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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
The only reason I read this whole book is because I have a very hard time not finishing a book. I hate to say it, but this was probably one of the worst books I’ve ever read; it is riddled with spelling and grammar errors absolutely throughout, and the author frequently goes on convoluted metaphors that add nothing to the story and play-by-play descriptions of each basketball game. I found myself wondering where the editor was the whole time I was reading, and the book could definitely be at least 200 pages shorter despite an abrupt ending. Plus, the way he writes about women, fat people, and Dean’s sister with cerebral palsy was awful and made my skin crawl. Blind Your Ponies reminds me of a Hallmark movie – it has a sweet story and a few compelling characters that draw you in, but is otherwise never worth your time.
Formulaic, but sweet. Inspiring story, but got quite long. Just ok.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the characters, the human interactions, the small town setting and the author’s gift of words, descriptions and storytelling.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think this might be the best book I ever read; certainly in the top 10. I recommend it to anyone who will listen, but caution them to read past the first dozen pages or so;not because they are boring, but because they contain such sadness.
I read the book for a book club and one of the first questions on the list of things to discuss was whether or not one would like to love basketball to enjoy this book. In my not so humble opinion, this book has nothing to do with basket ball. It has to do with team building, over coming loss, living life in general.
I visited Bozeman MT this past September, and in fact had to miss the book club meeting for this book, and found that the little town, the restaurant/bar, and the bicycle built for two are actually there; not because of the book.
There are those with whom I have spoken about the book who didn't like it at all. THEY ARE WRONG. :-)
I read the book for a book club and one of the first questions on the list of things to discuss was whether or not one would like to love basketball to enjoy this book. In my not so humble opinion, this book has nothing to do with basket ball. It has to do with team building, over coming loss, living life in general.
I visited Bozeman MT this past September, and in fact had to miss the book club meeting for this book, and found that the little town, the restaurant/bar, and the bicycle built for two are actually there; not because of the book.
There are those with whom I have spoken about the book who didn't like it at all. THEY ARE WRONG. :-)
Delightful novel filled with love, hope, and overcoming adversity. The setting is a small town in Montana with a cast of non-mainstream characters, each dealing with their own issues and nightmares. However, they come together to show how positive thinking, supporting each other, and drive can build a person (and town) and make dreams come true.
Beautiful, thoughtful writing by Stanley Gordon West. And even though the editing could have been better, it did not distract from the story.
Beautiful, thoughtful writing by Stanley Gordon West. And even though the editing could have been better, it did not distract from the story.
I'm a sucker for a good sports underdog story like Hoosiers and Rudy. Blind Your Ponies is that and so much more. Set in Willow Creek, Montana, a town whose basketball team hasn't won a game in the last five years. The story centers around the coach Sam Pickett but there is huge cast of unique supporting characters that reside in the small town. As Sam tries for one last season to build a winning basketball team, he is also struggling with a past that haunts him. As the story progresses, Sam becomes aware that most everyone in the town has personal challenges too and he looks to them for inspiration.
I became totally absorbed in the story - the characters were all really well-developed and relatable. However, I listened to this book on audio and at times it was hard to keep track of some of the minor characters. Having a paper copy and being able to page back through what I had already read would have been helpful. The other criticism I have is that some of the dialogue was a little over the top and at times a tad cheesy.
Even though this is at heart an underdog sports story, the author kept it from being too predictable - I was still on the edge of my seat at times.
I became totally absorbed in the story - the characters were all really well-developed and relatable. However, I listened to this book on audio and at times it was hard to keep track of some of the minor characters. Having a paper copy and being able to page back through what I had already read would have been helpful. The other criticism I have is that some of the dialogue was a little over the top and at times a tad cheesy.
Even though this is at heart an underdog sports story, the author kept it from being too predictable - I was still on the edge of my seat at times.