Horse Sense by Lapo Melzi

Horse Sense Reviews

• 
  Winter

  Melzi tells an incredible story of the importance that animals have on the human psyche.
  According to Animal Human Research Institute, pets help owners manage their feelings and provide a powerful distraction from the stress of having a mental health problem.
  Study on PTSD showed:
  Lower overall symptoms of post-traumatic stress
  Lower levels of Depression
  Higher levels of life Satisfaction
  Lower levels of social isolation and greater ability to participate in social activities
  Higher levels of psychological well-being
  Higher levels of resilience
  Higher levels of companionship
  In Melzi’s novel, you will see the importance of the human/animal bond relationship.
  Let us begin:
  Jamie is an 11-year-old, 5th grader. He does not have a lot of things, like his classmates. (He wears secondhand clothes, or clothes that have been donated) But the two things that he does have is, a mother who adores him and his best friend in the entire world Acorn. Now Acorn is extra, extra, special, because he is different from most friends. He is very, very, tall, and he loves to be brushed every day. He loves to eat oats, apples, and carrots. Not to mention he does not talk back or judge anything that Jamie ever tells him. He can’t! Because Acorn is a horse.
  One day while in school Ms. Ambrose assigns the class an assignment, they are to draft an essay about their best friend. Of course, Jamie writes his on Acorn. Only to be totally demeaned and ridiculed by Ms. Ambrose in front of the entire class. When the other children pick on Jamie and made fun of him, Ms. Ambrose pretends as if she hears and sees nothing.
  As the bullies in Jamie’s class continue on their bullying spree, they decide to pick on a smaller classmate of Jamie’s. Jamie decides he has finally had ENOUGH! He comes to the other student’s aid, (Since he too knows what it feels like to be bullied) but things do not turn out the way Jamie had anticipated. Instead of the Bullies getting in trouble for bothering the smaller classmate, they get away clean. Jamie on the other hand is punished and his classmates end up bullying him and ganging up on him. Jamie’s mother Maddie is furious once she hears what has been happening to her son. She wants to know why Ms. Ambrose and the Principal have done nothing to protect her child from the bullying and abuse in school.
  But when her husband tells her that Jamie needs to stand up for himself, instead of whining and talking to a horse all the time. Maddie backs down and no longer defends Jamie. Jamie begins to self-doubt himself, becomes despondent and depressed. He is once again alone, with his mixed feelings of emotions. He is caught in a tricky situation that no child should really have to deal with. Here he is being bullied because his best friend is a horse, his father thinks him weak, because he gets bullied, and because he spends all his time with Acorn.
  Then Jamie begins to think, things would be better if they just were not around.
  As Jamie’s 11-year-old emotions teeter back and forth through uncharted mental decisions. We watch this coming-of-age novel as this young boy makes a stand for what he believes in.
  Melzi tells a gut-wrenching novel of, through our love of animals we can actually find our inner strength.
  Although this is an extremely hard pill to swallow, I do believe this book does deserve to be in every Middle School Library.
  Bullying is prevalent all over and needs to be addressed throughout all years of school.
  Suicide rates have increased due to Bullying.
  HABRI has a wonderful quote in favor of animals.
  “Everyone living with a mental illness should have access to care, services, and supports that would benefit their mental health. Including interaction with a companion animal!”
  Bullying is a Crisis, a Mental Health illness, PTSD, and more than anything else it is the leading a cause of suicide amongst youngsters.
  If your Child or you need help with Bullying,
  CRISISTEXTLINE.ORG
  TEXT: HOME to 741741
  24/7 CRISIS COUNSELOR
  The story may be fictional, but the context and meaning are not.
  We as parents, need not bury our head in the sand. Protect your children, all you have to do is read a newspaper.
  Opinions are of my own volition, for my honest review. Thank you for this eARC
  
• 
  Patricia

  Jamie and acorn were the best of friends a young boy and his horse . Acorn knows all Jamie's secrets and doesn't judge him at all . When Jamie helps defend a young boy he feels like he doesn't belong . He doesn't fee like he belongs anywhere but when his class mates are hurt by the teacher that is suppose to be teaching them . Between his bad home life and the class mates that want to hurt him . He really discovers who are his friends and who loves him the most.
  The characters are so realistic and I love Jamie he is such a sweet young boy who has been through so much in his young life . His home life is not the best but he has the love of his mom who would do anything to keep him safe and loved . To Acorn the horse that is his best friend . He is such a strong moral character that is trying hard to belong . We get to see him realize who really is on his side . There are a lot of characters that come in and out of Jamie's life . I truly loved these characters especially Acorn .
  This is one of those ya books that you really start out and start reading and next thing you know you are done . The characters are so realistic and complex and they really get under your skin. The author paints a picture of the unconditional love between a boy and his horse . The ups and downs their life together . This book had me crying through out and my heart broke at one point . The author tells a good story and I loved the story . So if you want to read a good story about unconditional love check it out
• 
  Anncleire

  Letto in occasione del
  Gioco a Squadre - Città Rossa del
  Gruppo Reading Challenge
  
  Task 1.20b: Un libro scritto in una lingua diversa dalla lingua nativa dell'autore
  
  
  Real vote: 3,5
  
  
  Ringrazio immensamente Lapo Melzi per avermi regalato la meravigliosa opportunità di leggere questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione.
  
  
  Recensione anche sul mio blog:
  
  http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
  
  
  “Horse Sense” è il primo libro di prosa di Lapo Melzi e mi è capitato per le mani tanto tempo fa, quando l’autore mi ha contatto per recensirlo. Purtroppo sono una disgraziata e ho aspettato davvero mesi e mesi prima di decidermi a leggerlo. Dopo un inizio lento e poco accattivante, la storia ha preso piede regalando al lettore un libro molto piacevole, che pone l’attenzione su un tema ahimè incredibilmente attuale, come il bullismo, strappando ben più di un sorriso e non poche riflessioni.
  
  
  Non c’è niente di semplice nell’essere un ragazzino di undici anni, specialmente per Jamie. Mentre muove i primi timidi passi verso l’adolescenza, i suoi giorni trascorsi nella convinzione di sapere chi sono i suoi amici e di fidarsi dei genitori sono agli sgoccioli. L’unica cosa su cui Jamie può davvero contare in questo mondo in continuo cambiamento è l’amore del suo migliore amico, un cavallo di nome Acorn. L’amicizia tra Jamie e Acorn è come una magia che capita una sola volta nella vita – ma i bulli intorno a loro vogliono farla a pezzi. Può il loro legame sopravvivere mentre Jamie cerca di tirar fuori la sua identità?
  
  
  Non amo particolarmente i cavalli, mi hanno sempre affascinato, ma li trovo anche parecchio inquietanti, forse proprio per la loro capacità di capire gli stati d’animo degli esseri umani che gli stanno intorno. Eppure questi giganti sono incredibilmente intelligenti e particolarmente coraggiosi ed è normale che un ragazzino che vive a contatto con loro tutti i giorni sviluppi un legame speciale.
  Jamie racconta la sua vicenda in prima persona, soffermandosi sui suoi stati d’animo e le sue paure. È un ragazzino che inizia ad affacciarsi nell’età adulta, timido, ma coraggioso, che inciampa alla ricerca della cosa giusta da fare. Generoso e incredibilmente scaltro, non è come gli altri ragazzini della sua età. Se vede qualcuno in difficoltà interviene senza pensarci due volte, anche a discapito della sua sicurezza. Ma quando parlare mette in crisi il suo sistema di valori, quando si accorge che tutti lo guardano con sospetto perché si è fatto avanti, inizia a dubitare, ma d’altronde, scopre sulla sua pelle che intervenire e farsi avanti per proteggere i più deboli è sempre la cosa giusta da fare. In un mondo in cui il menefreghismo si accompagna all’omertà, in cui la maggior parte della gente resta ferma, spettatrice immobile dello sfacelo, Jamie agisce, con coraggio e convinzione, e affronta le sue paure, rompendo il silenzio. Ed è questa la cosa più meravigliosa del libro, il fatto che sia così profondamente vero, così inconciliabilmente sconcertante, con una denuncia semplice ma efficace. Troppo spesso non ci si rende conto delle torture psicologiche che i ragazzi devono affrontare ogni giorno, troppo spesso si chiude un occhio su fatti gravissimi, troppo spesso si scambia per debolezza un animo gentile e sensibile. Credo che in questo Melzi abbia svolto un ottimo lavoro, intrattenendo, ma allo stesso tempo aprendo gli occhi. Certo penso che il libro sia rivolto ad un pubblico giovane, vista l’età del protagonista, ma potrebbe essere d’aiuto anche a chi ragazzino non lo è più in una spirale di consapevolezza che forse potrebbe aiutare a cambiare le cose.
  Molto intenso e particolareggiato poi il rapporto con Acorn, che mi ha affascinato, ricordando quanto sia importante il legame che instauriamo con gli animali che invadono la nostra quotidianità. Acorn è irruento, ma giocoso, incredibilmente intelligente e ama giocare a basket e correre, quasi come un essere umano. E come un essere umano debole viene messo alla gogna perché diverso. Sia Acorn che Jamie devono affrontare un mondo che non li vuole amici che inneggia all’omologazione e al silenzio, al chinare il capo e rispettare l’autorità, senza metterla in discussione, neanche quando sbaglia. Ed è in questo che Jamie è ancora più speciale, perché nonostante tutto non si arrende.
  Ho adorato le descrizioni, di questa campagna, piena di verde, di alberi, di laghi e radure, in un mondo a sé, incontaminato, e assolutamente splendido, con descrizioni molto accurate, che quasi davvero ti sembra di essere lì insieme a Jamie e Acorn a scorrazzare liberi.
  
  Il particolare da non dimenticare? Delle pietre…
  
  Un libro intenso, prezioso, su un argomento ancora poco trattato come il bullismo, con una delicatezza e allo stesso tempo una forza unica. Un libro sull’amicizia e sull’altruismo, un libro sul non arrendersi, che di certo porta una speranza ad ogni lettore.
  Buona lettura guys!
  
  
• 
  Wren

  So I got this book from the author and was excited to read this. First off just look at the cover! It very lovely and if you look close enough you will see shadows that will make you wonder.
  
  Plus this book goes on the bully topic, which I know well. I have had people close to me who have been through it, so it was nice to read how Jamie got over it.
  
  And there is a horse! What girl doesn't like a horse? Though if you are reading this, only do what you have read if you know how to handle a horse. Jamie does stuff that I'm sure everyone wants to try. Thee are neat trick that I couldn't remember a horse doing.
  
  Now I should really get into the book before I start my story about horses.....
  So Jamie is this young kid who isn't having the best time right now, He's only 11 so his place hasn't been found yet. He doesn't dress all fancy or perfect like kids would. Used clothes aren't going to determine your place anyway, it's who you are that counts. Somehow people never understand that, no matter the age.
  
  He has a best friend though. Large, fur, a tail, and really there for people, yep a horse! He wrote about his horse and how it's his best friend. Animals make amazing friends/family. They are there for you and won't judge you, which you can tell it's what young kids need. A kid is a kid, and should have fun. Not be bullied, trying to find their place so early, or trying to hard to fit in the crowds.
  
  Jamie has a lovely story, and Lapo brings his story out and writes it perfectly. Capturing Jamie and who he is and what his journey will be. This is a really good book for anyone of any age to read. I think that everyone should read it and get the message that comes with it.
  
  Since I know people who have been through this, Lapo did a really good job on getting everything put together, without over doing the subject or making it over sensitive for readers. I would read more books from this author. I give the book 5 stars
• 
  Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader)

  3.5 stars
  
  Did I enjoy this book: Pretty much.
  
  I should probably start with a disclaimer. I’m not really a YA fan. I’m typically not the EFC reviewer for this type of book, so I’m taking my best shot here.
  
  What I liked: Eleven year old main character Jamie really figures out who he is and who he isn’t and ultimately stays true to himself. That’s a good message for kids his age because they really are trying to figure out the world and where they fit in.
  
  I loved his relationship with his horse. I think animals make great companions. Acorn, Jamie’s horse and best friend, discovers the importance of trust and loyalty throughout this story.
  
  It’s poignant. Jamie’s a bit of an outcast with his peers. Readers of any age can relate to those young, tender feelings and fragile relationships.
  
  What I didn’t like: No matter how hard I tried to see this story from a young person’s perspective, I couldn’t silence the inner teacher in me who took offense to the depiction of Mrs. Ambrose, Jamie’s teacher. She is cruel and abusive to the point of being extreme and unbelievable. Seriously, I’ve read descriptions of serial rapist and sadistic killers who were more charming and lovable than this poor teacher. It was just too over the top for me.
  
  So fair warning to future authors: If you send me a book to review I suggest it not include a bunch of badmouthing on teachers. That just pisses me off.
  
  (Sorry. I had to get that outta my system)
  
  Would I recommend it: Yes, I think young readers will enjoy this story. They’ll probably swear their teacher is as mean as Mrs. Ambrose.
  
  Will I read it again: No.
  
  As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
  
  (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
  
  
  http://everyfreechance.com/2014/01/re...
• 
  Katie (hiding in the pages)

  I've always loved horses. I think they're beautiful creatures, but I never realized how much personality they have. My youngest would love to have a horse of her own and I loved seeing the bond that this boy and his horse had with each other. Animals can be so loyal and fill the role of a best friend so easily.
  
  I felt that there were two main themes to the story: bullying and that animal/boy bond. It's sad, but true--so many people are, or feel they are, bullied. It's a real issue and I was glad to see it addressed in this book.
  
  Jamie is a 5th grade boy (11 years old). That's what pulled me to the story--I have a 5th grade son, who is almost 11. That being said, there were times when Jamie acted (and spoke) more like an adult than a 5th grader and other times when he was just an average 11 year old. I missed the consistency of the character. Maddie, Jamie's mom, was the same way. She was very vocal and in-your-face when she found out her son was being bullied, but she wasn't able to stand up to her husband at all--not for herself or for Jamie.
  
  I have no idea how things really are, but I found it shocking that NO ONE would believe Jamie about the bullying. He was punished when the other kids ganged up on him; the teacher, principal, students, and other parents were completely absent when things came to light. WHO protects these kids?! And how could the classroom situation have gone on for two years without anyone saying anything?!
  
  I liked the persistence that Jamie showed in winning Acorn over and the ending was a good wrap.
  
  Content: some swearing; bullying; some behavior that is best not tried at home. :)
• 
  Joy D. Fanning

  *I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
  
  It's been a while since I've read a story with such a young protagonist, but it didn't really matter. As someone who was bullied myself growing up it was easy to relate to Jamie. Although I didn't have a horse to play with!
  
  Besides being a story about finding yourself and being true to who you are, and overcoming bullies, I liked the bond between Jamie and Acorn. This book is a perfect example of how important animal relationships can be to humans. When Jamie had no friends Acorn was there for him, giving him the support he needed. I think most people have an animal in their life (at some point in their life that is) that touches them and comforts them. This book explores that bond and showcases how a simple relationship can change a life.
• 
  Victoria Brinius

  I was bullied in school and I had a cat. I can really relate to having a pet that makes you smile and helps you get through tough times. At one point I had 3 cats and 3 Shih Tzu's. Nothing beats the companionship of pets. The author did a great job of capturing how I felt. Jamie goes through a lot, and he also grows as a character. This is a coming of age story as well. This book should be in Guidance offices everywhere. Bullying is growing, and there is even cyber bullying now. There needs to be more books like this one. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions ate my own.
  
• 
  Kathlyn La

  This book tells about bullying ( I think Acorn's eyes in the book cover represents it) and how the main character, Jamie, confronts and deals with it. Another thing, it is a story about Jamie's friendship bond with his horse whom he felt comfort.
  Jamie's experiences somehow taught him to be a wiser kid.
  I somewhat felt that this thoughtful book wanted to say something, make me feel something more.
  
  I enjoyed following Jamie's jouney and struggles in life.
  Based on what I have read about bullying, Mr. Lapo captured it smoothly in this book.
  Great read for people of all ages!
• 
  Lowri

  I received this book from the author for an honest review.
  
  This is a really important topic that is covered throughout the book. Having a young protagonist is something I had to get used to as I haven't read a book with such a young character in a while, though it was enjoyable.
  
  This book tells an important story of the impact of bullying and is told through the character of Jamie in a lovely way. As with the last book I reviewed of Melzi's, the writing is lovely for story telling and works well for the tale here.
  
  The topic is covered well in the book and, maybe it's because I'm an animal lover, the relationship between Jamie and his horse is lovely and shows how animals can be a companion to us.
  
  I felt a little upset about the description of the teacher, as a teacher myself, and found it to be a little too much, though potential need to show the cruel life that comes from bullying.
  
  Overall I rate it 4 stars.
• 
  Amanda

  This book is split into two main story topics: bullying and the human/horse bond. Jamie is an 11 year old boy who is dealing with bullying at school and and home. His relationship with his horse Acorn is the main thing in his life keeping him steady and sane. I enjoyed reading about Jamie and Acorn’s relationship although Acorn’s “wet eyes” were really over described. I had a hard time with Jamie’s mom as she seemed a lot younger than she should be and treated Jamie like a companion a lot as opposed to her son. It’s an overall cute read for pre-teens.
  
  Received from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Cinthia Cruz

  I was given a copy of this book from VoraciousReadersOnly. I really did enjoy this book quite a lot! I could relate to Jamie as he was struggling with fitting in with his classmates. I especially liked how his mom stood up for him reminds me of my own. I liked how at the end he was able to find himself. This truly was a great read and if you like horses I would recommend this story for you.
• 
  Rose

  This was a wonderfully written tale of a young boy struggling to redefine himself amidst severe peer pressure and bullying. It wasn't necessarily my cup of tea as I read to escape from the feelings that this novel triggered but I found it enjoyable all the same. The relationship between boy and horse made everything better and I was glad for the happy ending.
• 
  Donna

  I received this book in return for an honest review. I can't say I enjoyed this book because of the nature of the story, Bullying & abuse is always a particularly hard thing to read about. Having said that the book was very well written & a good read. Thanks .
• 
  Sierra Dobbie

  I will begin with saying that I did receive this novel from the author in exchange for a honest review. When I first read the email from the author asking if I would like to review it, I was immediately drawn to the storyline. Typically, I enjoy reading books about real life experiences, including bullying, because I find it relate able. When I began reading it, though, I was shown that I couldn't relate to this novel as much as I thought I could.
  
  I did not enjoy the characters in this novel. They were one-dimensional, and the only personality they did have were all whiny, clingy, and annoying. I especially found this with Jamie, the protagonist. And, the way that the characters communicated to each other was not believable. They spoke way too formally, when it was an extremely informal conversation. The way they were talking to each other would not be what people would say in real life.
  
  I did enjoy reading about Jamie's relationship with Acorn, his horse. I know first hand what it is like to have such a deep connection with an animal, and I don't read a lot about relationships such as these. It was refreshing to read about their friendship.
  
  I wish I could give this novel a better review, but I simply can't because I just didn't enjoy it.