Half Broke Horses

A True-Life Novel

By: Jeannette Walls

Narrated by: Jeannette Walls

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

2010 Audie Award Finalist for Narration by the Author

Jeannette Walls's memoir The Glass Castle was "nothing short of spectacular" ( Entertainment Weekly). Now, in Half Broke Horses, she brings us the story of her grandmother, told in a first-person voice that is authentic, irresistible, and triumphant.

"Those old cows knew trouble was coming before we did." So begins the story of Lily Casey Smith, Jeannette Walls's no nonsense, resourceful, and spectacularly compelling grandmother. By age six, Lily was helping her father break horses. At 15, she left home to teach in a frontier town - riding 500 miles on her pony, alone, to get to her job. She learned to drive a car ("I loved cars even more than I loved horses. They didn't need to be fed if they weren't working, and they didn't leave big piles of manure all over the place") and fly a plane. And, with her husband Jim, she ran a vast ranch in Arizona. She raised two children, one of whom is Jeannette's memorable mother, Rosemary Smith Walls, unforgettably portrayed in The Glass Castle.

Lily survived tornadoes, droughts, floods, the Great Depression, and the most heartbreaking personal tragedy. She bristled at prejudice of all kinds -- against women, Native Americans, and anyone else who didn't fit the mold. Rosemary Smith Walls always told Jeannette that she was like her grandmother, and in this true-life novel, Jeannette Walls channels that kindred spirit.

Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen's Out of Africa or Beryl Markham's West with the Night. Destined to become a classic, it will transfix audiences everywhere.

©2009 Jeanette Walls (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Lily Casey Smith is one astonishing woman...a half-broke horse herself who's clearly passed on her best traits to her granddaughter. Told in a natural, offhand voice that is utterly enthralling, this is essential reading for anyone who loves good fiction." ( Library Journal)

Outstanding

What made the experience of listening to Half Broke Horses the most enjoyable?

Jeanette Walls narration. She became her grandmother during the course of the novel. I even found myself speaking in her rhythm a few times. She was no nonsense kind of gal and I've been accused of being the same. Struck a cord.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Half Broke Horses?

Lily's trek to AZ for her first teaching job at the age of 15.

Which scene was your favorite?

Didn't have a favorite scene, but her comment about suicide being a selfish act has stuck with me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction. I felt more empowered afterwards though. That gal had moxey.

Any additional comments?

Good read, uh, er, listen.

Great life lessons

This book makes me want to write my grandmothers history - and someday my own. It took me a bit to get into it but then I found myself unable to stop. I listened to it and I love the authors performance of her grandmother's voice.

You need to get Will Patton to narrate your books

The story is great but the narration is awful. You need to get Will Patton to do your books!

Lessons of life

Lessons of life in a simpler time through the eyes of a woman who didn’t make excuses and searched for a way to make it in life.
She succeeded to her own delight. Left me wanting more.

Wonderful true life story

Jeannette Walls is simply wonderful. Such an excellent story teller. An excellent story about an incredible woman in our history. Not a famous character a real woman who had amazing will and determination. I highly recommend.

Good and bad

The story was interesting with a view of AZ, NM, through the early 20th century. An incorrect assumption was given that all Mormons live in polygamy. The group she referred to are fundamentalists and don't have anything to do with the 14,000,000 non polygamous Mormons around the world.

The narration by the author was a mistake. Her voice dropped on almost every sentence which was a tough listen. Her son was blatantly absent of any character building and all was focused on RoseMary her daughter. It was a nice tribute to her grandmother who was a tough and interesting character.

Absolutely loved it.

This book really helped me to not be so darn mad at Rosemary (The glass castle) . I now understand why she chose to live so foot loose and fancy free.
Thank you,

Jeannette Wall's Mother Vindicated

What made the experience of listening to Half Broke Horses the most enjoyable?

After first reading Glass Castle, the story of Jeannette Walls life, I wanted to learn more about the background of her mother and father to find out why they became such a dysfunctional couple.

What other book might you compare Half Broke Horses to and why?

This book compares to Glass Castle in style and story line.

Which character – as performed by Jeannette Walls – was your favorite?

My favorite was the grandfather who seemed to bring some normalacy to the family.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

While the book was interesting, it was not compellng enough to warrant listening to the whole thing in one setting.

Any additional comments?

It became clear that Ms. Walls wrote this book to explain the reasons behind her parents actions and life style Glass Castle. The book adequately explained the background and made her mother a much more sympathetic character.

Great Expectations

This prequel to The Glass Castle didn't fail to satisfy me. Not only did I find it captivating, but I thought Ms. Walls did a great job at narrating her own book. I would highly recommend it.

Great stories

I love Jeannette’s books. Brings the history of our country and the people alive. Highly recommend