Customer Reviews

Tall Ears and Short Tales: Observations from the Barn

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The back of the book says "With humor and a deep sense of wonder, the stories in this book introduce the depths of interaction between an eclectic cast of animals and the woman who cares so deeply about them". That does not begin to touch on everything this book is. It draws the reader in, and there is a gamut of feelings shared with the reader in gentle, clearly worded images.

I felt as if I knew the author and her "babies" personally before I was half through the book. Some of the stories are sad, some so funny that I actually laughed out loud. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved an animal or had to put up with someone who stares at golf courses and says "What a waste of good grass!"

This book is written with love, warmth and humor. I sometimes laughed, sometimes cried, but always realized the author's love of horses and her dedication to end horse slaughter. May God bless her for the work she's doing for all equine!

Join the author on her personal journey into the hearts and souls of neglected, abused, and unwanted animals. You'll meet lots of courageous horses looking for a second chance at life, and you'll also learn a little about a delightful Chocolate Lab who mothers horses, cats, and baby chicks.

Knowledgeably written by Carol M. Chapman, owner of The Last Refuge, a sanctuary for horses and other assorted creatures no one else wanted. Tall Ears & Short Tales is a compelling and informative look at one of nature's wonderful and often terribly abused creatures - the horse - and the extremely dedicated people who rescue, rehabilitate, and provide sanctuary for them. Respect, humor, and thoughtful reflections upon the horses' point of view combine to make a thoroughly fascinating assortment of anecdotes from a wonderful writer and true animal lover.

My wife got this book and after reading it gave it to me without telling me why I should read it. I expected a funny, fluffy, book, and instead got hit between the eyes by a book that surrounds you with the depths of emotion, from happiness to deep sorrow. Not only does this book display the feelings of the author, it drags the reader right into them. I felt as if I was suffering right beside her and when she talks about the pain she feels for horses I (have to admit) wiped a few tears away before my wife could see them. An old cowboy like me should just not cry that much over a book.

Don't get me wrong, there are many places where I laughed, pointed out things that reminded me of my own experiences, and during the story about her dinner party, I just plain howled out loud. But the other parts, the feelings of helplessness when it all goes so terribly bad, those are the ones that touched me the most.

The only criticism I have is that it leaves me wanting to hear more, especially about that cute donkey on the cover. She better get another one out soon, I have a birthday coming up in a few months and I want the next installment of the barn stories for it.

This book contains the cool intelligence, gently warmed emotions, and silver wit of a mental hot fudge sundae. It is almost like sitting in the author's barn and swapping stories about dogs, horses, life, and thoughts. I keep it in my purse, it's stories are short enough to read during a spare moment, but deep enough to make me think about them afterward.

I know the author is female but she sure reads like Garrison Keiller with that dry, laid back wit that gently pokes fun at herself. There is a story about the stains of her laundry that had me rolling on the floor.

What comes through clearly is that this is a woman who not only passinately loves her animals, but is also able to convey it without resorting to being mushy. Buy the book, buy several as presents.

What a wonderful book......it runs the gamut....tears to laughter......so heart warming......a MUST read!!!

I got this book the week it came out, devoured it rapidly, then went back and re-read slowly. It is amazing how someone can put a few short words together and paint a complete picture of something.

The horse stories made me want to cry, to smile, and sometimes to run out and buy carrots and ship them to the author's amazing Long Ear Crew. The dog stories ended up being read out loud to anyone that was near, and my dog is now poking at me for *bickes*, I think he heard me read about them.

Seriously, this is a good read, and I can't wait till she writes another one.

This book is wonderful. The writing style is easy to follow and it touches on the feelings and wonders of living with animals in a gentle, caring way.

It's a must read for any horse or dog lover.

This book is a "must read" for all animal lovers, and especially horse lovers. The author's warm style and insight into the minds of animals will draw you in and never let you go! "Horsey" people (of which I count myself one, according to the author's definition) will truly identify with the connection one feels with horses, and non-"horsey" people will get a wonderful taste of our side of the horse world.

The author's natural, relaxed attitude toward animals is further reflected in her general philosophy toward family, relationships, and life in general. She makes you want to come and visit The Last Refuge and have a chat over coffee and perhaps muck a stall or two...

I have always been concerned about animals welfare. Especially cats. When I heard about Carol's book - I was only slightly interested. Boy!!! did I change my mind. I tried to read most of it on lunch hours but geeish... my eyes got red all the time-keep your Kleenex handy. Her style of writing puts you right there with the horse and feeling what he feels. It is extremely touching.

I promise you that whether you have ever owned a horse (I have not) or rode a horse (I have only once) -- you WILL feel differently about them after this book. You will want to run and hug each and every one you see.

It is easy reading - fun and touching. Interesting and joyful.
I recommend it for all ages -- adults and children. This is a must have book!!!!! Give to your friends and relatives -- maybe we can all make a difference in horses lives and they in ours.