The Giver of Stars: Reese's Book Club: A Novel Kindle Edition

read the book and you’ll know why. He was A monster personified but thought he was king of that Kentucky mountain! There was A lot of love among the packhorse Librarians. While there was tragedy it was the enduring love that held me spellbound. I was so sorry when the book ended. Thank you Eleanor Roosevelt for your endevear to bring books, learning and love to the rural mountains of Kentucky!

I struggled in the beginning of this book, but at about half way, I could not put it down. The beginning felt a little slow and the writing style was a bit complex resulting in me needing to re-read certain parts to fully comprehend the intention. By the middle of the book, I fell in love with each character. They were all so different from one another, and their friendship, hardships and passion had me hooked!!This historical fiction shed light on the incredible importance and impact that reading/books have, and how strong, and independent, women are - there is always a way out, even though it may be ‘ugly’!

This is the second book I have read about the library ladies and their commitment to the educational needs of their community. I love to read stories based on historical facts. I think that all Americans soon learn about the people that it took to shape this nation into one of the most prosperous nations in the world. We take so many things for granted. Good job, Jojo Mayes. I plan to read more of her writings.

I hated for it to end! I will miss these characters and reading about their lives. I enjoyed reading about so many characters with such good morals, finding their ways in life and the deep friendships between the women.This takes place in the 1940’s and though it really wasn’t that long ago, so many women’s lives have changed and improved so much we just cannot forget how women had to push forward through the cracks opening up for them to see the opportunities even small ones to improve their lives and in the case of these traveling librarians improved their lives of so many others through books, opening up the world to isolated people. Reading good books expands us all, doesn’t it.I am thankful for this great story and now I hope to find another great ones about this area and other places that open my eyes to other cultures and times. Such a satisfying read!

I picked up The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes after attending a life-long learning class where we discussed books about libraries. It caught my interest because I’ve always been drawn to stories that celebrate books and the impact they can have on people’s lives. I wasn’t disappointed.This book tells the story of a group of women in rural Kentucky who, during the Great Depression, deliver books on horseback to people in isolated areas. It’s based on real events surrounding the WPA's Packhorse Library Project. Moyes does a great job bringing the time and place to life. You can almost feel the rough mountain trails and the resistance these women face from those who aren't too fond of "educated" outsiders. But more than that, it’s a story about friendship, courage, and standing up for what you believe in—something that resonates regardless of the time period.The characters were what really made the story for me. Alice, an Englishwoman who feels trapped in her marriage, joins the library to find a sense of purpose. There’s also Margery, the strong, independent leader of the group. Their friendship and the way the women support each other through all kinds of challenges kept me hooked. I loved how each character grew in her own way.That said, I did feel like some parts of the story were a little predictable, and a few moments tied up a bit too neatly. But honestly, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The themes of empowerment and the power of books to change lives made it a heartwarming read.If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters and a love of books, The Giver of Stars is worth checking out. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the role libraries have played in lifting communities, especially in tough times.

I read this book because the friend of a person I don't like recommended it. So, honestly, I was not expecting to like this. Weird intro to a review, right? Well, the topic of the Kentucky Bookwomen is what caught my interest. I like period pieces and have read other books on this topic. This one is all about a woman from England who moves to the US. She has a rocky relationship but her bookwomen friends form a bond with her and the characters created a plot that pulls the reader in. At about the halfway point, I had a hard time putting the book down when it was time for bed or other types of adulting. There's romance, there's broken relationships, there's a bit of bad vibes between men/women (and the "don't air your dirty laundry" attitude). I've already passed this book along to a friend who I hope will read it and pass it along again. The title comes from a seemingly random poem and, to me, did not match the story very well. I'd recommend if you like the mountains, 1930s, horses, romance, etc.

Great descriptions, and loved the main characters. Brave, inspiring, sometimes sad but always passionate. Looking forward for more of this author