Alice recently moved from England to Kentucky in the late 1930's. In a difficult marriage and lonely she joins a group of women who deliver books to rural communities on horseback. This is based on a true story of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's idea of a Pack Horse Library Project. The book also covers a wide variety of difficult topics from that time period including how poor people were taken advantage of when working in the coal mines and how people of color were shunned. What I liked most about the book were the friendships and relationships built between the women librarians and the people they delivered books to. The women all joined for different reasons but come together to help one of their own out. I finished this book days ago and still think about how wonderful it was!

This is an incredible story! The beautiful, rich prose transported me directly to the 18th century Kentucky mountainside. The characters are deep, complex, and relate-able. Moyes crafted a compelling and complex plot with a focus on women's rights, racism, and the value of knowledge and education. I don't typically read books more than once but I know I will return to this one many times because I love it so much!

I loved this book about the WPA Horseback Librarians! Set in rural Appalachian Kentucky around 1935 this historical fiction highlights the challenges of getting the program up & running. From difficult trails up into the mountains, to suspicious mountain families, classist & racist townspeople, & severe weather conditions, still the librarians persevered. The benefits to the new patrons, some of whom were really isolated & didn’t see many people but their own family members & the librarians, were immense. The intimacy of visiting people’s homes to offer them reading material is an interesting facet of this program as well. Many of the mountain people lived in extreme poverty but most were kind & generous & tried to give back to the librarians. I loved the vignettes of children learning to read, wives sharing new recipes, families celebrating & grieving ( & even a “shocking” book scandal!).

There is an added layer of a town based in the mining trade during a time with no unions (some were trying to form & met with extreme violence by the mine bosses). Without unions workers who got hurt on the job were not compensated & then found themselves unemployable after with their families plunged into a deeper level of poverty. Before the unions, conditions were deplorable & it seemed to be common to have regular losses of lives or limbs. The plot on the local mine & the affects to the land & people was interesting. I do have to admit that it was particularly easy to hate the mine owner. We get to know him personally through his daughter-in-law’s eyes & then see his profit driven business methods & he does not seem to have one redeeming characteristic. This may be a bit one dimensional but it certainly made for a good villain. The other characters are much more complex and layered & you just come to love them & hope for everything to come out okay in the end.

Once again, JoJo Moyes did not let me down; love stories, literacy, friendship, & even a murder trial. I flew through this book in a day because I didn’t want to put it down.

* I received a digital galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alice was considered outspoken and socially inept by her family in England. So when she met and fell in love with Bennet Van Cleve, her family was thrilled to see her married and off to America. When she got off the ship she was surprised to find that she would not be living in a city like New York but rather in Baileyville in the Appalachians in Kentucky. Bennett’s father, Geoffrey, owned a nearby mine and since Bennet worked with his father, it was natural that the couple would move into the large Van Cleve family home.
Alice was soon bored and had not been able to make friends in the town. Then a local woman held a meeting for the townspeople and told of a WPA library program that would employ women to deliver books on horses to people in rural areas. Alice volunteered over the objections of her husband and father in law.
There were 4 women who worked as the traveling librarians: Alice, Margery, Beth and Izzy. Margery was the rough hewn daughter of a known bootlegger. Izzy was the daughter of the director of the program and had survived polio but wore a leg brace. Beth was a local girl who needed a job. Eventually they hired Sonia, a black woman who had previously worked in a library in Louisville, to keep records. However Sonia’s employment had to be kept a secret from locals who did not like the idea of a black person working with the other women.
It took awhile for the women to gain the confidence of the locals but eventually many of the mountain people were anxious to see them each week.
Married life was proving difficult for Alicia and Bennet. They had never consummated the marriage & Bennet did not seem interested in doing so. Everything came to a head when Alice gave 2 of Bennett’s late mothers’ dolls to some girls who had lost their father. Mr. Van Cleve reacted to this news by violently striking Alice and afterward she left the Van Cleve home to live with Margery.
Mr. Van Cleve was now an enemy of Alice and all the others associated with the traveling library. He did his best to have it shut down, even beseeching the governor to stop the program.
The rest of the story deals with consequences of the enmity between Mr. Van Cleve and Slice. Van Cleve also developed a hatred of Margery who he felt was inciting townspeople to deny him the ability to expand his coal mine.
This is a well written story of the historical significance of the revolutionary program of sending librarians out to the mountains to circulate books. It also spotlighted the unlikely friendship and bond between the librarians. Each of the women also developed a strength when she was faced with adversity.
The story has been bought by a major movie company and will be filmed soon.
This ARC was provided by the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I loved this book. The story was a totally new historical subject to me and so full of girl power and forward thinking I can't imagine why feminists aren't talking about it. I liked how Moyes added a twist with a quirky, strong, independent character who wasn't afraid to ruffle emotions to do what is right. The prejudices of the time period (1930s) was hard to read but I loved how Moyes managed to get a little bit of humanity into each character, even the horrid mine owner.

If you like books, horses, American history, a love story, strong fantastic characters and a structured, well planned storyline then this book is for you.

This is the sort of book one wonders if it's even worth reviewing, because Moyes is so popular, will sell so many copies of The Giver of Stars, and the thing is already optioned to be made into a film. Plus it's such a NICE story - five plucky women in De[ressopm era Appalachian Kentucky take part in the WPA Pack Horse Library Project, delivering books, magazines, and handmade scrapbooks to isolated and impoverished residents. What can one little ol' review of this surefire hit of the fall do to shine some light on this over ripe piece of inspiring historical fiction? Something positive to start - these early librarians were braver than brave, fighting misogyny, ignorance, racism, unforgiving landscapes and weather, their own doubts and fears, and the physical and social dangers of breaking convention to bring literacy to the masses. I only wish Moyes had not descended into MELODRAMA to prove her points, because the basic story is so interesting and yes, inspiring. But fiction gives Moyes her chance to showcase what some trademark humour, lip biting courage and romance, not to mention evil mining barons, dams breaking, and a good old fashioned murder trial of one of the librarians capping it all. I love a good librarian story as much as anyone, especially a murderous one. But I wanted to hear as much as possible about the mechanics of the book delivery operations, right from Eleanor Roosevelt's pitching it as part of the New Deal and the remarkable network of women who made it possible. It's just so interesting - how did they choose the books to bring to patrons, keep the books in repair, carry the weight on their brave horses, keep up their spirits and physical conditioning when they had to ride miles on horseback and often were treated like dirt by the suspicious beneficiaries, and worse by the town fathers and vicious gossips back in Baileyville, all to eager to shut the whole thing down. The story didn't need the moonshine, the bad marriages, the frustrated love affairs. I'd much rather read about the canning and cooking tomes that men began reading along with the women, the westerns and comics that brought the joy of reading to childre, the romances and history that opened up new worlds for people who had never left their mountains, and the health and hygiene books that were in such high demand, raising not just literacy rates but well being and happiness. One such title, Married Love by Marie Swopes, brings the most contentment and the most controversy as men realize women are using literacy not only to please their husbands, but to please themselves. Most of all women empowered women, bringing glimpses of a better way of being as the librarians discovered what a potent force they could be in the world for abused or exploited or downtrodden women of all backgrounds. Moyes gets off some good lines "Honestly, I never even thouh I liked other girls till I became a librarian," says one character and I know exactly how she feels. So this librarian votes yes, because Moyes' book will be read by so many who will discover again how brilliant the history of librarianship is and hopefully, will continue to be..

During the Great Depression, a New Deal program brought books to Kentuckians living in remote areas. Known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky, librarians rode into the Kentucky mountains, their saddlebags stuffed with books. This book begins by introducing the reader to the five women who chose to face unknown dangers delivering books to people in isolated rural areas. Through one surprising twist after another the reader learns what happens with each of these women and to the men in their lives. This is a wonderful novel about the power and strength of women.

The Giver of Stars was not what I expected....it was better. Sadly, as I librarian, I didn't know much about the Pack Horse Library Project during the Great Depression so I am really thankful for Jojo Moyes creating this novel and opening my eyes to this important piece of American History. Centered around two unlikely heroines, I found myself caught up in the tale of Alice and Margery as they form a friendship traveling on horseback to deliver books to neighbors who may be illiterate or unable to make it into town for books and magazines. Though seemingly different, both really want the same thing: to be independent, loved and seen for who they truly are. I can't recommend this book enough!

Another great book from Jojo Moyes! Don't read this book expecting You Before Me, because it's nothing like it, but that does not mean you should not read it because it's wonderful.

Alice agrees to marry Bennett Van Cleve, a handsome American, hoping to escape her life in England which has left her feeling trapped. She quickly finds out that she is just as trapped in America, until there is a call for horseback librarians in her area.

It through this job she that meets and becomes from with Margery, who because of things her father did in the past, does not have a great reputation. Both women have to beat the odds stacked against them to truly be happy, especially when one of the townspeople ends up dead and everyone wants to pin it on Margery.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Engaging and endearing characters drive this wonderful historical fiction novel. JoJo Moyes takes you to a time and place that is heart breaking yet hopeful! A must read for fans and a great introduction those new to her novels.

Having lived in Kentucky my entire life, I always approach books about my state somewhat skeptically. It seems many do not characterize our rich heritage in a manner that sheds light to the beauty and rich culture we have developed. However, I must say that, with this read, I was most pleased and touched with the beautiful story that unfolds throughout the plot. The women who became known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky are wonderfully described and very fully come to life through the pages of this book. The story has resounded themes such as justice, humanity, passion, and of course, the dramas that ensue with fierce loyalty. Through their lives, actions and deeds, they share the great equalizer with the masses and that is the concept and knowledge that comes through education and learning. It is truly a gift. I recommend this to the fullest. Its richly developed storytelling abilities are sure to be a hit among many.

Right now it seems as if there are several books about the horseback librarians that worked for the WPA in the depression. I read one that was absolutely terrible--this one though, is wonderful. It has a lot of information about how the program worked as well as romance, mystery, murder, and great friendships. I guess I would not expect less of JoJo Moyes, but this is a little different for her and she does a masterful job with this story. It will especially resonate with librarians, but I think everyone will love it. (It would make a great audio book I would surmise as there would be Alice"s British accent contrasting with the southern accents of the residents of Baileyville. Enjoy!

This was such a great book! The plot revolves around a team of packhorse librarians, and it is all that and so much more! There's friendship, women and the hardships faced just for being women, there's motherhood, love, and the Kentucky mountains. I really loved this book!

I love Jojo, I have read them all
When I saw this coming- I looked up history and was delightfully surprised at the history I uncovered--
I am now wanting to learn more.

I began reading and was transported back to Dec 20, 1937.
Depression - Mrs Roosevelt tries to restore attention to learning, mainly literacy.
The Works Progress Administration set up mobile library system, the USA PACKHORSE LIBRARY

Yes, the full story now...

The Giver of Stars is an actual narrative of librarians during the Great Depression.
It is an authentic account of riding horses and mules up mountains with saddlebags full of books,
delivering them to families and reading to the illiterate.

I was transported back and I was riding along through creeks, in forests, up mountains.
I felt like I was living in rural Kentucky.
You will feel the history of how they learned to read and love books,
(though even some were forbidden to read)
Library service for all people, rural and urban, colored and white.

To Seek Knowledge is to Expand Your Own Universe

This book releases in October
I highly recommend you read this

My first novel by Moyes, not my usual fare but...horseback librarians in depression-era eastern Kentucky with a ruthless coal company raping the mountain, how could I resist. Well written and interesting. I didn’t even mind the last chapter neatly wrapping up every character in neat little packages and one ironic ending. I enjoyed the snippets from other publications at the beginning of many chapters, they were an insight to the content.

I loved this book from the moment I started it. I have read a few other books about the Kentucky pack horse librarians and the journeys they had while delivering books to people in the mountains and not all of them have kept my interest like this one did. Not only was this novel wonderful for its historical background but the story line of the different women that she writes about kept me reading all night long. I loved how each woman learned to be strong in their own ways by the end of the book. I am a big fan of Jojo Moyes and this book did not disappoint. I loved it! As a librarian myself I took pride in the fact that these women took the job very seriously and used books to bring joy and hope into peoples lives. WONDERFUL!!

Jojo Moyes has written a wonderful story depicting a program started by Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great Depression where women delivered books by horseback to residents in very rural areas of our country. She has great character development where you become fully engaged with each and every one. There are wonderful descriptions of the area as well as the role of the woman during this time period. I was unfamiliar with the story of these brave traveling librarians who endured many obstacles including weather, terrain, and the men who felt the woman's place was at home. Censorship also played an important aspect to the storyline and many felt that the only book needed was the Bible. Historical fiction at it's finest! #thegiverofstars #netgalley

Upon reading the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued. Moyes has a great skill for making you fall in love with her characters. Reading this story I felt the struggles each woman faced in my heart. I was constantly rooting for them to over-come the challenges they face as they work to deliver books to a rural community.

Such a wonderful poignant story about so many things: strong and resilient women, libraries, environmental concerns, civil rights, poverty and enduring friendships. This is the second story that I've read this year based on the Pack Horse Library Program, initiated in the 1930s by Eleanor Roosevelt to bring libraries to Appalachia. The characters here are so well defined and the plot so interesting, it was hard to put down..

As a Library patron and employee, I was very interested to read about the horse riding librarians of Kentucky. This book lived up to my expectations. The main characters are the librarians who face the rough terrain, plus the stubborn hill people of Kentucky. Add in the owner of the local coal mine who happens to be the father in law of one of the librarians who is in a disappointing marriage, but loves her work delivering the library materials. The characters are interesting and the storytelling is compelling. I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my patrons.