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Apr 02, 2008
Sammy
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I cried. Not going to lie, if my mom hadn't been in the same room as me, I probably would have been bawling with a baby. Now I want to say why (it could have been happy crying, it could have been sad crying, it could have been both) so, you are officially warned that there are probably going to be spoilers contained in this review...
Chosen by a Horse is an amazing novel whether or not you're a horse or animal lover. It may touch those of us who have loved and owned animals a littl More...
Chosen by a Horse is an amazing novel whether or not you're a horse or animal lover. It may touch those of us who have loved and owned animals a littl More...
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Apr 01, 2009
That we have to put ourselves in the other beings shoes, in order to understand their unmet needs and driving emotions. I guess you can just say emotions are one type of need, but just as real as thirst, or dominance. Two parallel lives here, who saves whom?
A good book to cry over. You dont usually deal with the gritty details of putting down a sick and abused animal. Richards gets a good review from Temple Grandin and I guess I needed that cry over my dog.
If you feeling that comf More...
A good book to cry over. You dont usually deal with the gritty details of putting down a sick and abused animal. Richards gets a good review from Temple Grandin and I guess I needed that cry over my dog.
If you feeling that comf More...
Jan 11, 2012
Jesse
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 25, 2011
Terri
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This book reminded me a lot of "Nickel and Dimed" - it's a great premise that the author ruins with her incessent whining about her own life. This isn't a book about a horse or even a book about how " a broken horse fixed a broken heart." The author had already battled her alcoholism and left her abusive husband well before Lay Me Down came into her life. The horse part of this book is pretty thin - Richards gets Lay Me Down, Lay Me Down hangs out in a field for a while, gets
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Aug 26, 2011
Ruth
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Chosen by a Horse
Susan Richards
This book is one of my favorite forms of literature: a memoir. A well-written memoir is better than any novel, and I say that as a writer of novels.
From the back cover: ” …Lay Me Down, a former racehorse with a foal close on her heels walked right up that ramp (of the waiting trailer) and into Susan’s life.”
The author has three other horses and they are so individualistic and personable that they are real characters in this true dr More...
Susan Richards
This book is one of my favorite forms of literature: a memoir. A well-written memoir is better than any novel, and I say that as a writer of novels.
From the back cover: ” …Lay Me Down, a former racehorse with a foal close on her heels walked right up that ramp (of the waiting trailer) and into Susan’s life.”
The author has three other horses and they are so individualistic and personable that they are real characters in this true dr More...
Apr 12, 2011
Opening your heart can be a risky decision …..
Sometimes you do things on the spur of the moment then wonder later if it was the right choice. Taking on a starving, mistreated mare and her foal seemed a crazy idea to Susan and yet it seemed the natural thing to do. However, she didn’t think it would be this hard. In fact, it was down right over whelming!
Living alone with her three horses was a physical and mental stretch for Susan. But an advocate for those in need, she ha More...
Sometimes you do things on the spur of the moment then wonder later if it was the right choice. Taking on a starving, mistreated mare and her foal seemed a crazy idea to Susan and yet it seemed the natural thing to do. However, she didn’t think it would be this hard. In fact, it was down right over whelming!
Living alone with her three horses was a physical and mental stretch for Susan. But an advocate for those in need, she ha More...
Sep 26, 2010
Linda
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Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards
Simply stated: This book took my breath away. A BIG thanks to McKait (Kath) for her recommendation.
Written with humor, poignancy, candor, and clear, crisp poetic style, the author takes us on a wonderful journey regarding the redemptive power of love.
There are times in life when we spontaneously, unexpectedly break out of character, when previous behaviors are uncautiously thrown to the wind and afterward we ask ourselves -- More...
Simply stated: This book took my breath away. A BIG thanks to McKait (Kath) for her recommendation.
Written with humor, poignancy, candor, and clear, crisp poetic style, the author takes us on a wonderful journey regarding the redemptive power of love.
There are times in life when we spontaneously, unexpectedly break out of character, when previous behaviors are uncautiously thrown to the wind and afterward we ask ourselves -- More...
Aug 25, 2010
Danielle
rated it: 
I would just like to say that this is what happens when I go to the library with my kids and without having put something on hold. I grab pretty much the first thing I see (or, rather, the first 3 or 4 things I see) hoping that one of them will be good enough to last me a week.
This isn't normally my kind of book, but I saw it on a recommended reading shelf and thought it might surprise me. As it turned out, the story itself was predictable, but the finesse of the writing was a pleasant su More...
This isn't normally my kind of book, but I saw it on a recommended reading shelf and thought it might surprise me. As it turned out, the story itself was predictable, but the finesse of the writing was a pleasant su More...
Feb 27, 2010
Rachel
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Susan Richards was more or less minding her own business, when all of a sudden a horse landed in her life. After getting a rather frantic call from a friend, telling her that the SPCA had just confiscated more than forty abused and neglected horses who needed new homes immediately, Susan came to the rescue and found one horse who seemed all to eager to come home with her. This memoir tells the story of their developing relationship.
As someone with only moderate experience with horses More...
As someone with only moderate experience with horses More...
Nov 06, 2009
H.orses
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Alright, so, I was in Barns&Nobles one day and I'm sitting in front of the horse section that I am often shuffling through and I see this book and automatically have to buy it. One because it has a horse on the cover(duh), and two because I read the back and know there aren't many good nonfiction horse stories out there. I loved this book(not just because of the horse on the cover... But by the way it was also about horses so that's a bonus), it even made me cry a bit when this amazing horse had
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Jul 26, 2009
Hayley
rated it:
Advantages: Innate understanding of the horse lover
Disadvantages: American style, overly self absorbed
*Synopsis*
Susan Richards agrees to provide a home to an abused and neglected mare named Lay me Down that has been rescued by a local animal welfare centre. Susan has had a traumatic life. She lost her mother at a young age and was raised by uncaring relatives; she married unhappily and divorced; and she'd been an alcoholic. At this point in her life, aged 43, More...
Apr 26, 2010
Mary
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 26, 2009
Trish
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This is a bittersweet tale, beautifully written and edited. It had nothing extra. What may have taken a year or two to write, took just an evening to read. It exhibited, for me, a very affirming personality. A woman who'd knocked about (read: been knocked about) a bit, but who shows us the best of the human condition: love, integrity, generosity, acceptance, humor.
I loved reading of the horses, because she has such long experience handling them, and of Cornell, certainly one of the m More...
I loved reading of the horses, because she has such long experience handling them, and of Cornell, certainly one of the m More...
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Sep 12, 2011
Lis
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Susan Richards has survived an abusive childhood and a bad marriage, and now, in her forties, is living on a small farm with her three horses, working as a social worker, and determinedly protecting her independence. Having given up alcohol, casual sex, and in fact men altogether, she may be lonely, but at least she’s safe.
Then she gets a call from the local SPCA, which has taken in more than forty horses from an abuse case. Their barn was already full; they need foster homes immedia More...
Then she gets a call from the local SPCA, which has taken in more than forty horses from an abuse case. Their barn was already full; they need foster homes immedia More...
Jul 31, 2011
P.
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Is it just me, or are Friesians now the only horses who are allowed in movies or to grace book covers? The titular horse in Chosen by a Horse is a Standardbred. The horse on the cover, though lovely with its long mane and forelock, is a Friesian. (Or maybe a very dark Andalusian, it's hard to tell.) I guess Standardbreds aren't showy enough for book covers.
Susan Richards's writing is engaging and her descriptions of all things horsey, is dead on. But this memoir, nevertheless, falls More...
Susan Richards's writing is engaging and her descriptions of all things horsey, is dead on. But this memoir, nevertheless, falls More...
Jan 15, 2012
Kim
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By the end of the book I can say I enjoyed it. I'm still annoyed about the random jumps in narration and the sometimes overly indulgent and random descriptions. Considering I didn't realize that this was a memoir until she talked about buying Georgia in upstate New York, I can say that I feel less disappointed in her character and the characterizations of the horses. I thought the references to Ithaca were pretty hilarious, and the reverence for Cornell's veterinary institute was well deserved.
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Aug 06, 2011
Written in a style that made me feel like Susan was a friend catching up with what is going on in her live. It is funny, sad and touching all at the same time. At times Susan exposes her history and life with unvarnished openness that surprised me at times, but definitely gave flavor to the story.
It is not just about a horse, but more about life and how people cope with the events and changes that are dreamed about, persistently pursued and dropped on us unexpectedly. A book that was hard to More...
It is not just about a horse, but more about life and how people cope with the events and changes that are dreamed about, persistently pursued and dropped on us unexpectedly. A book that was hard to More...
Jan 03, 2008
I was reluctant to read this because I'm not a "horse person", but my book group picked it, so I went ahead and I LOVE it. It doesn't matter if you're a horse person or not, if you've ever cared for another creature and had to battle your way through rough times in life, then you'll "get" this book. My favorite passage from this book has nothing to do with animals - it has to do with writing.
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Nov 17, 2010
Sandy
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This is a memoir of a woman's personal transformation with the help of a rescued horse. It is interesting and pretty well written, with some very interesting 'asides', (her great grandmother!) and the fascinating manor house in New York state where she is a social worker... intriguing to me because of the architecture she describes and the stunning setting... so interesting for a halfway house from hell for so many of those she works with. Also interesting to me is that this is the second contem
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May 23, 2009
Betita
rated it:
Este foi um livro que me tocou no fundo do coração.
A dedicação de Susan aos seus cavalos e em especial à sua égua fez-me emocionar várias vezes.
Susan, com os seus cavalos aprendeu que a solidão por vezes somos nós mesmos que a criamos pois há sempre uma maneira de ser feliz, apesar de todos os dissabores que a vida por vezes nos causa.
Lay Me Down, a égua que Susan acolhe juntos dos seus 3 cavalos, depois de esta ter passado por mais de uma década de maus tratos, vai fazê-la ve More...
A dedicação de Susan aos seus cavalos e em especial à sua égua fez-me emocionar várias vezes.
Susan, com os seus cavalos aprendeu que a solidão por vezes somos nós mesmos que a criamos pois há sempre uma maneira de ser feliz, apesar de todos os dissabores que a vida por vezes nos causa.
Lay Me Down, a égua que Susan acolhe juntos dos seus 3 cavalos, depois de esta ter passado por mais de uma década de maus tratos, vai fazê-la ve More...
Mar 08, 2009
Fbeatriz
rated it:
Este livro, acima de tudo, mostra-nos como os animais, neste caso uma égua, são capazes de nos chegarem ao coração e ajudarem-nos a ultrapassar traumas e medos adquiridos por percalços da vida.
Lay Me Down é uma égua mal tratada e marcada por um dono cruel, sendo "adoptada" por Susan, que a leva para junto de mais três cavalos, cada um com a sua história e marcas humanas, após um pedido de ajuda, após ter sido retirada ao dono.
Esta égua, que tinha todos os motivos para ser More...
Lay Me Down é uma égua mal tratada e marcada por um dono cruel, sendo "adoptada" por Susan, que a leva para junto de mais três cavalos, cada um com a sua história e marcas humanas, após um pedido de ajuda, após ter sido retirada ao dono.
Esta égua, que tinha todos os motivos para ser More...
Apr 11, 2010
Adriana
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In Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards, the author has been happily living alone on her farm for 10 years when she uncharacteristically decides to help the SPCA foster an abused horse. Wanting a horse with a fantastic name, Richards is a little disappointed to find herself with Lay Me Down, whose passive prayer name does not indicate independence or spirit. However, Lay Me Down is no ordinary horse. Despite her ill treatment, she is friendly, gentle, and trusting, completely the opposite of w
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Mar 25, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
a heart warming and heart breaking story of a rescued, abused horse fixing the broken heart of her abused and divoursed new owner.
the story and plot are amazingly written and touching. it explores the relationships not only between humans but also between animals. and owner and pet relationships, showing how normally both sides get something from the bond.
as a horse owner myself i could relate to the relationship between susan and her horses and can understand her diffecult decisions More...
the story and plot are amazingly written and touching. it explores the relationships not only between humans but also between animals. and owner and pet relationships, showing how normally both sides get something from the bond.
as a horse owner myself i could relate to the relationship between susan and her horses and can understand her diffecult decisions More...
Feb 27, 2008
Adina
rated it:
This is a sweet story with sections of good writing and lucidity. Overall, the author allows herself too many repetitive moments of self-indulgence. Even a memoir should be allowed to unfold with subtlety and more "showing" than "telling." That being said, the ending is clear, creative and poignant.
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Dec 27, 2011
Suzyberry
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This book entered my life, as so many do, at precisely the perfect time. Susan Richards has written a book that grabs your attention and then your heart from it's very beginning. She, a woman with wounds, deep wounds, alone and seeking love...the horse, likewise wounded, abused and unloved. They come together in what seems to be a mistake, yet it is a perfect match at a perfect time in both their lives. This book teaches all of us about the rare love and emotional solace animals have to give us
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Jul 16, 2009
Sheila
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This book made me laugh out loud and cry on a bus loaded with people. It touched my heart, partly because I can relate to the author in so many ways. And where I couldn't relate, I could come to understand. This is a horse story for adults. Remember when you were little and read Black Beauty in your bedroom surrounded by all your plastic horses on shelves (well, that wasn't me because I never could afford the plastic horses), but this book may bring you back to that. I was so impressed, I handed
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Jan 21, 2009
Chana
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I loved this book, it is one of those books that feels like it says everything it needs to say. The writing is concise and conveys large and important insights in the descriptions of the way a horse sighs, the way a man drops crumbs, the way a friend maintains silence. I am affected by Lay Me Down's death, but more affected by her life. As her owner did, I find her an inspiration. I have fallen in love with horses and people I don't know under the spell of this book of remarkable power. I t
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Sep 08, 2010
Esther
rated it:
Excellent; wonderful; this book brought the author to the attention of the general public and success. Hey Yey, rejoice. at any rate, I took a passage and read it to my women's group and said, write on the theme. The theme was bras, and I put it more casually than that.
In another Goodreads entry I'm going to tell you about Chosen Forever, because she thusfar has written 3 books, this being the last, which i got from alibris or Amazon, not sure; wonderful, i advice anyone in transi More...
In another Goodreads entry I'm going to tell you about Chosen Forever, because she thusfar has written 3 books, this being the last, which i got from alibris or Amazon, not sure; wonderful, i advice anyone in transi More...
May 19, 2011
Pam
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This is a book I will hold in my heart for a long time to come. Richards has achieved a balance that is difficult to strike in memoir: honest, funny, sad, poignant. I laughed and I cried as I read. Richards takes in a foster horse who is in need of a loving home. The way this beautiful horse, Lay Me Down, finds a way into her heart, only to leave all too soon, reminded me of our beloved Ginger, a greyhound we fostered (and eventually adopted) through Colorado Greyhound Adoption. For those
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Apr 29, 2011
Noni
rated it:
A beautiful memoir. The author shares the relationship of her horses and how the addition of a rescued horse affected the lives os all. One can't help but share in her feelings toward Lay Me Down as the horse slowly heals and is introduced to the fold. The reader can't help but become a cheerleader as the author struggles to overcome the inoperable cancer that has been discovered in this wonderful gentle horse. The struggle with the horse parallels the struggle with her life as the author sl
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