About the Book
Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.
Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?
As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.
Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.
MY REVIEW
Suzanne Woods Fisher has done an amazing job in bringing the mountain people from 1911 to life.
I so enjoy a good history lesson!
Fact mixed with fiction makes an excellent teacher along with a wonderful man Wyatt. His wisdom along with Cora's was incredible!
Through Lucy this story brought back many memories of when I first moved to Kentucky from Ohio. It definitely was a culture shock! I had a little trouble understanding the language but once I caught on it was OK. Church was a perfect example. It sounded to me like tourch. I'm like ohhhhhh you mean church? Yes the girl said. I felt so embarrassed!
This story breaks my heart. I can't imagine not being able to do all of those things! Reading especially! I'd be lost without my books.
Cora seemed like genuinely caring woman. I loved in getting to know her as a person.
Many lessons can be learned from this book.
I only lived maybe 45 minutes from Rowan County. Kentucky is full of history! But, I sure didn't know about the Moonlight Schools!
This was a fabulous book. I loved going back home again. I do miss Kentucky more than I thought I would! It's been my home for 32 years.
I definitely recommend this one!
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
5 stars for this touching read.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
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