WHY READ ALONE WHEN YOU CAN READ WITH FRIENDS? JOIN A BOOK CLUB AND READ TOGETHER!
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Book Club Questions for Silver Charm
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- The Tapestry Metaphor: The author uses the metaphor of a tapestry throughout the book, with people as "weavers" in Silver Charm's life. How effective is this metaphor in telling the story? Which "weaver" do you think had the most significant impact on Silver Charm's life?
- Fate vs. Choice: Bob Baffert repeatedly refers to "fate" in his life, while the author calls these moments "the hand of God." How much of Silver Charm's success story do you attribute to luck, divine intervention, or human decision-making?
- The True Horseman: In the chapter "The True Horseman," the author defines what makes someone worthy of this title. Do all the key figures in Silver Charm's story—Baffert, Stevens, the Lewises, Hatfield, and Blowen—qualify as "true horsemen"? Why or why not?
- Ferdinand's Legacy: How did the tragic story of Ferdinand's slaughter change the Thoroughbred racing industry? Do you think enough has been done since then to protect retired racehorses?
- The Cost of Competition: Gary Stevens describes his depression after losing the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown. What does this reveal about the emotional toll of high-stakes competition on both horses and humans? Is it worth it?
- Aftercare Solutions: The book presents several different approaches to Thoroughbred aftercare—retirement sanctuaries like Old Friends, retraining programs like New Stride, and unique approaches like the Center for Racehorse Retraining's semi-feral method. Which approach resonates most with you and why?
- The Business of Racing: The book touches on the commercial aspects of horse racing—buying, selling, breeding, and the economic pressures that often determine a horse's fate. How do you feel about the commodification of these animals? Can the racing industry balance profit with animal welfare?
- Michael Blowen's Transformation: Michael Blowen went from movie critic to horse rescue advocate. What does his journey reveal about finding purpose later in life? Have you experienced a similar transformation in your own passions or career?
- Silver Charm's Personality: Throughout the book, Silver Charm is described as lazy during training but competitive during races, kind to other horses, and loving toward people. How much of a racehorse's success do you think is due to personality versus physical ability?
- The Role of Women: Several key figures in Thoroughbred aftercare are women—Sandy Hatfield (the first female Stallion Manager at a major farm), Ruth Plenty, Kate Anderson, and Madeline Auerbach. Why do you think women have been particularly instrumental in the rescue and retirement movement?
- Second Chances: The book's third section focuses on giving Thoroughbreds "a second chance" after racing. How does this theme connect to broader ideas about second chances in human life? What does society owe to those who have served or performed for us?
- The Future of Racing: After reading about both the glory of racing and the challenges retired horses face, what is your overall view of Thoroughbred racing? Should it continue, and if so, what changes need to be made to ensure the welfare of these magnificent animals?
Discussion Questions
In the Heart of a Mustang
1. Chapter 1: Why would Hunter have such a visceral reaction to the sudden appearance of his father?
2. Chapter 1: Why would Melody create a false father for Hunter? Under what circumstances, if any, would this be a good idea?
3. Chapter 1: Is it true that “Sometimes life changes people,” as Melody asserts?
4. Chapter 1: Discovering the truth about his father became a watershed moment, dividing Hunter's life into a before the truth and after the truth. Have you had any watershed moments in your life? What makes an event that influential in a life?
5. Chapter 2: What kind of person is the "AT" Hunter?
6. Chapter 2: Is crying a pain drain? Why or why not?
7. Chapter 2: Some people clearly have the “Follow Me” type of charisma. How can this be good or bad?
8. Chapter 3: How is Anthony playing on Hunter’s emotions to get the boy to do what he wants him to do?
9. Chapter 6: Hunter’s grandpa realizes that “something inside the boy had died." What died?
10. Chapter 6: Smokey says: “Horses and people are a lot alike. It doesn’t take much to destroy our trust but it takes a dang long time to earn it back.” Is this true? Why or why not?
11. Chapter 6: “Ain’t nothin’ better for trainin’ a boy than a horse, I always say.” How are the two compatible?
12. Chapter 7: According to Smokey, there is a difference between breaking a horse and training a horse? What is the difference and why is this important to the story?
13. Chapter 12: How does “knowing the end from the beginning” determine actions and choices?
14. Chapter 16: Why is forgiving someone such a hard thing to do?
15. Chapter 23: In what way is anger a choice?
16. Chapter 25: How does anger weaken you?
17. Chapter 28: Is revenge justice as Hunter asserts?
18. Chapter 28: “Life isn’t fair for anyone…that’s what makes it fair.” Is that true?
19. Chapter 32: What are the qualities of a good leader?
In the Heart of a Mustang
1. Chapter 1: Why would Hunter have such a visceral reaction to the sudden appearance of his father?
2. Chapter 1: Why would Melody create a false father for Hunter? Under what circumstances, if any, would this be a good idea?
3. Chapter 1: Is it true that “Sometimes life changes people,” as Melody asserts?
4. Chapter 1: Discovering the truth about his father became a watershed moment, dividing Hunter's life into a before the truth and after the truth. Have you had any watershed moments in your life? What makes an event that influential in a life?
5. Chapter 2: What kind of person is the "AT" Hunter?
6. Chapter 2: Is crying a pain drain? Why or why not?
7. Chapter 2: Some people clearly have the “Follow Me” type of charisma. How can this be good or bad?
8. Chapter 3: How is Anthony playing on Hunter’s emotions to get the boy to do what he wants him to do?
9. Chapter 6: Hunter’s grandpa realizes that “something inside the boy had died." What died?
10. Chapter 6: Smokey says: “Horses and people are a lot alike. It doesn’t take much to destroy our trust but it takes a dang long time to earn it back.” Is this true? Why or why not?
11. Chapter 6: “Ain’t nothin’ better for trainin’ a boy than a horse, I always say.” How are the two compatible?
12. Chapter 7: According to Smokey, there is a difference between breaking a horse and training a horse? What is the difference and why is this important to the story?
13. Chapter 12: How does “knowing the end from the beginning” determine actions and choices?
14. Chapter 16: Why is forgiving someone such a hard thing to do?
15. Chapter 23: In what way is anger a choice?
16. Chapter 25: How does anger weaken you?
17. Chapter 28: Is revenge justice as Hunter asserts?
18. Chapter 28: “Life isn’t fair for anyone…that’s what makes it fair.” Is that true?
19. Chapter 32: What are the qualities of a good leader?
I would be happy to attend your book club meeting either in person if in Colorado or by skype. Contact me at: [email protected] and we'll talk about it.
HOME SCHOOLERS: You can receive a FREE lesson plan using North Mystic to help you study the Revolutionary War. The PDF file can be sent to you by writing to the author at: [email protected]
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