Customer Reviews

Horseplay: A Novel

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This novel is smart, funny and a wonderful light read. I think of it as farce because some of the events that happen are somewhat unlikely, but the setting and the horse activities are very realistic. I enjoyed the various relationships between the women and the very sharp dialog. You don't have to be a horse lover to appreciate it, but anyone who likes horses or Jack Russell Terriers absolutely should read this book.

For anyone who has ever loved horses, or wondered why it is women love horses, HORSEPLAY is a must read. Judy Singer's style is fresh and new, and so funny that at times I had tears running down my face. The characters brought back my own not-so-distant stable days, when horses and trainers and competitive riders (and nasty Jack Russell terriers!) in a dusty barn made up the only world that mattered. Especially enjoyable are the relationships between the women and the closeness they develop over time. A German horsetrainer everyone fears and adores, the three Helgas, the phony tea-leaf-reading countess, and of course, the horses, make this world dimensional and real. And I have to say again--the Jack Russell terriers--she got them so right! There's some romance here, but what I loved the most was the women. Hurry up and write another book, Judy!

This book is a quick and spritely read, and in spite of the implausibiltiy of the plot I enjoyed it a lot because I found the author's descriptions of horse people and riding to be so spot-on. If you have participated in the world of riding (hunter/jumper/dressage) you will recognize the types of people lampooned here. Also, I found the author's descriptions of the physical and emotional 'feel' of riding to be among the most accurate I have encountered. Towards the end of the book, when the main character mounts a horse that she knows that she really has no business getting on, and then proceeds to get run away with, I was right in the saddle with her, vividly reliving similar experiences of my own. I could only laugh (in a pained way) while reading it. I definately recommend this book to any horse person because you will probably like it for the same reasons that I did.

This is one of the most hysterical books I've ever read. I thought it was so funny I had to e-mail the author to tell her what great laughs she had given me. (She has another book coming out in June.)My husband read it first, on an airplane, and I was reading over his shoulder and we were hooting out loud. We are trail-riding horse people, but not dressage riders. If you know anything about horses at all,whatever your "discipline," and the people who surround them, you will appreciate this book. I have ordered numerous copies for Christmas presents for all my friends for next year.

This is a fabulous book written by an author that I hope writes many more horsey novels!

If you're a woman who has stood in a barn, just inhaling the smells of horse sweat & manure---and smiled with glee--you will definitely find yourself grinning, cheering, and laughing out loud at the delightful characters & plot twists & turns. It taps into the woman's psyche (& all the cattiness we live in) so beautifully and tells a sweet story of romance & good friendship to boot.

I love this book! I had trouble putting it down. Being a dressage rider myself, I can relate to a lot of things that went on in this book. If you aren't a rider, the terminology may confuse you. For those of you who are riders -- especially dressage riders, this is a MUST READ!

This book is fun and witty. It is full of silly plot twists and weird characters that kept me turning the pages. I thought the fun and sparkle of the characters and the great dialogue were just a hoot. Would definintely recommend to anyone looking for a fun and light hearted read!

This book is a quick read which is disappointing because you will want the book to go on and on. It's funny and the dialogue is witty. It will make you laugh and cry. It's everything a book should be. I only hope Ms. Singer writes a sequel.

Once I picked up Horseplay it was hard to put down. So hard that I actually finished it in one day. Not an easy to do feat for me since I do have a horse etc that are needing attention nearly all the time.
"Judy" was me just a mere 14 years ago. Although I was being screamed at in Finnish, not German. And the horses I was paired with were not anywhere near as hoity toity.
If you love Jennifer Cruse and you love horses. And you need a friend, or two that are just as crazy as you are. Read this book. Just make sure no one else needs you for a bit

This book is hilarious and one of my all time favorites. If you ride, you must read it!