Equine ER: Stories From a Year in the Life of an Equine Veterinary Hospital

It is said that "it takes a long time to become an overnight sensation." Evelyn White's definitive biography entitled, "Alice Walker: A Life," tells the gripping story of how the eponymous author's phenomenal success with "The Color Purple" was the product of decades of life experience -- from having to overcome the pain and disfigurement caused by a horrific childhood accident, to being a devoted daughter, precocious pupil, soul searcher, friend, lover, freedom fighter, wife, literary advocate, womanist, working mother and, ultimately, a prolific and popular author. White's biography works because it connects all these experiences with a spiritual thread that famously imbues Walker's work, but also imbues her life. In her book, "In Search of Our Mother's Gardens", Walker says, "I have learned little from anything that did not in some way make me sick." 'A Life' shows the many ways struggle and sickness deepen Walker's spirituality from her childhood accident, to her serious brush with suicide, to her dangerous [and exhilarating] experiences in the Freedom Movement, the physical sickness that accompanies her pregnancy...not to mention the experience of being an unbowed Black woman in the 20th Century. Walker's spiritual journey is not only inward bound. What is clear from 'A Life' is that Walker is an extrovert when it comes to championing the life and work of other artists, including the creativity of her own mother, as well as the works of Zora Neale Hurston and many others. Throughout her career - her life - Walker works indefatigably to shine a light on women and men whose work might have been forgotten but who she gives tribute to as her inspiration. She is even credited by cultural historians with helping "people to understand the cultural significance of quilting" and other folk art forms that were the only ways for Black women to express themselves in a "Handmaid's Tale" kind of world where reading and writing was a crime. White's pacing of the biography is terrific, too. For instance, the multi-chapter episode of how Walker and her future husband escape a small Mississippi town at the height of 1960's race conflict is as thrilling and chilling as "Get Out". I would be remiss if I did not disclose that I am an old white man. But, "Alice Walker's: A Life" is a book for anyone who wants a good dose of love -- and truth -- conquers all.

This book highlights the hard work and dedication of the vets in this famous equine hospital. The stories are sometimes heart breaking and sometimes just amazing. Throughout the book, Leslie Guttman writes like an experienced horsewoman -- every description rings true to the sport. Most amazing is her intuitive answers to this reader's questions. For example, in one story a young women goes to incredible lengths to save her horse. Just when I was thinking "How could anyone afford this?" Guttman answers my question in detail, including the actual cost. Each case is described in detail, similar to the case histories in Equus magazine. This is a book to buy and keep on your bookshelf. I only wish it had been longer.

This book was even more interesting to me because I had the privilege of visiting Rood and Riddle Veterinary Clinic in 2003 during a trip to Lexington. This facility is surely one of a kind, and the excitement, drama, and hard work that goes on there is captured by Leslie Guttman in Equine ER. My family has always lived with horses, but the stories in this book can be related to by anyone who loves animals or people. Each chapter is unique and suspenseful.

Could not put this book down...had no idea to what lengths these animals, their owners and the vets that care for them go to to make them well.

I loved this book! I am a Vet Tech student so books about vetting are so fascinating to me. I am also a horse owner, so this was the best of both worlds for me! I learned a lot about equine medicine which is truly amazing to me. After reading this book, my good friend's horse was immediately rushed to R&R for an emergency colic. It was so nice to share this book with her that brought her so much comfort in knowing he was in the best of hands (he is now home, happy and healthy again). I would highly recommend this to any horse enthusiast or veterinary employee!