Linda's Picks

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian's fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books.

When Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian famed for bringing books to the people of Appalachia, is unjustly incarcerated, she finds a new calling as a prison librarian, bringing hope to downtrodden women and voiceless city residents alike, finding a home even while separated from those she loves. A vivid portrait of mid-century Kentucky, from the hills and hollers of Appalachia to a vibrant city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal, The Mountains We Call Home explores the effects of criminalization and incarceration on the poor and powerless, while tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds.   Amazon

Experience the wonder of child prodigy Akiane Kramarik’s divinely inspired artwork firsthand.

Akiane’s nonreligious parents were bewildered when their four-year-old daughter started sharing her dreams of angels, heaven, and Jesus. Her spiritual insight quickly expressed itself through impressive sketches, drawings with oil crayons, paintings, and eventually poetry, and her artwork began a conversation that brought her whole family to Christianity and to the attention of national media. Akiane: Her Life, Her Art, Her Poetry shares the young artist’s story in rich detail, including

• her mother’s firsthand account of Akiane’s emerging faith and artistic talent;

• a collection of full-color paintings created by Akiane from ages 4 to 10, along with the amazing stories that surround each piece of art; and

• selected poems of profound beauty and insight, authored by Akiane in her childhood.

This book will encourage any who believe in the spiritual nature of art and reinvigorate the faith of those who call Jesus their savior.

Amazon