Half Broke Horses: Summary

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls is a novel based on the life of Walls' maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. It chronicles Lily's life as she struggles to make a living in the harsh environment of the American West and her determination to provide for her family. The novel explores themes of resilience, resourcefulness, courage, and the importance of family. It also examines the challenges faced by women in an often male-dominated society. In addition, it highlights the power of education and how it can open doors for individuals regardless of their economic status or gender. Finally, Half Broke Horses emphasizes the importance of having a sense of purpose and striving for something greater than oneself.

1. How does the author's personal experience as a female in the West shape her writing about the experiences of Lily and Rose?
2. What role does religion play in the lives of Lily and Rose?
3. How did Lily's upbringing in a rural environment shape her outlook on life?
4. How is resilience portrayed throughout the novel?
5. What are some of the ways that gender roles are challenged in Half Broke Horses?
6. What themes of loyalty and betrayal can be found in the novel?
7. Do you think that Lily was right to choose her own destiny, despite societal expectations?
8. How do the characters' relationships with nature reflect their individual journeys throughout the novel?
9. In what ways is family heritage used to inform character development within Half Broke Horses?
10. How do the various settings of Half Broke Horses influence the story's overall plot and themes?

• The story of Half Broke Horses is truly captivating, as it follows a strong female character through her life filled with adversity and triumph.
• The vivid descriptions and imagery of the novel make it easy to feel like you're there in the moment with Lily.
• It was very impactful to witness the resilience of Lily in spite of all the challenges she faced.
• I found it interesting how the author juxtaposed Lily's journey against the backdrop of the American West.
• The relationships that Lily had with different characters throughout Half Broke Horses were multifaceted and complex.
• I liked how some of the characters served as mirrors for one another, highlighting both their similarities and differences.
• The characters in Half Broke Horses were so well-developed that it felt like they were real people instead of literary creations.
• It was fascinating to see how Lily evolved and grew over time due to her experiences throughout the novel.
• I thought that the author did a great job of exploring themes such as family, perseverance, and strength in Half Broke Horses.
• The ending was quite powerful and thought-provoking; it really made me reflect on my own life journey in comparison to Lily's.

1. "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."
2. "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
3. "Happiness isn't something you experience; it's something you remember."
4. "It's time to start living the life you've imagined."
5. "Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

TV: -Hallmark Channel adapted Half Broke Horses into a television movie in 2015. Film: -Amazon Studios is currently developing a feature film adaptation of Half Broke Horses which will star Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Radio: -NPR's Radio Diaries produced an audio adaptation of Half Broke Horses in 2017. Podcast: -The podcast All the Books! adapted Half Broke Horses into an audio drama in 2020. Theatrical: -Theater J presented a stage adaptation of Half Broke Horses in 2019.

• The Silver Star
• Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
• The Glass Castle: A Memoir
• The One That Got Away: A Memoir
• Something to Celebrate: A Collection of Writings and Photographs by Jeannette Walls
• Fancy Dancer: My Journey From Poverty to Hollywood