5 comments about Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn.

1. Dear Mr. Mann - Just finished a couple of weeks ago your bio of Katharine
   Hepburn and was just floored by how much I loved it. I have read at least 5 other bios of Kate and all of your novels as well, but your amazing attention to detail and research blew the other Kate books out of the water - even her own! I think it is the best Hollywood biography/autobiography that I have ever read AND simply one of the best books period!! And I read 6-8 books a month. I've purchased 6 other copies for Christmas gifts and can't wait to spread my enthusiasm. I now look forward to any writing project that you choose to do.
   
   Craig Whitaker



2. The book was great... arrived in time for Christmas giving. My girlfriend loved it. Thank you!



3. I often skim movie star bios, but I rarely read them. The stories are often predictable (poor beginnings, meteoric rise, and dramatic fall which sometimes leads to a big comeback) and the prose is often purple. Writers will speculate on little, and that becomes the new story for that particular star.
   
   So, I was surprised when I began to read Mann's book about Hepburn and I found myself reading every word.
   
   His idea that Hepburn was always "Jimmy," a male alter-ego explains a lot about Hepburn in her ninety plus years. I also agree with him that her best and most progressive work was in the 30's when she hadn't "Tracy Lorded" herself yet, having to be broken for her "sins."
   
   He does have the unfortunate habit of using the nonstandard "due to the fact," and he makes a factual mistake when he writes that Hepburn's co-star in "Stage Door," Andrea Leeds, won the Acadamy Award. She was nominated, but no win.
   
   But otherwise, I recommend this book highly.
   
   And go watch "Bringing Up Baby," perhaps the greatest comedy in Hollywood history.



4. This book is better than most previous books on Katharine Hepburn as it does reveal more about her, than they have. Her relationship with Spencer and her affairs with women ect.
   
   However the most annoying thing about this book is the author's view that Kate is "transgender" he constantly tries to push this view. Instead of just presenting the facts and leaving it up to the reader make their own mind up, there is too much amateur psychology.
   
   He is great at writing about gay men, he clearly knows that subject, but seems to have a very poor understanding of gay women.
   
   He seems to think only men can really be gay (if you have read his other book "Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood, 1910-1969" you'll know what I mean, he even calls Lilyan Tashman in to question, who is widely known to have been a lesbian). He believes every man is but doubts every woman. If you've read the interview he gave to advocate magazine you'll see what I mean, he says Spence is gay, but questions Kate just as he does in his previous book. Every man is, every woman isn't, there is something very odd or chauvinistic about this view.
   
   Whilst she (Kate) may have or may not have slept with a bloke or two (most lesbians have) that doesn't necessarily mean she is bisexual. Gay women are generally more discrete than gay men anyway.
   
   He seems to think that lesbian women don't have sex drives either and just sit down and talk of a night, even though later on in the book he says about how Kate asked Scotty (a friend of Cukors who is a male prostitute and a sort of male madam) to find her a "friend to go hiking", did he really think she just wanted to go "hiking" with this friend. It's just not consistent with his view that she wasn't really interested in sex, but just liked women as friends, same goes for the odd masseuse thing.
   
   Also He seems to think that if women wear trousers, or are not typically "feminine" they are "transgender".
   Many gay women as young girls dress up in "boys" clothes and do role play of a sort. I personally know many people who have done so, I myself have, and it doesn't make us "transgender".
   Also many gay women dress in shirt and tie, it was more common in 20's - 50's (they're called butch). Look at Marlene Dietrich who used to sign photos of herself in top hat n tails as "Daddy Marlene" and other famous women who also dressed in this way are Vita Sackville West and Mercedes De Acosta.
   I think it very curious that men (even a gay man like Mann) and straight women like Karen Swenson (in her biography of Garbo) like to think butch women are just transvestites or transgender, but not really actually gay.
   
   At that time in history women were very much 2nd class citizens and so to escape many of the restrictions on girls at the time; of course a young girl who wants to be treated equally with her male siblings would try and claim to be a boy. After all most parents (particularly fathers, especially of that generation, say they prefer a boy child to a girl, just ask most expectant parents today, it hasn't changed much.)
   So if she pretended to be a boy it doesn't necessarily make her "transgender", this seems to be difficult for most people to understand, maybe you can't unless you are a gay woman?
   
   Surely as a gay man his heard of drag? Women can dress in drag too and not want to actually change their sex or be uncomfortable about their gender. There were many popular male impersonators in British music hall of the 1930's Hetty King and Ella Shields to name only a couple and many in Greenwich Village also. It seems this author is just towing the line to the prevailing culture that think butch women are transgender. It is dangerous to think this way when you look at Iran for example with the forced sex changes of gay people there, you can see this view taken to the extreme.
   
   Of course she would like to play male roles, most butch women would (Garbo also wanted to and the great actress Sarah Bernhardt also played male roles in some of her plays), you could get away with interacting with female co stars without the script actually being overtly gay and also not have to batter your eye lashes at a man, like you would have if you played a woman's role. (Pantomime is a good example of where men play women's roles and women play men's roles.) Another point is male roles were generally more substantial; where as most of the women's roles were just as a love interest for the man.
   
   I hope a gay woman will write a biography of Katharine Hepburn soon and hopefully they'll have more of an understanding of these subjects than this author.
   
   I've given this book four stars as it reveals more about Kate than most other biographies.



5. Overly wordy and far too long this bio is often too speculative to be considered really credible. It's more about the author and his agenda than it is an honest, clear-eyed look at Hepburn's life and work.
   
   More often than not I wanted to abandon this book. Reading it through to the end was a project not a pleasure.

5 comments about Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever: The Making of a Happy Woman.

1. I am a fan of Judge Judy. I like her no nonsense approach to life and the legal system. Having myself grown up in a family of police and police chiefs, I know full well the crap that goes on in life as well as the legal system. Having just gone through a legal fiasco of being accused of something I didn't and wouldn't do, I prayed to have a judge like Judge Judy preside over the case. This drug out for 2 years while the other person smeared my name in every media outlet she could think of - even the FBI - and every place where I was scheduled to give talks about my book. I finally had to sue her to shut her up and then she hid like a scared @*&%$! Well after dragging this out by not providing us with their evidence and discovery - which I am sure she didn't have, they decided to settle out of court with a public retraction and an apology as to what she had said about me. So I never got my day in court, but oh I wish I had just to hear Judge Judy tell her "you can't fix stupid and dumb is forever!" I recommend her books, they are funny, comical and down to earth legal approches to life in the court system. You will get a whole new perspective on the way things are done and they might get you fired up to get a wrong you have been dealt righted. Read Them!!



2. This book was very informative for young women more then older women, but I think ALL women can learn from reading this. She told about her experiences in life, that she also had made some dumb mistakes, but that she learned from them and didn't make them again. I like her way of thinking. She's a no nonsense type person that I think many people should try to be like. Would I buy another book of Judge Judy's? Yes. Was I entertained while reading it? Yes. It wasn't a novel that you couldn't put down, but a book that whenever you wanted to read it you could pick it up and be familiar with where she was going.



3. I picked up this book on a whim and boy am I glad I did! I found the advice and the anecdotes within to be very motivational and inspirational. I've already begun applying them to my own life and have gotten wonderful results.
   
   All her advice is very down-to-earth. She explains negative female behaviors that are spot-on and how to realistically abolish them. The person she encourages you to become is something attainable.
   
   If you hate Judge Judy, you'll probably hate this book. She's not a writer, don't expect to be astounded by her writing. Do expect to read some great advice. If you are a fan, also expect to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the bench. If you've learned a lot from watching her show, you'll learn even more reading this book. Never once did I read something that left me scratching my head. Everything she says is very reasonable.
   
   I've seen the results already in my personal relationships, my job and my outlook on life. I've recommended this book to all of my friends. I can't say enough about it. Although it may not impact you as strongly as its impacted me, anyone will be able to take something from it.



4. GREAT BOOK. JUDGE JUDY HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD ON EVERYTHING & IS A HILARIOUS READ. ONLY WISH THERE WERE MORE COMMON SENSE JUDGES LIKE HER.



5. Judge Judy is great material to read, She tells the law like it is. I highly reccommend it for people
   who love her show.
   Linda McCollum Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining: America's Toughest Family Court Judge Speaks Out

5 comments about Sex with the Queen: 900 Years of Vile Kings, Virile Lovers, and Passionate Politics (P.S.).

1. I have to say, this book was definitely an enjoyable read. When it got to the sections on princesses whose stories I know, however, I realized that everything leading up to that last chapter would have to be taken with a grain of salt, because the sheer volume of inaccuracies in just those two stories was incredible. I am curious as to where she found the resources she had to use to compile this book. The last chapter only discussed Empress Alexandra of Russia and Princess Diana. Being an avid fan of Russian history whose particular interest lies in that last bunch of Romanovs, I know that it has never been proven that Rasputin was Alexandra's lover (among the other "facts" presented). Ms. Herman obviously didn't get her research from any of the reputable historians, such as Nicholas Massie and Edward Radzinsky. And where on Earth did she get all of those "facts" about Princess Di? Of course the woman couldn't have been the saint she was made out to be. But a manipulative, love-starved, nymphomaniac b*tch? Probably even the queen would have a problem reconciling herself to that description. I actually had to stop reading there because, after all, the poor woman is dead thanks to people like Eleanor Herman, who comes off as nothing more than overzealous paparazzi in her version of Diana's life. With both women, she states assumptions and lies with such conviction that one has to wonder if being the "granddaughter 28 times removed of Eleanore of Aquitaine", and being "related to most of the royal families of Europe" isn't enough for her, and she's jealous of those who actually did get to live a royal life.
   
   Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book - up until the crucifixions in the last chapter. It's well written and one can hope that not every princess in this book is so cruelly slandered, and that there might be some truth in the stories of Sophia Dorothea and Catherine the Great (my interest in the Romanov's doesn't go back that far, so I don't know what liberties were taken with Catherine and Elizabeth's stories). Ms. Herman is indeed talented, but maybe those talents would be better put to use writing historical fiction because she sure does seem to have a flair for making up stories.



2. This is a delicious and oftentimes informative read. However, the back of the paperback edition deems the book "impeccably researched." I think any serious scholar, to put it nicely, would disagree in the extreme with that statement. I was expecting new revelations and information, but the author only puts together a hodgepodge of stories compiled from secondary sources--many of which were based on speculation and rumor themselves. That said, the book overall does not disappoint in entertainment value. Some readers loyal to Princess Diana wil be taken aback by Herman's harsh portrayal of the Princess as a manipulative, mentally unstable wolf in sheep's clothing. One nice feature is the PS section at the back of the book, which has a lot about Herman's journey to becoming a best-selling author. Aspiring writers will enjoy the PS addition to the author's work.



3. Sex with the Queen was an entertaining journey through some of the most famous royal bedrooms in history. Covering women from Anne Boleyn to Catherine the Great to Diana Princess of Wales, Eleanor Herman brings to life the scandalous lives of royal women throughout history. Some were abused, unloved wives who just wanted to find some semblance of happiness in a world where royal females were cattle to be sold to the highest bidder. Some were not so sympathetic and at least one was completely innocent of the accusations that killed her.
   I enjoyed this book throughly. It was an intelligent look at the underlaying reasons for such "scandalous" behavior. It once again brings to light how deploringly women have been treated throughout history. It certainly has all the ingredients to make a good soap opera: sex, love, betrayal, and money. It definitely helps to make history more interesting and that is always a positive thing.



4. I read a lot of period/non fiction of this period and loved this book. Gave me information about the players of the time I had never heard before. Easy read and lots of fun!



5. I really enjoyed this book. I've read others of the same topic and this one was more polished, and less juvenile. It's very entertaining and well written. Covering monarchs the more well known monarchs like Marie Antoinette and Anne Boleyn to lesser known Caroline Matilda of Denmark and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. The book not only explores the loves of these women but also their daily and usually turbulent lives. Great way to learn a little history. I plan to read Sex with Kings next

2 comments about Sisters of the Spirit: Three Black Women's Autobiographies of the Nineteenth Century (Religion in North America Series).

1. Everyone (especially a Woman of God) should read this book! These (3) women were wonderously made to do The Lord's work against all odds!
   Their adventures (although obviously enhanced in grammar)and the history alone is enough. The power just leaps off the pages and you can feel the spirit. I actually had to lay the book down sometime because of the power of the written words that I was receiving into my spirit.
   I read the book sometime ago.. and so moved that I'm reading it again!! and maybe even more times in the future. You should "Give" any special sisters you have in your life a copy It's definitely one of those books that you can read more than once and still find JOY!! I rate Higher 5 Stars PLUS PLUS PLUS!!



2. Andrews brings together the spiritual autobiographies of three African American Christian women ministers: Jarena Lee, Zilpha Elaw, and Julia Foote. His historical introductions provide a solid foundation for the original texts. The original texts, united as they are in one place, demonstrate a remarkable convergence of themes, predominant among them the theme of identity in Christ overcoming shame and suffering in the world.
   
   While not everyone will perhaps agree with the decisions made by any of these three women ministers, everyone will be stretched by their lives and by their message.
   
   Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."

3 comments about The Great Swim.

1. In 1926 Gertrude Ederle, a 19 year old New Yorker, became the first woman to swim the English Channel. She did it in record time, faster than any of the five men who had swum the Channel before her. Although that feat is little more than the answer to a trivia question today, at the time it was an accomplishment that rated a huge parade through Manhattan. She was treated as a heroine, at least until Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic three years later.
   
   The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer tells Ederle's story and the media frenzy surrounding it. There were three other American women competing to become the first woman to swim the Channel that year, including one who broke Ederle's record only three weeks after Ederle set it. What is most interesting is the role of the press in reporting, in making these historic events. Ederle and another of the swimmers were under contract to write regular newspaper columns about their preparations. Some newspapers sponsored one or more of the swimmers. They reported daily on the swimmers, and included lots of photos of the swimmers in their swimsuits. It had only been a few years since bathing costumes for women had included sleeves and stockings. The new one-piece form-fitting swimsuits of the twenties were the bee's knees. Incidentally, Ederle developed what may have been the first bikini, using men's swimming shorts and a modified bra. Shortly after she started the record-setting swim, she chucked the bra and swam the Channel topless.
   
   Mortimer covers the preparations, the swim itself, which was quite dramatic, and the aftermath. Ederle was treated as a conquering hero, then as an accused cheater, and then as a traveling show curiosity. If anyone thinks the media frenzies of today are new, they need only read The Great Swim to see that they are only carrying on a tradition as old as the press itself.



2. During the summer of 1926 the eyes of the world turned to Europe, specifically the small strip of water that separated the British Isles from France. Four American women had announced their intentions to swim the English Channel. The first swimmer to accomplish that feat would be the first woman to ever complete the channel swim, joining elite group of male athletes who had managed to navagate the channel. Women had been making huge strides in the realm of athletics, steadily setting aside stereotypes and prejudices.
   
   Four women, Gertrude Ederle, Mille Gade, Lillian Cannon and Clarabelle Barrett, completely different but each posessed the desire to be first to complete the swim. Each knew the accomplishment would thrust them into the public spotlight and could better their fortunes and futures. The public interest after their swims was beyond anything anyone could imagine, and changed their lives. The Great Swim captures the giddy optimism of the 1920's and the emergence of women as a force in the world. Using diaries, newspaper archives, and primary sources Gavin Mortimer brings to life the excitement that surrounded the swims, the people supporting the swimmers and the swimmers themselves. It is a unique glimpse into the "roaring twenties" and the way the idea of a lone female swimmer taking on the channel captured the American public's imagination. It is also a cautionary tale of public adolation, the power of the press and greed. An engrossing read.



3. At a time when it was declared that no woman would ever be capable of swimming the English Channel, then the pinnacle challenge of endurance swimming, four American women set out to do just that. Not just the story of incredible and ground-breaking athletes, this is also the story of a time in American history when a woman was arrested for indecency on a New York beach for removing her shoes, and women were barred from the Olympics because it was unladylike to sweat. Gavin Mortimer has written an amazing history that was an absolute pleasure to read.

5 comments about The Sisters of Henry VIII: The Tumultuous Lives of Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France.

1. Everyone knows about the six wives of Henry VIII but the two sisters of Henry are relatively unknown to most readers. These women were queens in their own right and the elder sister Margaret was the grandmother of Mary Queen of Scots.This is a side of Henry's family that is not familar to most history readers. The book is well written and does not spend an inordinate amount of time discussing the relationship between Henry and his sisters,Margaret and Mary. The focus of the book is on their lives and the marriages they were arranged for them in Scotland and France.Henry is shown as a brother who is most interested in the influence and power his sisters play in their roles in their adopted lands and in center of royal power. He is never far from advising them on what to do for the benefit of England and as their all powerful brother.It is not brotherly love just brotherly advise that he offers and that he also enforces on them. His knows his sisters are well placed and wants to make sure that his interests and those of England are reflected in his sisters counsel to their spouses who are the kings of Scotland and France.
   The book is well written and keeps the stories of the sisters separate and does not try to interweave these lives. I found the story of Margaret more interesting and turbulent as she was Regent of Scotland and had bouts with the Scottish lords which her grandaughter Mary, Queen of Scots which she would encounter later in the century.Also,her influence on history was greater than her sister Mary who lived briefly in France as Queen for less than three months when her aged husband died and she returned to England to live a fairly unevenful life as wife of Charles Brandon.
   I recommend the book to those who want to extend their knowledge of this period and also to understand the nature of arranged marriages of royals from different countries as religious changes were occuring.



2. This is my first Maria Perry book. Her research was/is great and very detailed. This is not just another dry history. She brings understanding along with facts to this story.



3. The book is just what I expected of it on what respects to the contents, I received it in Spain,in perfect conditions and in a very reasonable time.



4. Margaret and Mary were the daughters of Henry VII and the sisters of Henry VIII. When Margaret was 13 she was married to 30 year old King James IV of Scotland. They had several children, only one of whom James lived to majority. After the death of James Margaret was married to the Duke of Angus and had a daughter by him named Margaret. Unfortunately this marriage was not a love match and after many years they got divorced, and Margaret married again.
   
   Mary on the other hand was married to the elderly King Louis of France when she was 18. She was only married to him for several months before his death. Before she left for France thought she had gotten a promise from her brother saying that when Louis died she could marry whom she wanted. By the time Mary was back in England she was married to thrice married Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffix. Because of some irregularities in his marriages (he had married a woman, divorced her to marry her aunt, then remarried his first wife) it was a while before the marriage was declared legitimate. By that time thought they were the parents of several children. They remained married for many years before Mary's death in 1536 after which Charles married one of their wards.
   
   While there are some parts that can be a bit boring, it can also be very interesting and very informative.



5. The title of this book is misleading. The sisters are mentioned in the book, but you really have to hunt to find much about them. And what got me off to a bad start was the second sentence of the introduction. Maria Perry says (and I'd like to know why she thinks ths----) that few people realize that Henry had two sisters. Anyone interested in the Tudors, and Henry especially, would certainly know he had sisters. This book's fatal flaw, however, is that it is just plain boring. I gave it three stars because there is certainly a lot of words in it, so Maria Perry put in a lot of effort, but frankly, everything in it has been written so much better in so many other books.

5 comments about Across Boundaries.

1. Across Boundaries by Mamphela Ramphele is a fascinating autobiography about the extraordinary journey of a South African woman leader. From historical events to her personal experiences, Ramphele describes these events and struggles with dignity. Throughout her endeavors as a young child and continued to her adulthood, she is committed and determined to succeed and to make a difference. An honest testimony that shows her fears and courage. This is an excellent book and it will keep you reading for this one woman's strength is amazing. Through moderate to difficult times and tribulations Mamphela Ramphele keeps a remarkable and uplifting attitude that helps bring new light to unfortunate situations.



2. Across Boundaries was an excellent book about a women's struggle to be amother and have a career. As said in the book "Recognising thatyou are a member of the global village is essential to lifting you above the narrow nationalistic interests and concerns of your own country (222)." Mamphela's life was a pursuit for women to rise above the boundaries and the story was very detailed, and well written! END



3. I found Mamphela Ramphele's autobiography very interesting and amazing. The struggles she went through during her life absolutely amazed me! She is one of the strongest women I have ever heard of. I enjoyed reading about her fight for rights, her relationship with Steve Biko, and how she balanced all of her activities. I found it very interesting that she did not put motherhood as a priority in her life as many other women do. I enjoyed reading "Across Boundaries" and I thought Mamphela did a good job of telling the true story of her life.



4. Across Boundaries is an excellent book focussing on a mother's struggle to want a job and to be a mother at the same time. Even thogh this book was written by a woman from Africa it still pertains to many American mothers who struggle over the same problem. This book did not only focus on the mother aspect, but also on the fact that a woman wanted to help the condition of other woman also.



5. This book is about Mamphelafs political life. Personal aspects of her life are rarely told unless they pertain to her activism or illustrate inequality. Individuals are rarely mentioned; those that are, are rarely mentioned more than once.

   Donft read this book if you want an old-fashioned story with interesting characters who interact to create entertaining plots.

   Read this book to learn about the battle of a black woman against patriarchal apartheid. Read about her gsuperwomanh strengths and the sacrifices she made for the movement.

5 comments about Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.

1. Told in first person, with lots of humor, but a deep side as well. The big questions come to mind as this 30's something gal consideres a move from city dweller to farm hand, from girl friend to wife. Causes one to ponder about the meaning of love, life and friends. Well written, enjoyable story.



2. Fifty Acres & A Poodle is about the author Jeanne Marie Laskas' dreams of farm living. She wants to get away from the urban way of life and move to a place with beauty and fresh air. She feels there is something missing from her life. She takes a drive one day and spots her dream place. She goes through doubts and fears but finally decides to go for her dream.
   
   She and her boyfriend Alex move into the farmhouse, fix it up, get engaged and later married. They end up with a horse and a mule too! Not to mention they end up with some great friends.
   
   More than the basic story, I found this about the author's search for God, her true self and a live filled with love. She wanted to love and be loved. Those were the very things she felt were missing in her life and she found them at her farm. I found myself identifing with Ms. Laskas through much of the book.
   
   If you like memoir-type stories that are comical, honest, soul searching and about animals this book will not disappoint you. Invest in the hardcover as it's one book you probably will not want to part with after reading it.



3. I love this book and this author, I bought her second book and enjoyed it as well.



4. I heard about this book some time ago and finally ordered it. Once I began reading it, I just couldn't put it down. It was laugh-out-loud funny. I so enjoyed acoompanying the author as she lived her fantasy life on a farm. Don't we all wish we could run way to another life? Her description of her experiences were hilarious. I have recommended this book to many of my friends and intend to give copies of it as gifts. I especially loved her reference to the poodle as a "standard dog, not one of those little yappy things." Very funny!



5. Hi. I liked this story. The writer did a great job of telling it. One problem. The main character repeatedly uses the word "Jeezus" as a cuss word. Like if it's spelled diffently God won't know. It ruined the whole book for me.

1 comments about Venus on Wheels: Two Decades of Dialogue on Disability, Biography, and Being Female in America.

1. At times, the book can be an uncomfortable read. Frank describes cases of women with varying degrees of disability, and their experiences of growing up and making a living in the US. Some examples are extreme indeed. Like Diana, born with no arms and legs in 1950. You could cringe at trying to imagine yourself in her situation. Yet somehow, she managed to cope.
   
   Several others are chronicled here. Often trying to resist the expectation of wearing artificial arms and legs; by wanting to decide how they would appear in public. The book applies anthropological analysis to studying these unfortunate women.
   
   Keep in mind that the various protheses described in the book are now somewhat outdated. Better fitting, easier to use protheses have been developed in recent years. With the promise of ongoing improvements. Ironically driven in no small part by the US military casualties in Iraq.

5 comments about Chosen Forever: a memoir.

1. Maybe it's my fault for thinking this book would be a continuation of the Chosen by a Horse story. When I bought the book, I was looking forward to catching up what had become friends to me: Hotshot, Tempo, Georgia, Allie, and Dr. Grice.
   
   Well, all the horses are dead, Allie and the author barely speak, and Dr. Grice has moved on.
   
   So what is this book about? Book tours. A tedious account of each book tour the author goes on to promote her first published book. We get a weather report for each day of every reading, an audience count, and whether the author went directly to her hotel or out to dinner afterwards. If I had a fork, I would have stuck myself in the head with it, but I kept thinking: Maybe it gets better. It doesn't.
   
   The first book, Chosen by a Horse, was poetic and filled with love. This book, Chosen Forever, is filled with whining about a difficult childhood and has none of the magic of the first book.



2. I read Chosen by a Horse several times and gave copies to many people, so when Richards came out with a second book, I was excited but a bit nervous. Would this be a sophomore effort, written quickly and thrown on the market? Imagine my relief, then, to actually read it. This book keeps the quiet, thoughtful, bare-bones-honest tone that I loved so much in her first book, but grants the reader a different--if equally powerful--look at the possibilities of transformation in life.
   
   Here is a woman who lived a relatively solitary existence of grief and healing and then, in her late fifties, becomes a New-York-Times-bestselling author in love with an internationally-renowned artist. I'm interested in that transformation and how someone of Richards' temperament handles it. It takes a talented writer like Richards to explore such an evolution without arrogance or artifice. I admire her ability to see the possibilities of change in such different situations--the rescue of a needy animal and the catapult to sudden fame and love--and to write of both so beautifully.



3. having so enjoyed Chosen By A Horse, Chosen Forever was even a braver and stronger memoir.
   I didn't want to put it down.



4. Chosen Forever can be seen as another stanza in Susan Richards's loving ode to her departed horse, Lay Me Down. Once again, Richards has expressed their mutual love beautifully. However, this book goes much farther than the first memoir, because Richards has come much farther as a person. I would think that Chosen Forever was a more difficult book for Richards to write because she had to rely more on herself to fill the emotional void left by Lay Me Down's death. I appreciated her account of her journey to getting published, and how her readings turned out; because she came to value the fallow periods in life as well as the high points.
   
   I couldn't put this book down, because I couldn't help but feel the human drama as Richards gradually let her guard down enough to fall in love(probably for the first time)and marry the serenely mature Dennis Stock. Despite an emotionally tragic childhood, and unfortunate first marriage, Richards discovered that middle age is no reason not to seek or have love in one's life. Furthermore, she teaches that it's OK to be a work in progress. In short, Chosen Forever is an inspiration, and well worth the time.



5. Ugh. I barely made it through this book. It was not very interesting. There were nice flashes of entertaining story-telling, but for the most part, this book was just a day by tedious day recounting of her book tour. Who was there, who the owner of the store was, how many people showed up (and how she felt about this) and where she ate afterwards.
   
   I think the success of Chosen by a Horse just made her more narcissistic than before, and mostly we get 'treated' to more recounting of who in her family did her wrong in her life. I'm sorry, but once you hit middle age, childhood should be a distant memory. At a certain point, one must just choose to move on and not dwell on the pain.
   
   The part of the book that kept me going was reading about Dennis Stock. He sounds like such a great guy that I wanted to hear more about him. I just wish the editors of the book could have coaxed a re-write that more focused not on a book tour or old memories of past trauma, but on the relationships that she forms as a result of her experience with Lay Me Down.
   
   As a horse lover, I was actually shocked at learning of the circumstances of Georgia's death. Once a horse is foundered, she should not be allowed to eat grass, yet Georgia was pastured her entire life, it seems. What's more, she had foundered before and recovered several times. Things like these made me doubt a little the expertise of her vet and her friend Allie. But again, maybe we don't have the whole story here. Nevertheless, it was a great disappointment. I had hoped my mom would enjoy reading a continuation of Chosen by Horse. Now I think I will have to sell it as a used book, since I really can't recommend it to any friends.