The Book Woman's Daughter

Pearl, unaware of Retta’s death, arrives on time for Retta’s birthday dinner. Honey had forgotten about the arrangements. She tells Pearl that Retta passed, and Pearl comforts her. Pearl, having obtained some time off from work, offers to go with Honey to her grandparents’ cabin. With Retta’s cat aboard Junia, Honey shares memories of Retta sewing clothes for her and sassing the judge on her behalf.

At Honey’s grandparents’ cabin, Pearl cooks supper, and they drink her blackberry wine. After they talk about the men in the legal system failing to protect women, Honey mentions needing a job. They discuss how there are coal miner jobs, but it is especially hard for female coal miners, due to sexism. Then, Honey remembers the job ad in the library for a Pack Horse librarian. Pearl thinks it is the perfect job for her, and they discuss having a pajama party to celebrate their next weekend off work. Honey expresses her sorrow over not having her family around, but thinks that being a librarian will help her feel closer to them.

When Honey wakes up the next morning, Pearl has already left for work. Honey has breakfast and goes into town. In the library, she finds the job ad still on the bulletin board and asks to apply.