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Half Broke Horses summary
Brief summary
Half Broke Horses is a captivating memoir by Jeannette Walls, chronicling the adventurous and resilient life of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. From her childhood on the frontier to her career as a teacher and rancher, Lily's indomitable spirit shines through.
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Half Broke Horses
Summary of key ideas
The Early Life and Adventures of Lily Casey Smith
In Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, we are introduced to the extraordinary life of Lily Casey Smith, the author's grandmother. The story begins in the early 1900s, in the harsh desert of Texas, where Lily grows up on a ranch. Despite her father's disapproval, Lily, at the age of six, starts breaking horses. She is a headstrong, independent character with a thirst for adventure, which is evident from her early years.
Lily's life takes a significant turn when her family moves to New Mexico. She becomes the sole caretaker of her siblings after her mother falls ill. Despite the hardships, Lily manages to keep her family together and even takes up a job as a teacher at the age of fifteen. Her determination and resilience are truly inspiring.
Marriage, Motherhood, and the Great Depression
In her late teens, Lily meets and falls in love with Jim Smith, a charming, but reckless cowboy. They marry and start a life together on a remote ranch in Arizona. Lily's life as a rancher's wife is far from conventional. She learns to shoot, fly a plane, and handle any situation that comes her way. The couple faces numerous challenges, including the Great Depression, but Lily's resourcefulness and hard work keep them afloat.
During this time, Lily becomes a mother to two children, one of whom is Rosemary, the author's mother. She raises her children with the same fierce independence and resilience that she embodies, teaching them to be self-sufficient and brave. She continues to teach, even during the toughest times, emphasizing the importance of education to her children.
Overcoming Tragedy and Embracing Change
Tragedy strikes when Lily's husband, Jim, dies in a car accident, leaving her a widow with two young children. Undeterred, Lily takes over the ranch and manages it single-handedly. She faces hardships and prejudice as a woman rancher, but she refuses to give in, proving herself to be as tough as the half-broke horses she once tamed.
As the years go by, Lily's adventurous spirit remains undiminished. She witnesses the advent of modern technology, such as automobiles and airplanes, with fascination. She embraces change and continues to live life on her own terms, inspiring her family and everyone around her.
The Legacy of a Remarkable Woman
In the final chapters of Half Broke Horses, Lily reflects on her eventful life. She has lived through the transformation of the American West, from a wild, untamed frontier to a modern, industrialized society. Through it all, she has remained true to herself, never letting her spirit be broken.
As the story ends, we are left with a profound sense of admiration for Lily Casey Smith. Her life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Her legacy lives on in her daughter, Rosemary, and her granddaughter, Jeannette Walls, who share her indomitable spirit.
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What is Half Broke Horses about?
Half Broke Horses is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that tells the extraordinary story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Set in the American Southwest, the book chronicles Lily's adventurous and resilient life, from her childhood on a ranch to her experiences as a teacher, a pilot, and a rancher. It is a tale of determination, independence, and the power of the human spirit.
Half Broke Horses Review
Half Broke Horses (2009) depicts the inspiring life story of Lily Casey Smith, a true pioneer woman of the American Southwest. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It offers a glimpse into the extraordinary resilience and determination of a remarkable individual who overcame numerous challenges.
- Through vivid storytelling and a strong sense of adventure, the book transports readers to a different time and place, keeping them engaged throughout.
- The unconventional protagonist and her unconventional life choices provide a refreshing and fascinating perspective on what it means to live courageously.
Who should read Half Broke Horses?
Readers who enjoy memoirs and stories of resilience
Those interested in the history and culture of the American West
People who appreciate strong, independent female protagonists
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Half Broke Horses FAQs
What is the main message of Half Broke Horses?
The main message of Half Broke Horses is resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read Half Broke Horses?
Reading time varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a much shorter time.
Is Half Broke Horses a good book? Is it worth reading?
Half Broke Horses is worth reading for its inspiring story and strong female protagonist.
Who is the author of Half Broke Horses?
Jeannette Walls is the author of Half Broke Horses.
What to read after Half Broke Horses?
If you're wondering what to read next after Half Broke Horses, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz