Jesse's review of The Red Pony (original) (raw)

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Jesse's Reviews > The Red Pony

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck

The Red Pony
by

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Being a Steinbeck fan is equivalent to being the victim in a super toxic relationship. He'll flatter you with pretty writing. He'll make you love his deep and well-rounded characters. He'll tell you you're pretty and smart. Then, when you're comfortable and relaxed, thinking this is great, finally a healthy relationship! He pulls the curtain back and your perfect loving friend turns against you. He starts small, kills off a secondary character, then he takes your hero down a few pegs, maybe he kills the family dog, or pencils in a drought right after the family plants the crops that are supposed to save them. Don't worry tho between all the horrific atrocities he'll show you glimpses of the person you fell in love with. And of course, you stay. Maybe you're toxic too. Maybe you need the hard times to make the good times that much better. I don't know, whatever it is, toxic or not, I F#&king love it!

I love Steinbeck! Everything I've read by him has been pure gold. I'm setting a goal to read all his books. He's sad, and depressing as hell but he's the greatest American author that's ever lived as far as I'm concerned. ( I'm young tho and haven't read everything)

Now let's get into the Red Pony. If you're looking for a story about a boy and a horse, well you can move on this isn't for you. If you're looking for a story about one's connection to nature, the fragility of life, the fallibility of one's hero, a young boy coming of age, death, love, pain, and one's own ability to deal with such things, then this might be a great short read for you. Our young protagonist, Jody, is growing up an only child on a California ranch, the only thing he wants is a horse of his own. His hero, a ranch hand named Billy Buck, tries his best to give Jody what he wants but if you know Steinbeck at all you know getting what you want isn't an option in his stories.

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Reading Progress

August 25, 2024 –Started Reading

August 25, 2024 – Shelved

August 29, 2024 –Finished Reading

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