Let's take a quick look at the book...
July Carter’s world is perfect from the back of a horse. From the ground, everything is a complete mess: her jockey mom ran off for California years ago, her dad always seems more interested in the horses than in her, and the horse July wants for herself will never be hers.
Even though the New York racing circuit has taught her not to get attached, July can’t help connecting with Kali, a hopeless filly that refuses to run when it counts. When bankruptcy rumors start swirling around the barn, the future is murkier than ever. July can’t stand losing one more thing, and Beck, the barn owner’s son, knows more about the rumors than anyone else. July will get the truth, even if she has to pry it out of him, for Kali’s sake and her own.
Even though the New York racing circuit has taught her not to get attached, July can’t help connecting with Kali, a hopeless filly that refuses to run when it counts. When bankruptcy rumors start swirling around the barn, the future is murkier than ever. July can’t stand losing one more thing, and Beck, the barn owner’s son, knows more about the rumors than anyone else. July will get the truth, even if she has to pry it out of him, for Kali’s sake and her own.
What did I think of the book?
We are a bit of a horse mad house, and we have many Middle Grade and YA equestrian novels stuffed in an overflowing bookcase. With these types of books they usually follow a set pattern. There is a girl, a cute boy, a troubled horse, a spoilt rich girl who know everything, etc etc... This does not make these books boring, they are like a comfortable blanket on a cold winters day.
Staying The Distance, is without a doubt, at the very top of this genre. The story was highly addictive, I read it in a day, staying up very late to finish it, and even though I am long past being classed as a Young Adult, the writing was so superb that I simply could not put this book down. The writing is so strong, the story so believable that I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the subject.
Dabrishus has successfully brought the world of American horse racing alive in this book - coming from England, I know nothing about the American racing circuit, but this did not hamper my enjoyment of the book at all. In fact Dabrishus immersed me in the racing world she created.
I love July, her character was so well fleshed, that at times I forgot she was a fictional character. This book is so well written that it was like watching a movie - in fact, I would love to see this turned into a series, I am sure it would have the same success as Lauren Brooke, Heartland.
I cannot praise this book enough. If you are looking for quality fiction, either for your horse mad teen or for yourself, then this is the book for you.
Where can I buy this fabulous book?
About the author
Mara Dabrishus is an author and librarian at a small college in Northeast Ohio. Horse racing is her first great love, but for the past several years she's ridden dressage, learning how to spiral in, half halt, and perform the perfect figure eight. For more information, please visit www.maradabrishus.com.
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