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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Half Broke Horses summary
Jeannette Walls
Brief summary
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls is a captivating memoir that tells the story of Walls' trailblazing grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. From her fierce determination to her resilient spirit, Lily's life serves as an inspiration to overcome obstacles and live with courage.
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Half Broke Horses
Summary of key ideas
An Unyielding Spirit
In Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, the story commences with the sassy, audacious protagonist, Lily Casey Smith, who at a tender age of ten years, courageously leads her younger siblings through a flash flood. This raw depiction of bravery sets the tone for the entire narrative, shining a spotlight on the sturdy, unyielding spirit that defines Lily's character throughout her tumultuous life.
This true-life narrative, recounted as a first-person novel by Walls, takes the reader through Lily's education journey in a boarding school. During the journey, she nurtures horses, a passion that earns her the name 'Mustang Lily'. It's here that her indomitable spirit emerges - a consistent theme that runs through the book, as she attempts to control horses deemed unbreakable, hence the book's title, Half Broke Horses.
The Quest for a Better Life
As the narrative unfolds, we cross paths with Lily's relentless pursuit of a better life beyond her circumstances. Despite being barred from school due to financial constraints, Lily is undeterred. She rides 500 miles on a pony to secure a job as a schoolteacher, demonstrating her drive and resilience. Her quest sends her on a myriad of adventures, windstorms, personal disappointments, and triumphs, all depicted in Walls' personable and vivid writing style.
Moving through Lily’s adulthood, the book recites her marriage to Big Jim, a charismatic but flawed man with a knack for losing jobs. The union navigates the Great Depression, droughts, and a family feud over a patch of land, further testing Lily's grit and undying spirit. Despite the challenges, Lily relentlessly pushes on, driven by her unwavering ambition for a better life.
Teaching that Transcends Classrooms
One of the central tenets of Lily's character is her passion for teaching. Walls eloquently captures her mother’s commitment to education, both inside and beyond the classroom. Lily's teaching transcends into life lessons for her kids, pulling from the experiences her arduous life has offered her. She instills resilience, self-confidence, and hard work in her kids and students, becoming an influential figure in their lives.
Lily’s forward-looking and emancipated views on education, notably in relation to girls' education at a time when it was not a priority, positions her as a strong feminist role model. Her nonconformist ideas challenge societal norms, further illuminating her character as a forward-thinking force and an enduring pillar amid life's trials.
Legacy Embodied by the Next Generation
As Half Broke Horses reaches its conclusion, the reader witnesses the passing of Lily's resilient spirit and determination to her children, specifically her daughter Rosemary. It’s through Rosemary’s character, in her rebellious and headstrong nature, that we see Lily’s legacy continue. Despite Rosemary’s distinct personality, she’s undeniably her mother's daughter, embodying Lily's enthusiasm for life and a stubborn, independent streak.
In conclusion, Jeannette Walls creates a stirring portrait of her grandmother in Half Broke Horses. The book serves as a heartening portrayal of resilience, determination, and fierce independence during hardships. It is a testament to Lily’s unwavering spirit that inspires, aspiring the readers to meet challenges head-on with tenacity and courage.
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What is Half Broke Horses about?
Half Broke Horses is a captivating memoir by Jeannette Walls that tells the extraordinary story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Set in the American West during the early 20th century, the book follows Lily's unconventional upbringing and her determination to overcome adversity. With humor and resilience, Lily defies societal norms and becomes a teacher, rancher, and legendary horse breaker. This inspirational true story is a testament to the power of persistence and the indomitable human spirit.
Who should read Half Broke Horses?
- Readers who enjoy inspiring true stories
- Individuals interested in the American West and early 20th century history
- Those seeking a role model who defies societal expectations and overcomes adversity
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