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kleedc73's review against another edition
3.0
I read Water for Elephants by this author and loved it. In both books, the author totally immerses you in the unique world of the characters, in this case horses and professional riding. The book's setting and "voice" are very authentic. That said, the tone and subject matter of this book had less general appeal than Water for Elephants -- this is much more for a female audience. It is reminiscent of The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans. I think the book was a little too chock full of hard moments for Annemarie, the main character. I'm not sure that most humans could possibly deal with all of the things that she had to address at the same time. With everything thrown at her, I felt like the ending was a little abrupt and there wasn't sufficient room to address all of them. If she had focused the plot a little more sharply, I think the book would have flowed better. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book but I didn't love it the way I did Water for Elephants.
fernweh85's review against another edition
2.0
I went into this book expecting big things and I was sorely disappointed. I loved both Water for Elephants and Ape House so I know Sara Gruen is a talented writer. What's more I love horses, so this should have been perfect for me.
Unfortunately I have never encountered a character as unlikeable as Annemarie. She is self-centred, whiny, a martyr, and uses everyone else in the book so much that I felt she did not deserve a single thing that happened at the end. Considering I read this whilst recovering from a serious riding accident myself, you would think I would be able to sympathise!
I did like most of the other characters, and sorely missed them for the few chapters towards the end of book when Annemarie is alone. That was when the pity party really began!
I've heard the sequel is better but I am not sure if I'm brave enough...
Unfortunately I have never encountered a character as unlikeable as Annemarie. She is self-centred, whiny, a martyr, and uses everyone else in the book so much that I felt she did not deserve a single thing that happened at the end. Considering I read this whilst recovering from a serious riding accident myself, you would think I would be able to sympathise!
I did like most of the other characters, and sorely missed them for the few chapters towards the end of book when Annemarie is alone. That was when the pity party really began!
I've heard the sequel is better but I am not sure if I'm brave enough...
noraashlyn's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
luthiennienna's review against another edition
2.0
Sara Gruen's first novel is awkward in places... (Is this narrated by a character who is 38? Or a teen? How can someone be so conflicted and attract so much drama?) It was redeemed by the ending, but it was a struggle to get there.
skateanddonate's review against another edition
5.0
One of the top 5 books I've read this year. Really identified with this book. Reminded me a lot of the Horse Whisperer. This has a completely different story, but shares the similarities of an accident and a woman who believes everything she touches falls apart until the love of a horse pieces her together. This is a library book I'll definitely be buying. (Just wish the photo on the cover used a correctly colored and marked horse!)
abyakron's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe this book would be better enjoyed if read rather than listening to the audio book version. The voice actor may have over acted a bit making the main character appear more dramatic than necessary. It made me dislike the main character and prevented me from sympathizing with her various situations throughout the book. That said, I still cried like a baby when she finally got on that horse. If you like horse stuff and drama, this is your book. The author is generally pretty dope.
brynebo's review against another edition
3.0
Home sick Monday. Home making sure I am completely recovered today. Read the whole book cover to cover. I am officially healthy.
gcullman's review against another edition
3.0
The main character is deeply flawed but still I was rooting for her to get her shit together. It's a fun read if you like horses and can understand the kind of love and awe they inspire.
kla809's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook & if I had been reading the book instead, I would not have imagined such a hostile, shrill tone in everything the main character said. I was starting to despise this woman about 3/4 of the way through the book. Having said that, though, I did enjoy the story.