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The Power of Books

Someone on Facebook asked their readers what was the most memorable book they read when they were young. I answered with little hesitance with "The Black Stallion" series by Walter Farley. I
No doubt Farley was influenced by the worldwide success of Anna Sewels, "Black Beauty". She, unfortunately, passed away five months after she published. 

 At the age of ten, Farley's tales of his protagonist, Black Beauty's adventures of hardship and triumph influenced me in ways that persist even today. His stories took place when horses were the major form of transportation. Black Beauty and his protege were used and abused in many roles from racing to cart pulling, in city and country and in peace and war.

 By reading these books, I acquired a love for horses that has stayed with me. No horse could have lived through all of the situations Farly put his through. But I like so many others, loved that horse and couldn't wait until the next book came out.

 My research into this book series pointed out to me that Farley's son Steven actually continued the tradition. Some of the books were produced as movies, but I do not remember seeing any of them.

 I continue to recover at home. We are looking forward to celebrating the Holiday with friends and family. Our yearly tradition of going to a movie with Helen and Len Nagler will be canceled since I can't travel. We will see them non-the-less. We will also get to meet the addition to their family, Wilson Leo Nagler, son of their daughter, Dr. Anne Nagler.

 The family blast is planned for Sunday. We're hoping that most of the Wisconsin Branch can stop by. We know we are going to have Ray-Ray and Fee for the weekend. These are the grandkids of the bottomless curiosity and boundless energy. They demonstrate on each every visit why you should have children when you're young and have the energy necessary.

Comments

  1. Jill frisbieDecember 28, 2018 at 12:46 PM

    Thank you, Jeff, Merry Christmas to you and Marie, and a healthy and happy New Year! Hope you are healing well😊💞

    ReplyDelete

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