History teacher Susan King spent summer break with her Kindle. Her summertime reads included the historical fiction novel “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson.

“It was fascinating, and it was a really good story,” King said. “And I sat there and cried for about half the book.”

Of course, tears are an indication of a well-written story. The novel is set in the 1930s, and it follows a historically factual family, with a genetic trait that caused their skin to be tinted blue. Richardson delves into the treatment of the unique family, and describes their role to distribute books as part of a New Deal effort.

“I have a process when I end a good book. I go through a mourning period, and it’s hard to figure out what the next one is,” King said. “I love historical fiction. It’s my very favorite genre, so I googled lists of best historical fiction novels, and just happened to find this one.”

Richardson has also written a sequel to “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” titled “The Book Woman’s Daughter,” as well as numerous other historical fiction novels.

“Highly recommend reading it. It’s not that long. It’s got a great plot,” King said. “Don’t let the fact that the characters are tinged blue turn you away from the book.”

The novel is a true tribute to the power of the written word that was displayed when the unique family distributed books to poor communities.