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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I read this in my early teens, several times. And then I read a ton of other horse-related YA novels. I guess it is a phase all reading girls go through, same as playing with Barbie dolls. I loved it very much.
I have always loved classic children's literature and have read much of it. This particular book is one of my favorites and I think it is equally good when you it as an adult or as a child. The characters are engaging and realistic and the story draws you in.
"if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt" (176).
Somehow, I missed this book when I was of the ages it is normally recommended to; luckily such recommendations are not restrictions. The story is narrated by a horse named 'Black Beauty' who tells his life story in the hands of both kind people, and those who mistreat him. The character development in this book is stunning, as are the pictures (which I feel add nice touch in this edition).
4 stars - I really liked it
The lesson I take away from reading this book is:
Humans is stoopid.
And I agree. We are. We have no business taking care of animals if we have no clue what we're doing. There were so many heartbreaking scenes in this book, mostly caused by human stupidity or ignorance. So many senseless counts of abuse that could have been prevented by practicing patience or common sense went down in this book and it made me pretty mad.
This book only gets a 3/5 from me, however, because there were many parts where the book became overly preachy and self righteous. I'm looking at you, Jerry. Get off your high horse. Nobody's perfect!
There was a point in the book where Jerry was arguing with a man about religion and it went a little something like this:
Random dude: "You think you're better than me because you believe in God?"
Jerry: "I know I am! Anybody who believes in God is better than anyone who doesn't!"
Yeah, that's totally what Jesus preached. I think that religion is a super private thing, not to be shoved down people's throats. Also, I don't believe that believing in one thing makes someone any better than somebody else who believes in another. But then again, this was the 1800s. Things were different back then.
Humans is stoopid.
And I agree. We are. We have no business taking care of animals if we have no clue what we're doing. There were so many heartbreaking scenes in this book, mostly caused by human stupidity or ignorance. So many senseless counts of abuse that could have been prevented by practicing patience or common sense went down in this book and it made me pretty mad.
This book only gets a 3/5 from me, however, because there were many parts where the book became overly preachy and self righteous. I'm looking at you, Jerry. Get off your high horse. Nobody's perfect!
There was a point in the book where Jerry was arguing with a man about religion and it went a little something like this:
Random dude: "You think you're better than me because you believe in God?"
Jerry: "I know I am! Anybody who believes in God is better than anyone who doesn't!"
Yeah, that's totally what Jesus preached. I think that religion is a super private thing, not to be shoved down people's throats. Also, I don't believe that believing in one thing makes someone any better than somebody else who believes in another. But then again, this was the 1800s. Things were different back then.
Absolutely loved this book. Cried during every second chapter but I loved it.
My favourite children’s classic and one of my favourite books of all time. The ending was one of the most emotional I have ever read and I can’t really explain why. One of those stories that touches your heart.
This a a beautiful book and the ending is just perfect. Yes I read it in less than an hour but it was a very special hour. Also the first thing I read this was when I was 9 so it holds nostalgia points!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death