Official Review: The Horse That Haunts Dreams

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 02 Jan 2015, 14:32

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Horse That Haunts Dreams" by Anna Larson.]

2 out of 4 stars

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The Horse that Haunts Dreams is a memoir written by Anna Larson. Larson is a freelance writer who has always had a love of horses. As a young girl Larson experienced a pain that no child should have to ever endure; she had to see someone else ride away with her beloved horse, Ginger. Larson’s family moved away from the country and she could not take Ginger with her. As a young adult Larson eventually finds that love again with another horse who she ultimately names Hobo. Though Larson faced many obstacles, she resigned never to let Hobo go.

This endearing memoir is Larson’s detailed account of her life with Hobo. Larson shares some of her most precious memories. The author takes the reader through her tumultuous journey; Larson shares how she almost lost Hobo in the early beginning of his young life, how Hobo played a part in finding her lifelong mate and ultimately how she lost her favorite horse but through fate her beloved horse was returned to her. Also, Larson takes the reader through the many years in which she had to leave Hobo behind to achieve her goals. Some of which include her college years and also her military career which I found interesting.

The Horse that Haunts Dreams piqued my curiosity because I am a horse lover myself. Yet, the cover art intrigued me even more. When I chose to read this novel I was very excited. I was hoping to learn something about horses that I did not already know. However, I was a little disappointed. The novel was not as captivating as I thought it would be. This memoir is clearly geared toward kids and young adults who know nothing or very little about horses. The author simplifies the story in such a way that it will reach its target audience. The novel cleverly incorporates the right amount of humor that anyone would enjoy, however.

As an added bonus, there is a second part to the book that involves a “monster” of a mule who Larson lovingly calls the Shy monster. These short chapters were a treat to read. You’ll have to read the book to know how the Shy monster created chaos, thus getting her name. The author shares pictures that anyone will find amusing. I myself had a few laugh out loud moments. The author intentionally separates the two parts of the book which I found ingenious. In this way, the two stories flowed effortlessly.

This short memoir will reach its projected audience. This is by no means weighty reading about horses. On the contrary, it is a very light read. Children and young adults who share a love of horses will find this novel exciting and somewhat informative. For instance, who knew horses loved beer and Doritos! Also, the novel contains beautiful images that young readers and adults will find delightful. This novel gets 2 out of 4 stars! The writer’s ability to enthrall the reader with clever wording and descriptive imagery is enchanting. In addition, the story has touching moments that will engage the reader. One always has a sense of Larson’s pain and joy while she recalls her memories. However, the overall story left a lot to be desired for the experienced reader. In fact, more could have been added to the plot which would have made the story line more substantial thus more enjoyable: with Larson’s many years of experience with horses you’d think there would be lots more informative facts and interesting stories to tell. In addition, although the author's idea of creating two separate stories was good, the transition between stories was a little choppy and just felt awkward. Nevertheless, the novel had its fair share of conflict, love, loss, and surprises to keep it interesting.

The author's intentions were to answer the many questions asked of her along the way concerning her many horses; Larson does this quite well. But I would have appreciated getting to know Hobo just a little more; maybe even falling in love with him myself. Nonetheless, I found The Horse that Haunts Dreams to be a very quick, okay read.

***
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TLGabelman · Post by **TLGabelman** » 11 Jan 2015, 06:32

Ok I just read your review and I really liked it!
I can tell we have a different style of writing and layout strategy. I need to incorporate more of your directness in my review (ie you say exactly what you liked and didnt like about a book). I was a little confused with your score of 2 out of 4. Was the synopsis misleading? Did you think simply by the cover that it would give you more technical horsemanship information, or was there some other indication? Did you know befroe reading it that it was geared towards YA audience? From the review I expected a 3 out of 4 but that may also be a personal preference. What made it miss 3 stars?
Over all it was very thorough and well thought out!

gali · Post by **gali** » 11 Jan 2015, 07:52

Thank you for the nice review. I hope you will enjoy your next book more.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 11 Jan 2015, 10:49

@ TLGaberman Thank you, TLGaberman. Previously to my reading this memoir, the author suggested it was geared towards 8 and up audiences. However, I did not agree with that once I finished reading it. My intentions was to offer the author helpful feedback. Especially, if she wanted to extend it to a wider audience. Since my review, the author has changed her target range from 8+, to 6 - 18. This in my opinion, is a better target.

However, with that being said, as stated in my review, anyone can enjoy this book. Still, memoirs, in my opinion implies life experiences. I just wanted more from the book; more life experiences and stories. The author has at least twenty-three years of experience with horses. I wanted to get a sense of that experience and knowledge. It would have affected me differently had it been a fictional novel. Read it and let me know what you think!

Great Questions!

@ Gali Thank you, Gali. I did not dislike the novel. I just felt that it could have been a little more to it. In this way, I would have definitely given it 3 stars!

C S Harper · Post by **C S Harper** » 12 Feb 2015, 13:50

Nice Review, TammyO. This sounds like it could be really interesting with a little revising. Did you find that it was geared more toward children or YA?

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 01 Mar 2015, 00:07

C S Harper wrote:Nice Review, TammyO. This sounds like it could be really interesting with a little revising. Did you find that it was geared more toward children or YA?

Thanks, CS. I am so sorry. I didn't notice that you left a response on this thread. Please forgive me. This book is for ages 6-18. Are you a horse lover as well? I absolutely love them!

C S Harper · Post by **C S Harper** » 05 Mar 2015, 19:10

I love horses. I haven't had the pleasure to ride them but I have enjoyed them in other ways. I think this would be an interesting book for kids. It sounds rather entertaining. Especially the part about the beer and Doritos! I'd love to know more about that myself.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 07 Mar 2015, 14:19

Yes, that part was pretty hilarious. There were a couple of those types of endearing moments shared by the author. It's what I did enjoy most about this book.