Sweet William: A Memoir of Old Horse

Along the lines of Black Beauty. Can't miss if you love horses. It is a little sad but makes you think of a horse's life.

Briliant insight into the metaphor of the animal as being human. Expertly developed to serve as an insight to the mechanisms of human behavior. Each time I read it I learn and enjoy it more. I recommend it to all lovers of the "equine". As always Hawkes is in command page by page and word by word.

I have to say this is my favorite book of all time. I opened the book at a local bookstore and after the first paragraph I knew I had to buy it. Oldhorse is a vivid character and you will never forget him. Read this one 4 or 5 times! NEIGH!!

This is "Black Beauty" for adults (rated "R" for violence and sexuality)! It captures eloquently the life of a thoroughbred horse from birth through his struggle to find life after the racetrack. Although it is written from the horse's point of view, it isn't at all corny or juvenile. The author has drawn an accurate picture not only of horses in general, but of that unquenchable spirit that is only found in the thoroughbred breed. "Horsiness" aside, the book does superb characterizations of all players, from the women who influenced the horse's life as a baby to the wonderful old man who owns him in his old age. You DON'T have to be a horse lover to enjoy the story. It has everything from rage and violence to deep sensuality to simple pleasures to a poignant description of old age and dying.