Joey
Joey by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is not a novel I would have chosen to read but was one I was glad my daughter placed on my nightstand. One day while perusing the library’s nonfiction selection on horse care (my daughter is obsessed), she found this book and knowing it was in the adult section, placed it on my nightstand for my preview and approval.
Kim Tschirret is the owner of Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC and the story Joey centers on her journey following God’s calling and the blind horse that helped her to trust God in the process. This captivating narrative relates the highs and lows Kim experienced as she tried to pull together an idea that God had put on her heart – to start a therapy horse ranch. Kim had once found healing for her own struggles through horse therapy and using the same to bring healing to other children was what drove Kim to begin Hope Reins. Therapy sessions are provided free to families, so the creation, start-up, and maintenance for such a feat is not easy. Nevertheless, a central theme of this story is the way that God provides – financially and spiritually. Not only are children helped, but even those who volunteer find solace and comfort for their own troubles.
Bleakley does an amazing job of weaving the story together with details about Kim, volunteers Lauren and Sara, a few of the children, and of course the horses. The story is captivating, quick to read, and will leave you in tears. There are so many times that I cried, which honestly surprised me. I’ve never been much of a horse person, but after reading this story, it allowed me to understand what about horses captivates my daughter so much, and I was a bit captivated by Joey and Speckles (horses in the novel).
Kim’s horses at Hope Reins are rescue horses who come from pretty horrific situations. Two horses central to the novel are Joey and Speckles. Joey was found near death due to neglect, and Speckles found up to his knees in his own muck at another neglected ranch. Before being available for therapy sessions, these horses had their own rehabilitation to go through, a bit of which is detailed in the book. What makes Joey particular to other rescue horses is his blindness, which presents challenges of its own, but ones that are overcome demonstrating perseverance of the people who are committed to his care and to Joey’s willingness to still trust and learn despite prior treatment.
As these horses are used for therapy, a little bit of detail is given about what brings some of them to Hope Reins. While not graphic, readers will find a reference to a young girl cutting herself on page 143 and a six year old who was sexually assaulted at school on page 226. Pretty much what I stated is what is likewise stated in the book. However, if you are going to let a preteen or young teenager read this book, you may want to just be aware of those instances.
If you are looking for a new read that centers on God’s provision and a commitment to follow the calling He has placed on one’s life, then consider reading Joey. If you are a horse lover like my daughter, I know you will love it. But you have been forewarned – you will need a box of tissues.
