrop of Kentucky’s history.
“The Choir Invisible” by James Lane Allen is set in frontier-era Kentucky and follows the intertwined lives of a schoolmaster named John Gray and Amy Falconer, a married woman.
The story captures their intense, unspoken bond while exploring themes of love, duty, and personal sacrifice. It paints a vivid picture of life in the untamed wilderness, showing both its hardships and beauty.
Jojo Moyes wrote “The Giver of Stars,” a story set in Depression-era Kentucky that follows a group of women who deliver books to rural families as part of the Pack Horse Library Project.
Alice, an Englishwoman who marries a man from Kentucky, finds herself drawn into this library program. Through their journeys across the rugged landscape, the women face challenges and form deep bonds.
The book highlights their struggles and perseverance in a tough and changing world.
James Lane Allen wrote “A Kentucky Cardinal,” a story about a man named Adam who lives a solitary life surrounded by nature in rural Kentucky. His quiet existence shifts when he becomes enchanted by Georgiana, a lively neighbor who challenges his peaceful, withdrawn world.
The book captures the beauty of nature and the tender, complicated connection between the two characters.
“Night Rider” by Robert Penn Warren is set in rural Kentucky during the early 1900s. The story revolves around the tobacco wars, a period when farmers united under the Planters’ Protective Association to fight against monopolistic tobacco companies.
The novel follows Percy Munn, a quiet lawyer who becomes deeply involved in the association. As tensions escalate, Munn is drawn into violence and moral conflict, facing the consequences of his actions and the collapse of his own ideals.
The book captures the struggles of community and the price of loyalty in a time of upheaval.
The novel “All the Living” by C. E. Morgan takes place in rural Kentucky and tells the story of a young woman named Aloma who moves to a farm with her boyfriend, Orren, after he inherits the land following his family’s tragic deaths.
Aloma grapples with the loneliness and monotony of farm life while Orren becomes consumed by his work. The story explores their struggles with grief, love, and the weight of unspoken emotions set against the backdrop of an isolated and hauntingly beautiful landscape.
The book “Finding H.F.” by Julia Watts follows the journey of a teenage girl named Heavenly Faith Simms, who is growing up in a small Kentucky town. H.F., as she’s called, faces challenges with her sexuality and her evangelical family.
Determined to find her mother, who left years earlier, she sets out on a road trip with her best friend, Bo. The story captures themes of love, identity, and searching for belonging in a conservative community.
“Groundskeeping” by Lee Cole tells the story of Owen, a young man who takes a job as a groundskeeper at a small college in Kentucky to get his footing after a rough patch in life.
While living in his grandfather’s basement, he dreams of becoming a writer and starts a relationship with Alma, a former journalist with a very different background. The novel paints a vivid picture of rural Kentucky, mixing family tensions, love, and questions of ambition.
The book “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” by Alice Hegan Rice tells the story of Mrs. Wiggs, a poor but spirited woman living in a shantytown near Louisville, Kentucky.
She faces hardships with humor and optimism, trying to provide for her children while dealing with difficult neighbors. The book introduces interesting characters, like the wealthy woman who befriends Mrs. Wiggs and helps bring some joy to her life.
Through it all, Mrs. Wiggs keeps her focus on her dreams for a better future.
The book “The Anomalies” by Joey Goebel focuses on a quirky group of misfits who form an unconventional rock band. Each member has a distinct personality that sets them apart, from an elderly woman to a war veteran.
As they travel across Kentucky, they challenge societal norms and struggle with their own personal issues, leading to unexpected connections and moments of dark humor.
The “Coffin Quilt” by Ann Rinaldi tells the story of the infamous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys through the eyes of Fanny McCoy, a young girl caught in the chaos.
Her family’s bitterness and the spiraling violence surrounding her lead to difficult choices and a growing fear of what vengeance can destroy. The book captures the tension, secrets, and heartbreak that defined a piece of Appalachian history.
Gwyn Hyman Rubio wrote “Icy Sparks,” a story about a young girl growing up in rural Kentucky during the 1950s. Icy, the main character, struggles with her uncontrollable tics and outbursts, which lead to her being ostracized by those around her.
As she learns more about herself and the condition causing her behavior, she discovers both challenges and unexpected connections in her community. The book paints a vivid picture of small-town life and explores themes of loneliness and acceptance.
“Lovey Mary” by Alice Hegan Rice is the story of a spirited young woman who grew up in an orphanage and decides to forge her own path.
Set in Kentucky, the book follows Lovey as she takes charge of her life, caring for a young boy while trying to escape the shadow of her mischievous past.
With a mix of heartfelt moments and a touch of humor, Lovey’s determination and relationships bring energy to this simple yet engaging tale.
The novel “Keziah Dane” by Sue Grafton tells the story of a widowed woman living in rural Kentucky, struggling to care for her family in the face of poverty. Keziah’s life takes a turn when an old flame returns, forcing her to confront her past and her resilience as a mother.
The book paints a vivid picture of survival, family bonds, and the hardships of life in a small Southern town.
The novel “Nick of the Woods” by Robert Montgomery Bird is set in the Kentucky frontier during the late 18th century.
It follows the story of a seemingly timid Bible-quoting Quaker named Nathan Slaughter, who leads a shocking double life as a fierce and calculated avenger known as “Nick.”
The book explores the clash between settlers and Native Americans, centering on Nathan’s quest for vengeance against the Shawnee. The contrast between his mild-mannered appearance and his brutal alter ego keeps the tale engaging.
The book “Talking Man” by Terry Bisson is about a mechanic in Kentucky who secretly works to keep the world in balance. Instead of fixing cars, he’s battling cosmic forces to stop reality from unraveling.
The story takes readers on a strange journey that starts in his quiet, rural life but expands into something much larger and surreal. It’s a mix of small-town charm and otherworldly adventures, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in unexpected ways.