Smart Ass

How a Donkey Challenged Me to Accept His True Nature & Rediscover My Own

De: Margaret Winslow

Narrado por: Coleen Marlo

Sports car, Italian villa, inappropriate love interest? Not for author Margaret Winslow, an overworked college professor in New York City. She met midlife agita not head-on, but ass-on, fulfilling a childhood curiosity about donkeys by answering a for-sale ad for a "Large White Saddle Donkey" in the American Donkey and Mule Society's magazine, The Brayer. Hilarity ensues, alongside life-threatening injuries and spirit-enriching insight.

As listeners walk with Winslow and Caleb the donkey through training traumas, expert-baffling antics, and humiliating races, they also share in the author's gradual understanding of Caleb's true, undeniable gifts: a willingness to "speak truth to power", to trust, and to forgive. Winslow incorporates these lessons into her life, and as Caleb and Winslow learn to thrive, listeners not only cheer them on but also learn a thing or three about being true to their own pure and powerful self.

©2018 Margaret Winslow (P)2018 Tantor

I couldn't put it down

Enjoyed the journey of Margie and Caleb to the last page. I couldn't stop listening to this story of a donkey and her owner.*****

Smart ass donkey

I thought to myself who would read a book about a donkey but I enjoyed it to good read I’ll never own a donkey

Riveting

I loved the journey and wonderful arrival at a happy ending for both Caleb and his friend. Wish I could meet this beautiful, intelligent creature!

Many good pieces - falls short i

I loved how it started. And the premise - is so good, acceptance of true nature is so important. Where it lost me - is the place where it seems she only had two choices in training -- and neither to me were acceptable. So many wonderful trainers and empathetic souls out there. She made it seem like there are only two choices: strict and mostly mean or dressage seemingly wimpy w/premade horses. I wanted to pick up the phone and call the author and help her make better choices! Including SHOWING UP for Caleb. Sheeze - how hard can that be to understand ... sigh.. obviously too hard for her. I've been in several barns - and I will never understand people who buy something that is a herd animal - and then neglect them for weeks at a time. Again - this is a "me issue" and I am aware of that - but by 2/3rds in - I didn't want to finish the book as I was tired of her whining instead of putting in the time. OK - I need to get off my soapbox!! LOL!! I thought the ending was lackluster and I'm not sure how it tied back to the beginning - or maybe I just stopped paying enough attention. To other readers - if this is your life as well -- find a better trainer and better yet - spend the time with your horse/donkey/dog/cat/ etc etc etc.. Oops - jumped back up there didn't I? OK - retiring the soapbox - but I didn't find the story something for me .. (ha! obviously) ..

Have experience with animals before buying one

Very painful listening to what this donkey went through with various trainers using harsh and at times pain inducing training methods for several years
Is the word donkey really supposed to be pronounced dunkey???