2011 Reading #8: The Hearts of Horses

[snurri]

1. Girl Power: The Nineties Revolution In Music by Marisa Meltzer.
2. The Patriot Witch (Book One of the Traitor to the Crown trilogy) by C.C. Finlay.
3. Power Girl: A New Beginning and Power Girl: Aliens and Apes by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Amanda Conner.
4. Strangers On a Train by Patricia Highsmith.
5 and 6. Shadowbridge and Lord Tophet by Gregory Frost.
7. Cap Wigington: An Architectural Legacy in Ice and Stone by David Vassar Taylor and Paul Clifford Larson.

8. The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss. You guys, you have to read this. This is my first Molly Gloss book, though I've been hearing her name for several years and had the pleasure of workshopping with her a couple of years ago. And this book--I often see it said of books that the reader didn't want it to end, but that's rarely my experience; it was here. I have to believe that anyone would love this book, but in particular I would think that it would immediately become a favorite of any woman who loves or has loved horses. Even if you're not much into horses, though, the landscape and characters here are drawn with such intelligence, compassion, and humor that I can't imagine anyone not connecting with them, especially Martha Lessen, the tall, shy horsewoman/horse-whisperer at the center of it. Oh, I loved it.

Comments

[cofax7]

Isn't it wonderful? I have read several Molly Gloss novels and while the others might be more challenging or meaningful in their social commentary, this is the one I love.

In my review (feel free to search my DW), I said it's the sort of book one would love if one loves that sort of book. Or, basically, anyone who ever read Walter Farley or Marguerite Henry books as a child should love this.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I think that audience is the book's sweet spot, for sure, but I loved it despite not being that exact reader--I think I may have read Black Beauty once, many years ago. I like that the title misleads a bit; it's as much or more about the hearts of human beings as it is horses.

[(Anonymous)]

That's very good to hear, since I do think the novel deserves far wider acclaim than it got on its release.

[cofax7]

Woops, that was me.

[jennreese.livejournal.com]

Haven't read it, but am immediately adding it to my list. I love horses and horse books. Thanks for the passionate recommendation!

[bondgwendabond.livejournal.com]

You will LOOVE it. So beautiful.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think you will love it love it. I want to evangelize everyone into becoming an evangelist for this book!

[bondgwendabond.livejournal.com]

You are reading all my favorites! I thought The Hearts of Horses was absolutely breathtaking. Wild Life is amazing too, btw.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I have often found myself thinking of you as I've been reading some of these books, recently! I think that it may be a combination of my trying to catch up on some of the recent stuff I've missed, and the fact that I'm reading more women lately.

(There's also the fact that you seem to have read EVERYTHING.)

[bondgwendabond.livejournal.com]

I like the books, it's true. :)

[bloodlossgirl.livejournal.com]

I've had this on the pile, but I think I'll move it up closer to the top :)

[snurri.livejournal.com]

DO IT.

[bloodlossgirl.livejournal.com]

DONE.

(I'll make it the next novel I read)

[snurri.livejournal.com]

Yay! I am usually sort of reluctant to push people into books, because not every book is for every person, but I am confident that you will really like it.

[bloodlossgirl.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm excited now - I've been feeling kind of blah about reading lately (I KNOW IT IS THE END TIMES), and I've been pushing through a book a dear friend loves that isn't doing much for me, and trying to read a depressing nonfiction history book.

So I look forward to reading something that comes so highly recommended! I've been seeing it recommended by Kelly Link, too, so that's high praise.

I have been thinking about sending a copy to my horse-riding niece(s), but I'm holding off until I read it myself.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I was going through a bit of that towards the end of the year, but I've been on a roll lately with the books I've been picking up.

I am betting your niece(s) will love it, but you should certainly read it first.

[bloodlossgirl.livejournal.com]

I have begun it! Hopefully it's the start of a roll for me, too :)

Have you read any of Matt Ruff's books? I'm slogging through Sewer, Gas & Electric and just not loving it - I'm wondering if it's me. I'm a little more interested in reading Set This House In Order.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I haven't yet read any of his books, no. I've heard good things about them, but it's one of my many gaps.

[bloodlossgirl.livejournal.com]

The Hearts of Horses (which I just finished today) is definitely the best book I've read so far this year - and possibly last year too. OH MY GOODNESS. So wonderful. So sad. I cried a lot. About so many things. I'm also filled with a sense of wonder about all the things we take for granted, and all the ways in which we think our modern lives are difficult.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

Yay! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it!!

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

Isn't that a gorgeous book? I wanted to hug it when I was done. Like Willa Cather with extra awesome.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I shouldn't admit this on the internet, but I did hug it once when I had to stop reading for a while.

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

You're adorable.

*g*

(But not as adorable as that book.)