If you thought you would never be interested in reading the diary of a famous person, let alone someone you have never heard of, you will change your mind when you read this book. Actually, it's far more than a diary. It's a piece of great investigative reporting and a good guide for anyone who wants to record the life and impact of someone important to a small town or community.I'm familiar with Phil Primack's reporting on Appalachia, but I was impressed by the decades of hard labor, good detective work, and perseverance he put into bringing to life the story of Mary Folsom Blair. She clearly was a very introspective person, well educated despite no college degree, and a dedicated teacher who pioneered new teaching methods that have had an enduring impact on her area of New Hampshire.It's a very good read. Highly recommended.