Take one down, pass it around, 99 books left...

My next literary project was Susan Richard's Chosen by a Horse. And the stats are...
Author: Susan Richards
Publisher: Harcourt Books
Date:2006
My start date: 1-7-10
My finish date: 1-10-10

I should preface this discussion by saying that I love horses. I have been a sincere and devoted horse lover since early, early childhood and have taken lessons in the various equestrian disciplines off and on throughout my life. So, to be honest, I was taken with the title. I have definitely had horses in my life that have made me feel chosen. I always felt that my most recent equine friend liked me above all others. Perhaps that wasn't true, but it sure felt good to think it!
It was for this reason that this book kept me interested, although I am convinced that anyone who has had any kind of innocent creature, be it horse, dog, cat, or even child which touched their life and made them feel important would find something in this book with which to identify. If you liked books like Marley & Me, this one might be for you.
As with the last book I read, this book is also a memoir and similarly to the previous one, the author weaves her story of her experiences with Lay Me Down (the horse), which happen in the (literary) present, with her personal life story and how she came to be in possession of a broken heart and spirit in the first place. The back story was indeed interesting, and although I didn't always agree with the author's decisions and lifestyles, the back story certainly explained how she got there. Another great aspect of this book is in her characters. Obviously, the show stealers are the horses, of which there are five in the story and she writes them in a way that they definitely come to life. However, the secondary, human characters, right down to the fairly minor players, are all infused with enough life to make the story really well rounded and full. I especially liked her best friend, Allie.
Also like the last book I read, this book inspired me to find out more and want to take action. Animal cruelty is a serious thing. Fortunately, at about the same time I was reading this book, I was able to get involved with some really great groups. I had been looking for some volunteer work to do, and also a way to get back to my equestrian addiction, being that my current finances (I am a student, after all...) don't allow me to train. Just this week I was able to start my involvement with two great groups in my area, one focusing on the rescue of greyhound racing dogs and another focusing on rescuing horses who are either set for slaughter or who are found in cases of extreme abuse and neglect, much like Lay Me Down was in Richard's story. This worked out well, because as I read the abuses in Richard's story, it angered me enough to really want to do something. And, fortunately, I can!
One last thing about this book: the author recently published a sequel about how her life is progressing and the ongoing impact of Lay Me Down. I have not read it (yet) but it might have to be added on down the list!
Ok, one last catch up tomorrow, when I will talk about the extremely intriguing, albeit scandalous life of the "Eastern Mata-Hari" in Maureen Lindley's The Private Papers of Easter Jewel.
Until then, keep reading!
Sarah