Title: Bridge Called Hope: Stories of Triumph from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams
Author: Kim Meeder
Year Published: 2006
Publisher: Multnomah Books
What's it about?: A collection of stories from Kim's life working with rescue horses and children that inspire hope in her.
Likes: Beautiful stories full of amazing people.
Dislikes: Overuse of the ellipsis. No continuity between chapters.
Thoughts:
Overall I enjoy Bridge Called Hope by Kim Meeder. It was given to me by a friend and all I knew about the book was the title and that she cried while reading it. So, I didn't really know what type of book I was getting into. I do enjoy that it is just a collection of stories, but at the same time I like there to be a connection between the stories. Personally, I don't see a connection between them, but I do like each story.
Because it's a collection of stories from the life of the author, it reminded me of Horse Tales from Heaven by Rebecca E. Ondov, a book I read years ago (would you like a review of this book?). Both books I appreciate but neither are my favorite.
Along with the fact that I don't see any connection between the stories, something else that makes me feel like the chapters aren't connected is that some chapters end with a "young wisdom" and some do not. Some chapters even have two while others have none. Again, the "young wisdom" isn't really connected to the story, but I don't mind because it is a nice fun way to end each story.
There are a couple of chapters describing a huge rescue operation and a horse eventually named Phoenix. These are my favorite chapters. They feel like Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards (read my thoughts on this book here). I want a full book just on that rescue and Phoenix. Although, since these chapters are in the middle of the book, there are chapters before and after that are not connected to each other, and I got lost in the shuffle of stories.
The stories are all really good. They are so sweet, crazy, and beautiful. They take my emotions everywhere! The stories don't fill me with hope, but they do remind me of the beauty, love, and wonder in the world.
After finishing the whole book, I do and don't know what to think of it. I definitely don't know how to put my feelings into words. I did learn a few lessons that I hope to carry with me such as take action when you have the option and to remember to reframe your mindset when you are looking for a change.
Even though Bridge Called Hope isn't my favorite book, I still think it's worth a read. Maybe instead of reading cover to cover, flip around and read the chapters in whatever order you feel pulled to. Maybe you can find the feeling of hope or a connection between the stories unlike me. This isn't Kim's first book, and although I won't be going out of my way to find her others to read, I will not be turning them down if they happen to cross my path.