My Friend Flicka Book

If you've never been West around Colorado/Wyoming, O'Hara recreates it and captures it in her novels. I didn't realize just how well until I moved here and started recognizing the scenery.

I've reread her books many times now and will likely reread them many more, hence the 5 stars. I've had to get rid of all my books a couple times in the past and have always felt like my shelves are incomplete till I've reacquired the Flicka set.

O'Hara is a depression era writer and has a bit of "Steinbeck" flavor to her writing. Not quite as harsh, but like fabric that wears over knees and elbows, it comes closer in some areas than others.

There's more to the books than "a boy and his horse" story, and if you've only seen the movies I urge you to read the books instead. Nell's story is compelling reading, particularly her life philosophies she tries to impart on her sons. Rob's struggles to relate to his youngest son are a snapshot of how we approach the world on the terms we know and understand, and how difficult it is for us to step outside our understanding.

I would suggest, after reading the books, to read up a bit on O'Hara herself. Quite a few parallels between her real life and the books, which may ultimately lend more insight into her and the characters she wrote.