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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)
i_am_pcruz's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
jostelljes's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-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
4.5
kelsilay15's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
amusedamelia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Lily Casy Smith is a badass. It was a little uncomfortable that I liked her slightly less after she became a mother. Internalized misogyny I guess. Great book.
cynnreads's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't not like this book. This book is a "true life novel" written about the authors grandmother and also written in first person. The story is about a strong and determined woman and the journey of her life. I picked up this book because I enjoyed reading The glass castle and wanted to learn more about Rosemary's family. It was more like an outline of events that happened in Lily's (main character) life. I wouldn't enthusiastically recommend this book. I liked it. Didn't love it.
mereileen's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
alliekaminski's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve had this book for years and never got around to reading it. I always LOVED her first book The Glass Castle… and this was no different. Such a great story that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
mooncrab's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting yet dry at the same time. Rather than being intensely driven by deeply well-developed characters or an action-packed plot, the story just kind of meanders through what is very clearly oral family history. It is ultimately an exciting gift to be transported to the KC Ranch and explore a pre-industrial/urbanized America. The characters we meet experience struggle; the theme of yearning in vain weaves itself throughout and results in a painful resentment toward existence. This is universal and creates much empathy between readers & character. It also feels like a cathartic writing experience for Walls, and something wonderfully historic for her future kin. However, the book often lacked a charming depth which made it easy to disengage. I’m glad I read this one before diving into the Glass Castle, and now I’m even more excited to spend more time with Rose Mary and Rex to see how the karmic cycles shift while setting off a continued lineage of trauma.
burgtocl's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25