Listen up, folks, because I've got a summer audiobook you won't want to miss. In this gem of a book, author and narrator Sarah Maslin Nir dives into the world of horse obsession. And let me tell you, there's more horses in America than you could have ever imagined - over seven million of them to be exact. Even in this modern age of cars and trains, these majestic creatures continue to capture the hearts of nearly two million horse owners.
Nir, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and seasoned equestrian herself, takes you on a wild ride in Horse Crazy. It's a journey that will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you in awe of the bond between humans and horses. But it's not just a love letter to these graceful animals, it's also a coming-of-age story, as Nir finds her place in the world through her unwavering connection with horses.
Now, get ready to meet some fascinating characters in the riding world. We've got Monty Roberts, the legendary California trainer who has earned himself the nickname "the man who listens to horses" - he even has a pet deer, folks. Then there's George and Ann Blair, on a mission to revive the forgotten legacy of the African American cowboy at their riding academy in Manhattan's Harlem River. And let's not forget Francesca Kelly, a woman whose love for an Indian nobleman has shaped her life's mission: protecting an endangered Indian breed of horse and bringing them to America.
But Nir doesn't stop there. She weaves her own personal narrative into these captivating profiles. She shares her father's harrowing tale of survival during the Holocaust and opens up about her somewhat lonely upbringing in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Horses became her family, whether she was sneaking off to a stable disguised in an old townhouse or chasing down truants in Central Park as an auxiliary mounted patrol officer. And she doesn't shy away from discussing how horses have helped her through the ups and downs of life, including heartbreak and loss.
With each chapter named after a horse that has touched Nir's life, Horse Crazy is a beautiful blend of memoir and top-notch reporting. It's infused with heart, humor, and a deep appreciation for these magnificent creatures. So saddle up, folks, because you're in for a wild ride you won't soon forget.