Book Review: The Girl Who Remembered Horses

The Girl Who Remembered Horses
Author: Linda Benson
Published: November 2011, Musa Publishing
Genre: Middle-grade fantasy
Rating: 5/5

I bought this novel for my kindle back around Christmas time. In my pursuit to find horse related books for my kindle I discovered The Girl Who Remembered Horses. The concept in the book that in the future humans have forgotten the bond they had with horses was a unique idea. I settled into into reading this novel while I was in Japan and found myself lost in Sahara's world.

Sahara dreams of horses. These creatures are so wild and fleeting the idea that one could be tamed, much less ridden, is a fancy that time should not be wasted on. As she is ridiculed by her clan Sahara finds herself turning more to her animals for comfort. Not until she meets Evan, a young herder from another clan, do her dreams begin to make sense. When she discovers an orphaned foal Sahara becomes determined to rear the fragile baby and prove horses are worth much more than as a food source.

One craft element I enjoyed from this novel was Benson's strong ability to create solid imagery. Her vivid descriptions will manipulate the readers mind into truly seeing the horses as they gallop across the plains. In my mind I could always see the story developing in images. Benson also has strong characterization throughout the novel and readers get to see development of secondary characters.

I highly recommend this novel to any horse lover looking for their next read. It is available as an e-book at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

(#2 for the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Horsemaster

Horsemaster

Author: Marilyn Singer

Published: 1985, Collier Books, Macmillan Publishing

Genre: Middle-grade fantasy, 179 pages

Rating: 5/5

I reread the novel Horsemaster on the plane trip from Detroit to Nagoya, Japan. This novel opened my reading world up when I was twelve into the fantasy genre. I found the battered paperback at my town library amongst the other fantasy novels dealing with dragons, enchanted swords and magicians trying to save the world. I reread the book several times and never could forget it. I bought a used copy off of amazon.com because, unfortuantly, it is no longer in publication.

This is also my first book for the 100 book challenge in 2012. I specifically chose this novel because I wanted to recall my childhood inspirations for wanting to become a writer. Emotionally, it was the right book for me to read as I embark on my journey to write about the horses in Japan.

Jessica has dreams. Dreams of a horse that is so unearthly and yet so tangible she finds herself wondering if her dreams are real. Her best friend, Jack, can't seem to stay out of trouble and she somehow gets involved even when it's not his fault. In an abandoned barn they discover a tapestry that will link them, another world, and the esscence of horses intrinsically together. The characters have depth and will become even more admired as they change through their unsuspected journey. The majesty of the horse's spirit can be found on every page as it is used to influence the tone, emotions, and decisions of the characters. Singer has created a memorable book that will be enjoyed by any horse lover who enjoys the fantasy genre. I highly recommend if you can find a copy buy it and read it.