First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay a...
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Jun 30, 2011
Tara
rated it: 
I've been an avid horse fanatic since before I can remember. Unfortunately, when you're a kid growing up in the city, there's nothing a horse fanatic can do about it until they grow up and can afford (or work for) lessons of their own.
When I was a teenager, my parents movied to Long Island, and I finally had the opportunity to work summers at a barn in exhange for riding lessons.
Today I teach riding to little kids, and spend as much time in a barn as a can.
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When I was a teenager, my parents movied to Long Island, and I finally had the opportunity to work summers at a barn in exhange for riding lessons.
Today I teach riding to little kids, and spend as much time in a barn as a can.
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Jun 21, 2011
Angela
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This is a book I think I would have liked the most out of all the horse books I've read. Alec Ramsay, our leading main character who falls in a deep love for this horse.
The horse saves his life from a storm and he and his horse are stuck on this island. After being rescued, Alec strives to help this horse being a great racer, having him going against the two fastest horses, Sun raider and Cyclone. As the race begins, anger begins in the heart of Sun Raider the horse of a man named Mr. Vole More...
The horse saves his life from a storm and he and his horse are stuck on this island. After being rescued, Alec strives to help this horse being a great racer, having him going against the two fastest horses, Sun raider and Cyclone. As the race begins, anger begins in the heart of Sun Raider the horse of a man named Mr. Vole More...
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Feb 21, 2011
John
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As most everyone knows, The Black Stallion is a story about a singular bond between a boy and a wild horse who is almost an embodiment of nature's primal forces.
This is the second time I've read it and I enjoyed both times, but this last reading (now that I am an adult) left me longing for something a bit more realistic and deep. It focuses almost exclusively on the boy's (Alec) immediate thoughts and never really fleshes out the world's scenery around Alec beyond the minimum necess More...
This is the second time I've read it and I enjoyed both times, but this last reading (now that I am an adult) left me longing for something a bit more realistic and deep. It focuses almost exclusively on the boy's (Alec) immediate thoughts and never really fleshes out the world's scenery around Alec beyond the minimum necess More...
Oct 17, 2010
English315/educ510
rated it: 
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. Just don't let it happen. Sometimes it's hard to prevent when others tell you that you can't do something. Especially if the people telling you this are older or in a position of authority. They might tell you that you are too small. They might tell you that you are not old enough. They might even tell you that you don't have the talent it takes to accomplish what you are trying to do.
That is exactly what everyone told Alec Ra More...
That is exactly what everyone told Alec Ra More...
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Mar 13, 2010
Callie
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You know, no words can really express how much I absolutely adored this book. The beginning made me laugh until mine eyes watered, the ending made me cry until no more tears would come. This book really is iconic and glorious. It was almost like that black stallion who was written about on each page was galloping about my presence, neighing and whinnying until the cows came home. This horse became my best friend, even more so than any person I have ever known. As I read, I could see his black co
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Dec 08, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
The Black Stallion begins with a boy traveling home from India. He visited his uncle for two months during his summer vacations. When he boards the ship to take him to England a terrifying and wild horse is brought on deck. The men whip this animal and trick it to get on the boat. However, this ship is not equipped to carry animals so they have to make a makeshift stall. The boy, whose name is Alec, gradually befriends this wild stallion. The ship is wrecked during a terrible storm and Alec tie
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May 24, 2009
Ruth
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This book is clearly a product of its time, and not just because of the corny slang. The second page awkwardly gives us a dose of muscular Christianity ideology: "Never again would he think of a missionary's work as sissy work. No, sir, you had to be big and strong..." The two female characters are completely boring. The Irish- and Italian-American characters are completely stereotyped. Egyptians are referred to as "natives" or as "the dark-skinned man"--I dedu
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Jun 28, 2011
Chris
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The Black Stallion by Walter Farley, tied with Treasure Island, was my favorite book as a kid. I remember having it recommended to me when I was about nine and absolutely devouring it in the space of a day. Then I turned around and read it again, before proceeding on to a number of the sequels. As fate would have it, Francis Ford Coppolla's critically-acclaimed film version came out at that very time, and it is one of the few films that is an equal to it's written counterpart.
In h More...
In h More...
May 14, 2011
Lana(:
rated it:
For the typical horse lover (like myself), this is a wonderful book. I like for the thrill that horses bring. Walter Farley did an outstanding job in his book, The Black Stallion, by really bringing The Black to life. I felt almost as if The Black was standing right in front of me. One time I thought "OH! I should probably go check on The Black and maybe ride him around the pasture a bit." Sadly I realized that I couldn't actually bring the majestic creature out of the clean crisp blac
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Oct 09, 2011
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
My heart has never gone pitter-patter for horses. No, I’ve never gotten swept up in that crazy love that so many young kids suffer from, horse fever.
Something tells me that most of the people who pick up The Black Stallion do have horse fever. That’s okay, but it is something that must be considered when taking a look at all the rave reviews this book has received over the years.
What is the opinion of a regular, horse-neutral person?
I liked it. It was okay. I More...
Something tells me that most of the people who pick up The Black Stallion do have horse fever. That’s okay, but it is something that must be considered when taking a look at all the rave reviews this book has received over the years.
What is the opinion of a regular, horse-neutral person?
I liked it. It was okay. I More...
Jul 26, 2011
Susan
rated it:
Each summer, I enjoy reading classic books to the girls. We’ve done “Freckles,” “Girl of the Limberlost,” “Bears of Blue River,” and “Huckleberry Finn” that I can remember offhand. This summer, we’re starting with “The Black Stallion.”
Why? I wish I could give a grand reason, but basically it’s because I found it on the shelf and I’d never read it. It’s not the genre I’d normally choose – boy vs. nature – but we’re enjoying it. A boy and a stallion are shipwrecked on an island, and th More...
Why? I wish I could give a grand reason, but basically it’s because I found it on the shelf and I’d never read it. It’s not the genre I’d normally choose – boy vs. nature – but we’re enjoying it. A boy and a stallion are shipwrecked on an island, and th More...
Feb 06, 2012
Rosalie
rated it:
(SPOILER!!!!!) Being caught in a thunderstorm and being in a ship wreck was not what Alek expected, and neither was a black stallion saving his life. Stranded on an Island, Alek and the stallion fight for their lives, eating seaweed and fish, Alek and his strong friend were not going to survive. The life of Alek was still in him, even though he had not much to eat, deciding to ride the stallion, he gets seriously injured, but utterly shocked. Not understanding how any creature could be so stro
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Aug 09, 2011
Matilda
rated it:
The black stallion is a horse like no other. With intense, savage eyes, strong legs, and a wild disposition, he is able to do anything he sets his mind to. Walter Farley (the author) has reallly created the wildest thing on four legs, as he skillfully describes the stallion. I love the friendship Farley has created between the horse and a New York boy, and I think it really changes the whole story. This book makes you appreciate the fierce love a horse can dedicate to a human and the unbroke
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Mar 06, 2011
Re: _The Black Stallion_
Below are my comments about this story, as posted at my group. (I watched the film which was adapted from the book. I have not read the book yet.)
Today I streamed the following film from Netflix:
"The Black Stallion" (1979) (adapted from The Black Stallion by Walter Farley):
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The-Bl...
Netflix says: "...this exquisitely filmed animal-lovers' treat follows a boy named Alec from shipwreck to win More...
Below are my comments about this story, as posted at my group. (I watched the film which was adapted from the book. I have not read the book yet.)
Today I streamed the following film from Netflix:
"The Black Stallion" (1979) (adapted from The Black Stallion by Walter Farley):
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The-Bl...
Netflix says: "...this exquisitely filmed animal-lovers' treat follows a boy named Alec from shipwreck to win More...
Sep 07, 2009
Phair
rated it:
Probably first read circa 1957. During 2d childhood reread I noticed not all was as I had recalled- a little more unbelievable for sure. Also -the writing style jumped out at me: short, simple, declarative sentences one after another. Was this Farley new to the writing trade or a conscious decision to appeal to unsophisticated kid audience of the day. After a while I got used to the style & didn't notice it as much. The ending had very much the 'to be continued' feel and I can clearly remember
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Nov 26, 2011
Eliza
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This is easily my most favorite book of all time. It may not have won a John Newbury award, but to me, nothing else compares. Of course, me being the horse fanatic that I am , jumped at the chance to read another horse book, not knowing that I would love it. I remember being so mad when I couldn't watch the movie on ABC Family 3 years ago because it was too late at night. Anyway, even if you aren't interested in horses, you should read this book. Just so you can take a look at the connection be
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Jun 10, 2011
Christina
rated it: 
Back when I wanted to be a horse-whisperer, I read pretty much every kid's book I could find with a horse on the cover. This and Misty of Chincoteague are the only ones I can remember hating. The characters are flat, the plot plods, and the stereotypes date it. Even "the Black" (just give him a name already!) annoys me. I don't really understand how it's become the face of "horse fiction" - there's much more engaging stuff out there.
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Sep 25, 2011
Louise
rated it:
A fast paced action novel for the horsey set and the non-horsey set too. Young Alec Ramsay is sailing back from India having visited his missionary uncle there for 2 months for the summer. At an Arab port a magnificent black stallion is loaded onto his ship. The ship then runs into a devastating storm off the coast of Spain. Alec and the Black are the only survivors. This sounds like enough for a book, but this is but the first 4 chapters! The majority of the story is the strong bond that develo
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May 05, 2009
Robin
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
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May 26, 2011
Lilly W.
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There is a kid who gets wrecked on an island and is all by himself with a crazy horse who he is trying to become friends with it and are found a few days later.He brings his horse "Black" and come on home. But he hadto find a place for Black to stay so he worked for a man on his farm and Black was able to stay. Then after a while Black is trained to be ridden by Henry and enter in a contest. When they are rejected and Jake (the farm owner) gets a great idea to get Black registered will
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Jan 15, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
I loved this book as child: 5 stars. After reading it a million times as a child and seeing the movie several times, it was a little slower: 3 stars.
Alec Ramsey visits his uncle in Africa for the summer. He boards a ship to get back home, and finds that a beautiful and wild stallion is also aboard. One night Alex is awoken by a big commotion--the ship is slowly sinking. The stallion breaks free from his stall and jumps over the side dragging tethers. At the same time Alex get pushed More...
Alec Ramsey visits his uncle in Africa for the summer. He boards a ship to get back home, and finds that a beautiful and wild stallion is also aboard. One night Alex is awoken by a big commotion--the ship is slowly sinking. The stallion breaks free from his stall and jumps over the side dragging tethers. At the same time Alex get pushed More...
Oct 29, 2011
Matti
rated it:
Nuori Alec Ramsay matkustaa höyrylaivalla takaisin Yhdysvaltoihin. Laiva joutuu kuitenkin merihätään ja poika onnistuu pelastautumaan haaksirikosta autiolle saarelle - ainoana seuralaisenaan musta arabialaisori. Saarella Alecin ja uljaan hevosen välille syntyy lämmin, omalaatuinen ystävyyssuhde.
Kotiin palattuaan Alec ja entinen huippujockey Henry ryhtyvät koulimaan juoksijan lahjoja osittavasta Mustasta huippuluokan kilpahevosta, joka ennätysaikoja murskattuaan pääseekin suureen kut More...
Kotiin palattuaan Alec ja entinen huippujockey Henry ryhtyvät koulimaan juoksijan lahjoja osittavasta Mustasta huippuluokan kilpahevosta, joka ennätysaikoja murskattuaan pääseekin suureen kut More...
Dec 30, 2009
C
rated it:
Childhood Classic...
Something about "survival" seems to really appeal to young adults... I had books all over that centered on characters who went out into the wilderness and survived off the land. I'm not sure quite what was so appealing about it, but those books landed in the "classics" section of my childhood library: Jim Kjelgaard books, My Side of the Mountain, the Black Stallion, Julie of the Wolves... see a theme here? Even The Mixed Up Files of Mr More...
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Feb 15, 2009
Mary
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This classic children's story about a boy shipwrecked with a wild stallion contains many great plot devices. The boy, Alec, is rescued by the horse when their ship sinks in a storm then returns the favor by insisting that the stallion return home with him when they are finally plucked from the desert island by a passing freighter. Home is Flushing, New York, where Alec's neighbor just happens to be a former champion jockey. Alec works hard to tame and then train the Black under Mr. Dailey's t
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Jun 28, 2009
Sheree
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The Black Stallion was one of my favourite childhood reads. I first read it a horse-loving 8 year old, re-read it until my Scholastic copy became dog-eared and visited with The Black & Alec again as a 40 something child at heart.
I believe this is the premise that makes The Black Stallion a classic, a book remembered fondly from childhood days, pieces of the story remaining with you over the years, then upon re-visiting as an adult, the wonder of this fantastic tale comes flooding back.
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I believe this is the premise that makes The Black Stallion a classic, a book remembered fondly from childhood days, pieces of the story remaining with you over the years, then upon re-visiting as an adult, the wonder of this fantastic tale comes flooding back.
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Aug 06, 2011
Chris
rated it:
See the cover? That's a arabian stallion version of Ruffian. Farley based his iconic title horse on Ruffian, an extremely fast filly (whose time at some race tracks rivals or beats those of the great stallions) who died tragically after breaking her leg in a match race.
That's only one cool thing about this book.
It's no surprise that this book has stood the test of time, no surprise at all. Even without the movie and its beautiful images of horse and boy on the desert i More...
That's only one cool thing about this book.
It's no surprise that this book has stood the test of time, no surprise at all. Even without the movie and its beautiful images of horse and boy on the desert i More...
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Feb 11, 2011
Heidi
rated it:
Another "classic" I somehow did not read as a child. I wasn't really into animal books, if I remember correctly. That, or I just didn't think to take it off a shelf to read it. Having now read some other horse books and seen many horse movies, this book ended up being a little disappointing. If it had been first, I know I would have appreciated and enjoyed it more. Not that I didn't enjoy it. I just spent the whole time thinking, "And this is like 'Rogue Stallion.' Oh, this is lik
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Jan 04, 2010
Smallfrymouse
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I remember The Black Stallion series as the first series I actually owned hard copies of, not borrowed from the library. I would bring a flashlight to bed and keep reading after my bedtime until I would fall asleep with the book propped up. I remember other books as well like Ralph and the Motorcycle, but The Black Stallion really started my love for reading and showed me how I can get wrapped up in a book and its' characters. I haven't stopped reading since!
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Mar 03, 2009
Amy
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
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Dec 20, 2008
Genevieve
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I LOVED this book when I was young!! We still have a picture of me, at about five years of age, standing with a beautiful sunset behind me, totally engrossed in the Black Stallion. :)
I enjoyed the whole series, except that I wouldn't recommend The Black Stallion's Ghost, The Black Stallion's Legend, and the Island Stallion Races - these three get a bit odd at times. But they can easily be skipped while enjoying the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the whole series, except that I wouldn't recommend The Black Stallion's Ghost, The Black Stallion's Legend, and the Island Stallion Races - these three get a bit odd at times. But they can easily be skipped while enjoying the rest of the series.
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