Shedrow

Shedrow by Dean M. DeLuke is about the sudden death of a successful racing Thoroughbred, Chiefly Endeavor, and the New York surgeon, Dr. Anthony Gianni, who tries to solve the mystery. He solicits the help of a friend, Dr. Steven Highet, who is a veterinarian, and together with other friends they confront hoodlums and political bigwigs in a variety of settings.

I enjoyed the details of the racing setting, the colorful characters and the twist and turns of the plot.

I just didn't understand why some of the medical procedures had to be explained in detail when they had nothing to do with the story, especially the scenes in St. Lucia.

A portion of the sales is donated to the TB Retirement Foundation.

Visit: http://shedrow1.com/

A Call for Horse Stories!

Do you have a special equine that you would like featured in the fifth book of the Beloved Horses series by Sharon Miner? This one will focus on horses (ponies, donkeys, mules, zebras etc) from around the world. All accepted submitters receive a complimentary copy of the book upon its release and discounts on extra books.

E-mail interviews will be conducted over the next several months. To be considered, send a short description and background about your equine friend to sharonminer@yahoo.com. The reply will include interview questions and more information about this book project.

The Beloved Horses series are illustrated collections of true short stories that educate, entertain and enlighten readers of all ages.

The first four books can be viewed at http://www.SharonMiner.com. Excerpts for each book can be read on the Search Inside feature on Amazon.com. Signed copies are available by calling 814-937-0704 with Visa/Master Card.

War Horse

Although War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a Scholastic book for children, this endearing story will relate to readers of all ages. No wonder Spielberg is making a movie based on this book. Because of this publicity, I wanted to read this story which was published in 1982 but I had never heard of it. Also, I was curious about the format since it is written in first person point of view - from the horse, Joey!

Like Black Beauty, Joey explains his earliest memories as a colt, his traumatic weaning and life with a British farmer's son, Albert. The pair become very close as the teenager teaches him the basics about horsemanship, and later about riding and driving.

Then World War I changes their idyllic life. Joey is sold to the military and is trained as a cavalry mount and later pulls military wagons such as canons. He meets interesting horses and people, and the scenes kept me turning the pages. I especially loved the scene in No Man's Land.

Although I knew he would be reunited with his beloved Albert, the circumstances were not predictable.

Wow, what a fantastic story! I look forward to seeing the movie.

Visit the author's site at http://www.michaelmorpurgo.com/

Happy New Year!

May you all have a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2011!