The title Bugles, Boots, and Saddles: Exploits of the U.S. Cavalry, edited by Stephen Brennan caught my eye because of the connection with horses. I thought it rather an interesting way to write a history book ... it's a collection of first hand accounts, letters, etc., rather than something more traditional. It made for interesting reading, but I'll admit to missing a good bibliography and index. George Washington did not think mounted troops would be of much use early in the Revolutionary War. The Buffalo Soldiers saved the day many times in battles with the Indians after the Civil War. I also would have appreciated further information on a comment made at the start of the last chapter "By the 1890s, the glory days of the U.S. Horse Cavalry were over and done." ?? They were used in World War I, unless those were not considered 'glory days' ? I obviously had a mixed reaction to this book. :-)

Do you like poetry? I do like some ... I prefer something that rhymes, and has a nice rhythm. Turns out Fiona Waters does too! She put together a wonderful collection of poems, enough to last a year (if you read just one a day) and asked Frann Preston-Gannon to do the illustrations (which are wonderful). I loved the poems about the night, stars, and rain the best, but pick your favorites in Sing a Song of Seasons: a Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year.

Reading Hermit With Dog