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kcoleman's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot! I loved the story of Martha, and how it is easier for her to talk to horses than people. It was a great book about the time period and the feeling that was spreading during the war!
appaloosa05's review against another edition
4.0
I found this to be quite an enjoyable book, especially as a horse-lover. While it can be a bit slow at times, it is worth seeing it through. Gloss's descriptions are vivid and thorough; often including valuable details which you may not have missed had they been excluded, but are truly appreciated once presented. She has a talent for characterization; causing the reader to appreciate each character for their quirks and flaws; even the unsavory ones. I appreciated her in-depth descriptions of each horse's personality and appearance.
Gloss's writing is knowledgeable, both on historic matters and those of horses. I frequently find books about horses to be laced with flaws or inconsistencies; demonstrating a lack of research. I did not find that in The Hearts of Horses, for which I am very grateful. My only minor complaint is that the ending seemed a bit abrupt, but that can easily be forgiven as the rest of the book was lovely.
Gloss's writing is knowledgeable, both on historic matters and those of horses. I frequently find books about horses to be laced with flaws or inconsistencies; demonstrating a lack of research. I did not find that in The Hearts of Horses, for which I am very grateful. My only minor complaint is that the ending seemed a bit abrupt, but that can easily be forgiven as the rest of the book was lovely.
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
Most of the westerns I have read are set before the west is settled. This one is set in the early 20th century, when there is a fusion of technology and tradition, phones and horses co-existing. Additionally, the main character, Martha, is breaking into what has been traditionally a man's world, taming horses without violence. I have to admit I was hesitant to read a western as many of them have been formulaic. This one is not and in the very best way.
alicebme's review against another edition
5.0
5-I’ve spent years with this book on my shelf, waiting for the perfect moment to read it. I’ll never forget these characters and their stories. A love blossoming in the most comfortable way. The agonizing march of cancer through a man. This book just fills my heart. And the horses. Man, I really haven’t given much thought to horses, but now I feel so connected. We’re all alive and knitted together.
chrissypink80's review against another edition
2.0
Not a bad book. It had some good parts, but overall it was reallyyyy slowwwww and not terribly interesting.
salembooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
likecymbeline's review against another edition
3.25
First off, I obviously love a lead character who is a hardy 5'11" woman. There are few of these. Gloss gets points for that.
My reason for reading this book is a weird one - or the byway to it was weird. Back when I was still excited about Kelly Link's novel, I read a list of books she recommended thinking that as someone deep in the writing world and with a publishing business of her own there'd be some real gems. I'm not saying this book isn't a little gem in its way, I'm just confused by why she'd categorize it as a book she'd want a world leader to read (if I recall?). It has a generous level of compassion and love for each character, that's grand, and it is well-written domestic and historical fiction. I can see the ways that Link was inspired by Gloss in some dialogue, but Gloss pulls it off effectively due to the verisimilitude to the spoken voice of the period she draws from in a way that makes it clear she did her research.
This was a calm and warm read with a style that's literary yet accessible, deliberately invoking the period voice without distancing the modern reader. It depicts a neat time in history for women and cowhands. Plenty of horses for those who came here for that.
My reason for reading this book is a weird one - or the byway to it was weird. Back when I was still excited about Kelly Link's novel, I read a list of books she recommended thinking that as someone deep in the writing world and with a publishing business of her own there'd be some real gems. I'm not saying this book isn't a little gem in its way, I'm just confused by why she'd categorize it as a book she'd want a world leader to read (if I recall?). It has a generous level of compassion and love for each character, that's grand, and it is well-written domestic and historical fiction. I can see the ways that Link was inspired by Gloss in some dialogue, but Gloss pulls it off effectively due to the verisimilitude to the spoken voice of the period she draws from in a way that makes it clear she did her research.
This was a calm and warm read with a style that's literary yet accessible, deliberately invoking the period voice without distancing the modern reader. It depicts a neat time in history for women and cowhands. Plenty of horses for those who came here for that.
bjhg5053's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
jules32reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0