I often avoid books about rescue animals as they can be sad. I'm not sure what prompted me to try Running With Sherman: How a Rescue Donkey Inspired a Rag-Tag Gang of Runners to Enter the Craziest Race in America, by Christopher McDougall, but I'm glad I did. Poor little Sherman was in bad shape when he was adopted by the author, but with the help of neighbors and a goat, he made an amazing recovery, enough to participate in one of the most unusual races ... man (or woman) and donkey, running side by side, up and down mountains, through creeks .... it's just nuts! Along the way they learn the power of the animal/human bond as they help those dealing with depression, or suicidal thoughts. A positive, heart-warming read.

I've read a lot of books about trivia on various subjects ... I love the little bits of information, they are easy to read during commercials, and, sometimes, it could be on a subject I rarely read (such as sports)! This one, however, was about a subject near and dear to my heart. The Little Book of Lore for Horse Lovers: a Round Up of Equine Facts, Myths and History, by Mary Frances Budzik is a most enjoyable collection of all things 'horse'. There are facts (horses cannot burp). There are chapters on those who write about horses and those writers who own horses. Rita Mae Brown started the Blue Ridge Polo Club, the only all female polo club in the U.S. There's a list of horses in song and those who sang about them. All in all, just a fun read.

Reading Hermit With Dog