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skullfullofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
By the end of the book I can say I enjoyed it. I'm still annoyed about the random jumps in narration and the sometimes overly indulgent and random descriptions. Considering I didn't realize that this was a memoir until she talked about buying Georgia in upstate New York, I can say that I feel less disappointed in her character and the characterizations of the horses. I thought the references to Ithaca were pretty hilarious, and the reverence for Cornell's veterinary institute was well deserved. In fact, the only other part that made me close to tearing up besides the end was the worker telling her that if something were wrong with her own horse, Cornell would be the first place she sent him.
My main problem with the book is her mentioning of Natural Horsemanship, and then turning to show Georgia as an insane mare brought up on that idea. The only thing that saved it was her realizing that the mare's behavior is insane, but she never actually does anything about it. In fact, all she ever really does in the book is try to save Lay Me Down.
I would have liked to see the story of Georgia more than the story of Lay Me Down, as I don't really see how Lay Me Down changed her. I see the events leading up to where she is at the end, and I understand them. I realize that Lay Me Down did change her lifestyle, but her personality basically remained static.
In fact, I would say her relationship with Hank is basically the catalyst for her emotional change and discovery of self worth, which is totally unrelated to Lay Me Down. Hank is a jerk, and I don't blame the woman for wanting a relationship for the idea of feeling wanted, because she basically never had that feeling sober. She needed it to be able to realize that she was actually worthwhile when the men around her weren't drunk, and that she could also be social when not drunk. As bad of a person she probably seems, Hank shouldn't have done that to her. Good for her to sit down and confront him and not let him convince her it was OK because it wasn't. You're supposed to end a relationship before starting a new one- period. Although she should have known that a man who would start dating before being divorced from his wife wouldn't care about ending one relationship before getting a newer, younger replacement. He probably said the same thing to his poor ex-wife about her when they went on that "not a date."
I'm not sure if I would recommend this book, though. It's a hodgepodge of a pity party and an attempt to rescue a mare that ultimately fails (of course, it's a horse book). There are some interesting moments, but they aren't very gripping and don't last long. It was more of a story about the woman with sprinklings of the horses and musings about their behavior that made them all too human.
My main problem with the book is her mentioning of Natural Horsemanship, and then turning to show Georgia as an insane mare brought up on that idea. The only thing that saved it was her realizing that the mare's behavior is insane, but she never actually does anything about it. In fact, all she ever really does in the book is try to save Lay Me Down.
I would have liked to see the story of Georgia more than the story of Lay Me Down, as I don't really see how Lay Me Down changed her. I see the events leading up to where she is at the end, and I understand them. I realize that Lay Me Down did change her lifestyle, but her personality basically remained static.
In fact, I would say her relationship with Hank is basically the catalyst for her emotional change and discovery of self worth, which is totally unrelated to Lay Me Down. Hank is a jerk, and I don't blame the woman for wanting a relationship for the idea of feeling wanted, because she basically never had that feeling sober. She needed it to be able to realize that she was actually worthwhile when the men around her weren't drunk, and that she could also be social when not drunk. As bad of a person she probably seems, Hank shouldn't have done that to her. Good for her to sit down and confront him and not let him convince her it was OK because it wasn't. You're supposed to end a relationship before starting a new one- period. Although she should have known that a man who would start dating before being divorced from his wife wouldn't care about ending one relationship before getting a newer, younger replacement. He probably said the same thing to his poor ex-wife about her when they went on that "not a date."
I'm not sure if I would recommend this book, though. It's a hodgepodge of a pity party and an attempt to rescue a mare that ultimately fails (of course, it's a horse book). There are some interesting moments, but they aren't very gripping and don't last long. It was more of a story about the woman with sprinklings of the horses and musings about their behavior that made them all too human.
booksavor's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this memoir of a woman's experience rescuing an abused, former racer, Standardbred trotter. Her descriptions of horse-related things were well done; they neither bored a "horse person" nor left a "non horse person" in the dark. The story itself was very touching, if predictable. However, I hated how Richards openly and gladly regales the reader with stories of how her other mare, Georgia, pushes her around and acts like such a brat...not great horse training!
I wasn't convinced that Richards was really a changed person at the end of the story, so I don't know if the horse really "healed a broken heart". (Not Lay Me Down anyway...Georgia, probably.)
I wasn't convinced that Richards was really a changed person at the end of the story, so I don't know if the horse really "healed a broken heart". (Not Lay Me Down anyway...Georgia, probably.)
perri's review against another edition
5.0
I'm in animal lover with special passion for canines, but must admit, never understood the horse love. Richards has schooled me. Now I know horses have rich and varied personalities and can develop deep bonds with each other and their people. Richards shares her horrid childhood and personal defects with frank openness. She adopts an abused horse and its grace and forgiveness are an inspiration to her and to us. I loved this story and feel like I've lost touch with a friend-I want to know what happens next. Read when you're in the mood to be touched. Keep a tissue box handy.
sara_phoenix's review against another edition
3.0
As an animal-lover, I don't know why I get sucked into reading these memoirs about an amazing animal that - SHOCKER - changes the authors life for the better and then dies. When can I read an inspiring animal story that does not involve death. Still, I am always amazed at the ways animals can minister to some of our deepest needs, and this memoir was a testament to the healing power of animals. And it made me want to go out and buy a horse. Good book, but you know the last 3 chapters you're gonna be a snotting, slobbering mess.
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