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Born To Run, Live To Be Free
In this new book in the Under Open Skies series, Tom Johnson is in his early 20's and struggling to make it through college and take care of his little family. Due to the stress created by the overload of class work, the challenges of having very little money, and the limited amount of time for his family, he often feels trapped by his circumstances.
To try to earn some extra money to help out with his family income, he procures a job taking care of horses. When the lady he works for buys a famous old race horse, Tom starts to see the world and his situation somewhat differently. In sensing the old stallion’s trust in him, learning from friends and those around him, Tom begins to realize that prisons can be made as much from our attitudes and decisions as they can be from cement and steel, and that challenges can be good. That is when he begins to understand what true freedom really is.
To try to earn some extra money to help out with his family income, he procures a job taking care of horses. When the lady he works for buys a famous old race horse, Tom starts to see the world and his situation somewhat differently. In sensing the old stallion’s trust in him, learning from friends and those around him, Tom begins to realize that prisons can be made as much from our attitudes and decisions as they can be from cement and steel, and that challenges can be good. That is when he begins to understand what true freedom really is.
- GenresMiddle Grade
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
About the author
Daris Howard
50 books48 followers Daris Howard, an award winning author and playwright, grew up on an Idaho farm. He was a state champion athlete, competed in college athletics, and lived for a time in New York.
He has worked as a cowboy, a mechanic, in farming, and in the timber industry. He is now a college professor. He has also been a scoutmaster, having up to 18 boys in his scout troop at a time. In his wide range of experience, he has associated with many colorful characters who form a basis for his writing.
Daris has had plays translated into German and French, and his plays have been performed in many countries around the world.
For many years Daris has written a popular column called Life’s Outtakes that consists of weekly short stories, and is published in various newspapers and magazines in the U.S. and Canada.
You can see more about him at http://www.darishoward.com
He has worked as a cowboy, a mechanic, in farming, and in the timber industry. He is now a college professor. He has also been a scoutmaster, having up to 18 boys in his scout troop at a time. In his wide range of experience, he has associated with many colorful characters who form a basis for his writing.
Daris has had plays translated into German and French, and his plays have been performed in many countries around the world.
For many years Daris has written a popular column called Life’s Outtakes that consists of weekly short stories, and is published in various newspapers and magazines in the U.S. and Canada.
You can see more about him at http://www.darishoward.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 14, 2021
This second novel in the series jumps 15 years from Tommy age five to Tommy age twenty, married, with children of his own. After reading the sample chapters I’d say the reader must love horses. Is Tommy a horse whisperer? Even accepting that Tommy has grown up this book feels like a stand alone completely divorced from his former family. The tone is no longer light-heated and comedic.
The story proves to be about the horse Cashmere rather than Tommy. Cashmere is born in Germany and his trainer is Franz, he is a thoroughbred race horse. After winning a race he is sold to an American movie star who wants to parade a show horse.
The story abruptly returns to Tom without so indicating and his work for Brenda who acquires Cashmere and sets him free to run. For the record the offspring of a mare is called a foal, not a baby horse. And once more a text that could use further editing.
The story proves to be about the horse Cashmere rather than Tommy. Cashmere is born in Germany and his trainer is Franz, he is a thoroughbred race horse. After winning a race he is sold to an American movie star who wants to parade a show horse.
The story abruptly returns to Tom without so indicating and his work for Brenda who acquires Cashmere and sets him free to run. For the record the offspring of a mare is called a foal, not a baby horse. And once more a text that could use further editing.
September 13, 2020
Enjoyable read. Will watch for others from Daris Howard.
Read
April 10, 2015While not the most realistic in terms of the horse world this book proved to be an enjoyable book.
May 18, 2015
Born to run
One of the best books I've ever read......wished Raph and Anna could have come back in the end. Loved it
One of the best books I've ever read......wished Raph and Anna could have come back in the end. Loved it
August 7, 2015
Great read for horse lovers. Inspirational understanding attitude of the people towards animals
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews