Half Broke Horses
By Jeanette Walls
I waited with much anticipation for this book by Walls, author of the NYT bestseller Glass Castles. This book is classified as fiction simply because she got her stories from her mother who, as you know if you read Walls' previous book, isn't all that realiable of a source. Since she couldn't verify all the stories about her grandmother, Walls just went with historical fiction and man, does it work. Read as either a story or real-life, Walls once again uses her phenomenal writing skills to spin a story that won't dissappoint even the most critical reader.
The value of hard work, perserverance, and family values are at the forefront of this novel about Lily Casey Smith's life. Raised like a boy, she turns into a trailblazing woman who fends for herself in the Wild West. A factory worker, a rancher, a teacher, and pilot...you name it and Lily did it. From taking on Chicago on her own early on to returning to find her way in the Southwest, we see the development of many new technologies through her eyes. The reader quickly learns that spunk and intelligence will take you far in life.
I've recommended this to several colleagues, all of who have adored it. If you are a strong woman (or aspire to be), you really need to read this book!
