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jacquelinelindsay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
hilaryelle's review against another edition
4.0
A really nice companion to the Glass Castle with the same great quality of writing and unique voice.
kitdunsmore's review against another edition
3.0
Though it is a novel and not a memoir, this is really a prequel to The Glass Castle and makes a lot more sense if you've read the other book first. If, like the author, you are curious as to the how the mother in The Glass Castle became who she was, this story of her mother and their life in the American West will interest you. It's also a window into an era and way of living very different from that of today. Not just farm versus city, but pre-technology vs technology.
megangraff's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book and having read "The Glass Castle" (by the same author), I found it interesting to learn more about the family her mother grew up in. Her grandmother was one tough lady!
hnbb's review against another edition
4.0
We read this one for book club. I struggled with some parts of Lily as a person, but it was well written and absorbing. There were laugh out loud moments (rare for me) and shocking ones, too. Many emotions. I would recommend reading it. I wish I had read it before The Glass Castle.
megankwicks's review against another edition
5.0
Strong women, bits of American history, and booze in a baby carriage. This book is truly captivating from beginning to end. I love the short and sweet chapters that tell the story of Lily...the most badass bitch out there. A great story to read after or before The Glass Castle.
Also, who doesn’t want to take a ride in Lily’s car?! 💋
Also, who doesn’t want to take a ride in Lily’s car?! 💋
sjruskin's review against another edition
1.0
Really boring audio. I don't think it was really the story, but the narrator. I felt like everything was totally monotone and just couldn't finish it.
daniela_whatever's review against another edition
4.0
Lily Casey Smith, the author's grandmother, provides a delightful and unexpected look into the past in "Half Broke Horses." A tough lady who could teach you some important life lessons while defeating you at poker.
It's a nonfiction biography. Although the author claims in her epilogue that these creative liberties make the book feel more like a novel, I believe that they make it feel more realistic. For example, the author chose to write the book in the first person. I feel much more connected to Lily as a person after hearing her voice and getting to know her than I would have if she had simply stated the facts.
Lily has some incredible adventures. Some are more believable than others. If you're looking for a point of view from the past from a horse riding teacher, this book is for you. But I'd pass on this one if you're only interested in information and facts.
Overall, I enjoyed the wild adventure that this book took me on. (I would also recommend the audiobook narrated by the author)
It's a nonfiction biography. Although the author claims in her epilogue that these creative liberties make the book feel more like a novel, I believe that they make it feel more realistic. For example, the author chose to write the book in the first person. I feel much more connected to Lily as a person after hearing her voice and getting to know her than I would have if she had simply stated the facts.
Lily has some incredible adventures. Some are more believable than others. If you're looking for a point of view from the past from a horse riding teacher, this book is for you. But I'd pass on this one if you're only interested in information and facts.
Overall, I enjoyed the wild adventure that this book took me on. (I would also recommend the audiobook narrated by the author)