Friday, January 28, 2011

Something to do on a cold day in winter.

I read. A lot. On any given day I can be reading as many as three books with a magazine thrown in for good measure. When it warms to hotter than hell I read in the shade- but this time of year I just love to cozy up under a warm blanket with a hot adult beverage and read.

This week I feel compelled to share what I am reading because I think a lot of you will love it too.

It is called Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls.

The chapters are short and compelling, each one ending with a heady little punch.
The story is of Jeannette Walls Grandmother, a child of the plains and a horse wrangler from a very young age. A young woman who took her destiny into her own hands and made something of herself.  A travelling teacher, pilot, mechanic, mother and wife, the flavor of this book starts deep and stays with you. 



The first book from Jeannett Walls is this one- The Glass Castle. A memoir of her poverty stricken life, the struggles of her parents and her own struggle to break free. This is a heart stopping and beautiful read. Never maudlin, Ms Walls  recounts her life in a matter of fact style.


I had the pleasure to hear Ms. Walls read and speak when The Glass Castle first came out. She is a striking woman, soft spoken but not shy. A true Steel Magnolia if ever there was one. 

So grab a cuppa', your softest blanket, maybe a box of tissue and crack one of these books. I'll bet you'll love them too.