Collective Marks

An avid reader, retired social worker, and horse-person, I was inspired by earlier reviews to purchase and read this book. The author's development of characters has the ring of truth, and the characters have real depth. Human and horse characters weave powerful life lessons. It is not necessary to know dressage to appreciate this book. This is the first book that has inspired me to write a review, and I intend that fact alone as a strong endorsement. Excellent book! I hope for more from this author.

There's a lot going on in "Collective Marks," and, yes, I'd agree that once started it's very hard to put down. The fictional coming-of-age story about a developing young horseman runs parallel with the story of an older horse genius, but seemingly cruel trainer. Yet, all is not as it seems in this exciting book with its finely developed characters. A horse person, particularly with even a minor background in dressage, will love the story because there are few like it. Due the complex exploration of psychological issues such as the meaning of control as applied to how people live their lives, or don't, a reader with no knowledge of horses can enjoy "Collective Marks," too. Although written for adults, the book has a crossover appeal to an older YA (young adult) market. It would do better with YA with a more interesting cover, which doesn't really clue the reader in to the fact that the book is more people than it is about horses. I'm a librarian with some background with horses, and wish that this book had been picked up by a publisher since it is a great read and deserves promotion on a wider scale than I can give it. Everyone, to whom I've recommended this book, at my library has loved it!

I picked this book up based on the review of someone else I know and I was not disappointed. This book held me interest to the last page. Well written, deeply researched, the personalities were absolutely well done. The dressage was spot on. This author knows her stuff. I ride dressage and it isn't often you find a book that is so well researched in the sport. I am looking foward to Ms. Feldman's next book whether it be horse related or not, I'm sure it will be great.

Just finished Collective Marks and I loved it. It is a challenging read from my horse-world novice perspective - not an "easy" book but one to read thoughtfully and thereby to enjoy. I've gained a large appreciation for the dressage and Pony Club philosophies and that makes this book especially wonderful - like going into and learning about a new land. This information reflects the author's personal knowledge and/or tremendous research. I also loved the author's use of the language, as in: "Captain Norstrom looked incuriously around the barn." The development of young Michael is done well and I appreciated the parallels of winning over and training a horse (and rider), thereby getting the best out of both, to the tutoring and maturing of Michael. The dichotomy of harsh-speaking, firm, almost cruel-actioned stable owner Erik to the "horse-whisperer" side of him is worth a book club discussion. I can see a sequel here . . . .