Cussy's Book Delivery Route

Cussy’s book route is the predominant setting of the novel, and also represents the theme of the connection between families and books. This route setting is also a biblical reference. Cussy’s route is near her home in eastern Kentucky. Cussy’s job entails her working for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and delivering books, scrapbooks, magazines, news, or general information to folks who would otherwise not have access to them, or “who’s needing the book learning in these hills” (4). Cussy often describes the “blue hills” of Kentucky, or the blue sky along with it while she rides her mule Junia delivering books to her patrons (19). She delivers these materials to the families along her route - including R.C., Devil John and Martha Hannah, Timmy Flynn, the schoolhouse, Henry, Jackson, Angeline, and Willie. Along her route, Richardson makes clear the ties between...