Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (2008)
Summary of the Book
Half Broke Horses is a 2008 memoir by Jeannette Walls, who is best known for her memoir The Glass Castle. It tells the story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, and her life growing up in the American West during the early 1900s. In the book, Walls shares her grandmother’s inspiring and often difficult experiences, including her struggles with poverty, abusive relationships, and the harshness of the land she lived on.
Lily Casey Smith was born in Texas in 1901, and at the age of six, she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle in New Mexico. From an early age, she was expected to take on responsibilities beyond her years and become a hard-working member of her family. As she grew up, she developed a love for horses and soon became an expert horse rider, nicknamed “Half-Broke Horses” for her skills.
Throughout the book, Walls recounts her grandmother’s experiences with poverty and resilience. Lily eventually moved to Arizona and started her own ranch, managing to survive despite the harsh realities of the land. She also overcame her abusive relationships and found a way to raise her children with love and kindness.
Half Broke Horses is not only an inspiring story about a woman’s courage and resilience, but it also offers valuable lessons about the importance of family and the power of perseverance. Walls’ memoir offers readers a glimpse into the struggles of life in the American West, as well as an honest and moving look at the life of her grandmother.
Interesting Facts and Curiosities
- Jeannette Walls was inspired to write Half Broke Horses after learning more about her grandmother’s life while researching The Glass Castle.
- The book is based on Walls’ grandmother’s actual experiences, including her marriage and her career as a horse trainer.
- The title of the book is taken from one of Lily Casey Smith’s nicknames, “Half-Broke Horses”, which she earned because of her exceptional horse-riding skills.
- Lily Casey Smith’s life was characterized by resilience and strength, despite the hardships she faced.
- The book offers valuable lessons about the importance of family and the power of perseverance.
FAQs
Q: What is Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls about?
A: Half Broke Horses is a 2008 memoir by Jeannette Walls, which tells the story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, and her life growing up in the American West during the early 1900s. It recounts her grandmother’s inspiring and often difficult experiences, including her struggles with poverty, abusive relationships, and the harshness of the land she lived on.
Q: Who is the author of Half Broke Horses?
A: Half Broke Horses was written by Jeannette Walls, who is best known for her memoir The Glass Castle.
Q: What is the title of the book taken from?
A: The title of the book is taken from one of Lily Casey Smith’s nicknames, “Half-Broke Horses”, which she earned because of her exceptional horse-riding skills.
Q: What kind of lessons does Half Broke Horses offer readers?
A: Half Broke Horses offers readers valuable lessons about the importance of family and the power of perseverance. Walls’ memoir also offers a glimpse into the struggles of life in the American West, as well as an honest and moving look at the life of her grandmother.