Book Review: Half Broke Horses

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is something to be said for a book with wonderfully brief chapters. Not only does the book fly by, but if especially captivating you find yourself reading more than you intended, because hey, it's just two more pages! But two more pages packed full of life and wonderment. It makes for an immensely enjoyable read.

Such is the case with "Half Broke Horses" by Jeannette Walls, the author of the beautiful memoir "The Glass Castle". This story from her is actually a memoir/biography of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, a larger-than-life character who jumps off the pages of the book into your heart. You can't help but love this character.

Lily grows up in a different time, but her ideals and attitude is what feminism should be all about. She always stands up for herself, sure of who she is and though she doesn't always know where she's headed, she knows that she'll be able to adapt. She epitomizes that American "can-do" attitude and always finds a solution to the problems that she encounters - and she encounters many, many problems.

The other interesting aspect of the book is that you clearly see Walls' roots and the why behind her parents' attitudes toward life itself. You see its development through Lily's narration and many of the lessons that she imparts to her children end up finding their way into the Walls family as well.

This is a delightful read and another great book from Walls. It makes me want to go back and read "The Glass Castle", as this seems like a prequel for that back. I highly, highly recommend it.

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