The Truth About Horses, Friends, & My Life as a Coward

by Sarah Gibson, Glin Dibley (Illustrator)

So you think you love horses? That’s what Sophie Groves thought too. But she found out that horses are a heap of trouble. Her trials began at five years old when her mom brought home Really (a.k.a. Really Mean), the nastiest pony in Maine. Two horses later, Sophie is still learning to deal with these crafty creatures, while trying to find friends who will like her for who she is―not for her horses. Filled with hilarious horse capers and the real truth about life as a weenie, this laugh-out-loud story shows why a horse isn’t always a girl’s best friend.

Genres: Humor, Friendship, Horses, Realistic Fiction, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Avid Book]

Really managed to capture the spirit and mystery of the reality

Of the allure. And why so many teenage girls never do grow out of their horses phase. Not complaining! Kept me from becoming a kid on the wrong side of the law, same for my own when they came along, and the means to support them when my marriage fell apart.

[Lexi Lucy]

This is a really funny book that talks about the true meaning of friendship, reveals the mind of a frightened young girl, and shows the pros and cons of a horse. the hilarious illustrations and easy sentences are easy and fun to read. My all-time favorite!

[Jeff]

Mixing the droll, deadpan understatements of the traditional Maine storyteller and the tongue-in-cheek humor of a Sciezska or a Pinkwater, Sarah P. Gibson offers 16 delightful vignettes of native, Maine Islander Sophie Groves’ struggle deciphering what’s easier: living with three crafty, ornery, downright nasty horses or discovering true friendship among her classmates. Her seemingly doomed attempts to win the respect of her family’s three horses, while at the same time navigating the social world of the pre-teen, looking for a friend who is a true friend and not just a (shudder) “horse lover,” provides a unique and funny look at growing up in Maine.


Each chapter is an unexpected and humorous tale of trials and tribulations showing the horses who’s in charge and trying to convince new found friends that horses are not the adorable, noble steeds they are thought to be. Sophie Groves’ understated, dead-on, Laocoön-like predictions of the horses’ behavior along with her friends shocked surprise upon experiencing the true nature of horses, never fails to provoke a laugh. Gibson allows the reader to experience the sweet sensation of knowing better than the characters that enter into Sophie’s life.


Will anyone ever listen to Sophie when it comes to Sweetheart, Fancy Free, and Really? Are sweets the only means of convincing the horses to cooperate? Can she cope with the Carpwells? How easy is it to tell a moose from a horse on Halloween Night? Is there a true friend for Sophie? Find out the truth behind all these questions in Gibson’s The Truth About Horses, Friends, and My Life as a Coward.

~Jeff Bullard (December 2008)

[Katie]

I thought this book started out quite boring but improved as it went. At first it was just about the mean old pony Really. Eventually other horses arrive along with friends and crazy neighbors that add some interest. Unfortunately it never picked up enough for me to really enjoy it. Other than the friendship theme I really didn't see much of a point to the book. I'm not sure that anyone other than a real horse lover would enjoy it. As I am neither from Maine, nor a horse lover, nor one to encourage my kids to do activities in which they consistently fall off horses, crash into trees, get bitten or have to go to the doctor perhaps I am not the best reviewer of this book. There are a few kids in my school I could probably convince to read this book, but I don't think it will have wide appeal.

[Tara]

So...I really did like this book. I got it from the library for a bit of light reading, since I've been reading a lot of heavy books lately. I think I would have liked them better if the story had an actual plot instead of mini-episodes. However, I did enjoy the witty banter. I found myself laughing in certain spots during the novel, which never happens in books. I also found myself relating with Sophie.

I don't know if I would necessarily recommend this book to anyone, but I wouldn't oppose it if someone wanted to read it. I'm sort of indifferent. :)

[Erik]

This was a book that I was not found of at the beginning of the story, but it got substantially better as the book went on. It took me about 40 pages before I had a good feel for what was going on with the book. Though I understand the urge to have a little fuzziness in the beginning, in this case it didn't do anything for me. Once the real story started though (and the auther stopped trying to be mysterious), it was a good book. Nothing ground-breaking and not particularly deep, but still a fine read.

[Nancy]

I LOVED this book. So well written, funny...touching and fantastic! I know it's for 8-12 year olds, but everyone should read this book, even if you don't like horses, well maybe especially if you don't like horses. Sarah Gibson can really write and make me see the hilarious scenes and people who give her book life! The illustrations are wonderful, they add just the right touch. Pretty perfect and perfect for all ages.

[Sarah]

I was reluctant to read this at first, but was quickly hooked. I really enjoyed the way that Sophie talked about her horses. It reminded me of "Knucklehead", which I also really liked, in the tone.
This is a 2011 Battle of the Books selection.

[Shanyn]

So, funny. Glad there is a book that shows the variety and personalities of horses. Emily has been bugging for a horse, I think she is rethinking it! Reminds me a little of McManus, lots of great short stories looped together.

[Clarissa]

Got this for my horse-crazy daughter, but I ended up reading it and rather enjoying it. Sweet little memories of growung up.

[Shannon]

Fun story, satisfying ending. I thought that the illustrations, although great, didn't quite match the book's style... Recommended as a quick read.

[Megan]

A quick, easy read about a girl's (mostly bad) experiences with horses.

[Susan]

I read this book because it is a Washington Sasquatch Nominee 2011. It is an awesome book and any 3-9th grader should read this. I recommend to adults too.

[Kimberly]

Easy to read. Not as funny or fun as I hoped. Was just ok. Wouldn't necessarily recommend this read.

[Jennifer]

This book is HILARIOUS!! AND it is set in Maine by a Maine author.

[Roberta Henson]

So cute, very realistic;)

[Carterkempgmail.Com]

Fine, short, funny. The girlish but sarcastic and self-deprecating voice of the narrator was refreshing and funny.

[Cheryl]

Funny, well written, with a great lesson in friendship.

[Sarah]

Fantastic pre-teen horse book set on a Maine island.

[Marla]

Maine Student Book Award 2009-2010