This is an area of history which had passed me by! Kentucky, 1937 and a new initiative is planned to increase literacy rates in the state. Due to the remoteness of some dwellings, female librarians were recruited to ride horses or mules to deliver books and magazines.
The story has been based on fact but has some wonderful fictional characters. It tells of the fortitude and skills of these pioneering ladies and the treatment and discrimination they had to endure.
Although this is a fictional telling, the research is comprehensive and the characters are vividly brought to life. The hardships endured during the winter, during flooding and during the incessant discrimination is difficult to believe that it happened only 80 years ago.
I found i became truly immersed in the fortunes of these ladies in what was ultimately a mans world.
Read and enjoy .







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When Alice meets the handsome Bennett Van Cleve, she can't waited to leave her boring English life behind and travel with her new husband to Kentucky. What she didn't expect was to be living in a small town in the Appalachian mountains, under the oppressive roof of her father-in-law, owner of the local coal mine and a man with very specific ideas on how a woman should behave. So when a call goes out for lady librarians to deliver books around the county on horseback, she jumps at the opportunity.

The WPA Pack Horse Library Project was an initiative with ran from 1935 to 1943, delivering books to those without access to books and improving literacy rates in rural areas. It was a time and place where people were suspicious of outsiders and new ideas.

Jojo Moyes might be best known for her contemporary fiction, but she's already got several historical fiction books under her belt. The Giver of Stars isn't based on a specific library but there were many like them. There is even a record of one run by a Mrs Van Cleve, but it wasn't an Alice.

In Baileyville, women are expected to get married and have babies. They shouldn't be gallivanting around the mountains of horseback. Alice is having troubling fitting in, her home-life is miserable and the town's ladies view her with disapproval, especially Bennett's childhood sweetheart. The library provides her purpose and friendship, and a sense of independence. The librarians were paid, at a time when there weren't a lot of employment opportunities for women.

Margery is an outsider too. She's from bad blood if you listen to the townsfolk, but that's compounded by her desire not to conform to the standards expected of her. She's an unmarried women with no desire to get married, despite a man who loves her. She does not want to be owned. At the time that was a scandalous notion to have, and soon she is being accused of spreading immoral ways via the library.

The library's mission is set against the backdrop of horrific conditions at the mine run by Alice's father-in-law. This was a time where unions were starting to form and bosses did everything they could do to keep them out. The area also suffered from severe flooding in this period which is also covered in the story. And of course, the racism of the time is rife, with certain townsfolk aghast at a black librarian in their white library.

Each chapter starts with an extract from a book that I'm assuming would have been available at the time. Certainly things that give an idea of what they might have been reading. The librarians didn't just deliver books, they also circulated magazines, comics and recipes. When books got damaged they would salvage what they could and sew together new editions.

A wonderful story set in 1930's Kentucky about strong and supportive female friendships, of how women stood up to the men that were ruling and the power of books on peoples lives. We follow a group of women as they take a stand to bring books into a poor community, delivering books by horseback into remote places, which is based on true events making it so much more appealing. The vivid descriptions of the women and the landscape enthralled me and a book which is quite long became not long enough. I was completely immersed in the era and the characters felt real to me and their troubles partly mine.
This was not what I was expecting to read from this author, but it certainly made me happy (and sad) but ultimately hopeful. Excellent and highly recommended. Warning for scenes of domestic abuse.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy of this book.

I'd not read a Jojo Moyes before, thinking her to be too 'chick lit' for me, but I absolutely loved the precis of this book - librarians on horseback in Kentucky in the 1930s - so gave it a try. Overall, I loved it. There were parts when I thought I was in 1800s deep South, rather than the '30s, and so it was a bit of a shock when she talked about buses and taxis into town back in Britain. I suppose it's because I don't know much about wartime America, so I didn't know what to expect. I was a little surprised that there was no mention of the war at all - or did I miss something? The parts I didn't like were the physical abuse by the elder Van Cleve, but it is hard to believe that women were treated so harshly and domestic abuse was so rife even back then. And of course racism and segregation. Always shocking to read.

What I did love though was the feeling of being transported to that part of the world, where you could ride on horseback for hours without seeing another human being, just surrounded by mountains or bare grasslands. And the harsh winters endured by those living in shacks in the middle of nowhere, chopping wood for fire, guns propped against doors when strangers came a-knocking. I loved all the female characters, they were all strong and gutsy. Just what you want to read!. And of course Sven and Fred, the only males we're meant to adore. Don't get me started on Van Cleve and Bennett. Bully and wimp in that order.

The fact that the story is based on fact made it even more wonderful to read. I'm not sure I'm a convert to Jojo, but I enjoyed reading The Giver of Stars.

This was not what I expected of a Jojo Moyes novel but I was pleasantly surprised by the change in setting. Strong female characters fighting sexism in a time when it was the norm and well written male characters that I loved to dislike.

Overall a gripping gritty romance well worthy of a read.

This is the first novel I have read by JoJo Moyes that's been outside of the "Me before you" universe and I was so surprised at just how much I loved it. It's really easy to get used to an author and to then only follow your favourite characters/series, but I am so glad to have branched out to an alternate book from this author.

I absolutely adored all of the leading ladies in this book and am so glad that we got to follow them all as individuals and also as a group. The fact that the story is based on real life events really brings a whole other element to the novel. As an avid reader, I really feel like the author captured the joy that reading can bring and how important it can be for our friendships and our future.

I also loved the way that JoJo Moyes wrote the importance of friendships, family and community. The story was truly captivating, I was quite often on the edge of my seat, not feeling like I could turn the page quick enough to read what was going to happen next. I felt like as the reader, I got to ride the highs and lows of each characters stories alongside them; celebrating their joys and commiserating their disappointments. This was really well written and it was so easy to get lost in a whole other world; it truly felt like an escape.

Definitely one of my favourite books I've read this year and worth 5/5 for sure.

Whilst I enjoyed the story about five strong women each with a role to play in this book, it can’t compare to the outstanding Me Before You trilogy. I found the setting of Kentucky in the 1930’s a bit dull. If you enjoy period drama then this will probably suit you.

Everyone likes to hear about strong women so going back to when they were on horseback and starting up the first library delivery service makes you realise how hard they had it back then. But what a remarkable story about these three women, their lives, hopes and dreams. This would make a great film like many of JoJo's books. So glad I picked to read it going by the author as if I had known it was set years ago I probably wouldn't have read it, so pleased I did as it is a brilliant story.

I really enjoyed reading about the ladies of the packhorse library who were trailblazers in every sense of the word. 1930s America is a very male dominated world and reading is not highly prized. However, this motley crew take library books and spread the joy of reading across miles of wilderness and face many difficulties to do this. Alice, from England, has married a man who seems to have no interest in her and whose dominant Father is heading up very shady business interests. Alice joins the packhorse team and discovers real friendship for the first time along with a sense of purpose. All the members of the team bring courage and commitment with them which they need to overcome dangerous times. A feelgood read with warmth and interest, my only criticism is that it was slightly too long, perhaps needed an edit.

It was great to have a stand alone novel from Jo Jo Moyes although I thoroughly enjoyed teh Me Before You trilogy. It was also refreshing to go back in time to the 1930s. The characters were well rounded and believable and it is an accomplished novel from an author who can be relied on for great story telling.

When I started reading this book I wasn't convinced that I would like it, however as I kept going I was pleasantly surprised. As explained at the beginning of the book, the novel is loosely based on a true story, of brave women travelling across a county to provide books to those that may not get access to literacy or education any other way. Set in rural Kentucky during the Depression era in America, each character has their own story and struggle. Although I wouldn’t consider historical fiction to be my favourite genre, this book did move me (in a good way).

The main characters were very likable and the book itself was well written; once started, it was almost impossible not to find yourself speeding through the pages. Set in an age where women were not seen as needing a job, it was both interesting and empowering to see women recreating what they thought should be the future, particularly considering the type of people that were utilising the horseback mobile library – it was interesting to think about how libraries have developed and the kind of people that need and use them, especially in comparison with how libraries are used and regarded now.

Overall this book flows really well and the characterisation is great – there weren’t any issues when differentiating between the different characters and their situations, which is always a good thing when a book contains a lot of characters. I would recommend this book as I enjoyed it, regardless of what kind of fiction you enjoy. My only issue was that I felt like everything was tied up a little too neatly at the end, but at the same time it was nice to have an enjoyable ending.

Wow yet again Jojo Moyes excels, what a great book I really enjoyed it.
Centred on the stories of two women from really different backgrounds who come together with others to create a travelling library service in the mountains of Kentucky. The Giver of Stars investigates the position of women in the 1930s and the behaviour of some men towards women, men who think they can bully and win, but these indomitable women show how this can be dealt with. It also brings out the power of love, in all its true senses.
As ever the writing flows easily.

I have read and enjoyed most of Jojo Moyes books and this one does not disappoint. Set in a factual background the story is a total page turner. Wonderful characters living in a part of America not well known but so beautifully described I feel that I have been there. A lovely story with a real twist towards the end. I laughed and I cried, a perfect set of emotions for a really good read. Thoroughly recommenced. .

Inspired by the true story of Eleanor Roosevelt’s initiative to boost morale and literacy in the years following the Great Drepression, ‘The Giver of Stars’ is a simply stunning read, set in the mountains surrounding 1930’s Eastern Kentucky. It focuses on five women from the small town of Baileyville who deliver books on horseback to remote mountain communities. Margery, Alice, Izzy, Beth, Sophia, Kathleen are packhorse librarians who rise at dawn and saddle up in all weathers to bring books, moral support and much-needed succour to isolated families.

From the first page I was completely immersed in the lives of these incredible pioneering women and was captivated by their indomitable spirits as they face the whole gamut of issues. Jojo’s epic storytelling explores issues of domestic violence, disability, racism, sexism, class divides and exploitation in her usual utterly captivating style. She is truly a masterful storyteller who has once again triumphed in bringing this magical piece of history to life for a new generation.

I imagine that would have been all too easy to write another story in the vein of Will and Louisa, but instead Jojo Moyes has sought out new territory. We are richly rewarded with this compelling story of strong women whose refusal to conform to the gender stereotypes of the time results in firm friendships with each other. This, together with the bonds they forge with those they come into contact with, sustain them through unimaginable adversity and hardships. No spoilers!

In the preface, Jojo describes a series of trips to live in the Kentucky mountains in order to gain a feel for this milieu. This care and attention to detail leaps off the page creating a dazzling narrative , where detailed descriptions of mountain life are lovingly and stunningly recreated with real authenticity. A superlative read which I’ll be buying multiple copies to gift for Christmas. Thank you Penguin UK and Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved this. I am a Jojo Moyes fan - particularly her most recent books, and despite the fact that the setting was very different from her usual style, I thought she pulled it off very well. The story was gripping, the characters well developed and everything came to a satisfactory conclusion. Thank you so much!

The Giver of Stars
JoJo Moyes
Publisher: Penguin Uk - Michael Joseph
Publication Date 3/10/19

4.5 stars
A definite slow burner but built into a thrilling climax. Based on a real library project in 1930’s Kentucky, with strong female characters in a harsh, male dominated environment, this was a fascinating insight into another world. It took me a while to get into it but I really enjoyed it once I had. Highly recommended.
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and netgalley for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I was really excited to read this novel but I have to admit that it was a slow burner and hard going to start with. However it warmed up into a touching and fascinating story. Not her best in my opinion but. Great read

Jojo Moyes has a beautiful way with words and I’ve loved her contemporary works, but this is most definitely my favourite.
Part mystery, part female empowerment and part a tale of belonging, The Giver of Stars is a wonderful period blend of the Golden Girls and The Gilmore Girls. Not only does it pull you in from the very start, it allows you to feel like you’re one of them.
It’s a perfect read for these darkening evenings and will make for a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a historical book with a modern flair.

Set in America in the 1930’s, Alice is a stranger in a foreign land when she moves across the world to be with her husband, who she believes is the love of her life, only to realise she doesn’t know him at all. She is lonely and so decides to volunteer to help start a travelling library to be run by women. This opens her to the friendship of four unlikely woman and follows their stories in a time when woman are starting to be more than just house wives.

I have to admit I was a bit unsure when I started reading this as I am not as massive fan of historical fiction, I can read it but I have to be in the right mood for it and I will be honest I hadn’t read the description when I requested the ARC, I just saw it was Jojo and said “yes please!!”
That being said I was quickly drawn in (as is usually the case with anything I read by Moyes) and I found myself enjoying the story line.

I enjoyed that although the story was fictional, the library initiative was real and helped so many people.

Oh I loved this book. JoJo Moyes has such a fabulous writing style. I have read much of what she has written and nothing really disappoints. This book is best described as Faction a novel built around true events. A mobile library is set up to provide remote residents of Kentucky with reading matter of all sorts. Its staff and users are unique and often irascible characters and the story builds around there interactions and developing friendships and indeed hatreds. It was impossible to put down as tensions build between the Van Cleeves and the librarians. It culminates in a murder trial. Once again Jo Jo Mpyes has created a diverse narrative and an unforgettable narrative