Born That Way

Reviews:

"Wonderful. Reads like a cross between Adrian Mole and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time."
- Dr. David Davies, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

"The writing is very skilled, the plot appropriately fast-moving, and the narrator's voice so believable as to be almost 'out loud'."
- Jack Hodgins, award-wining author of Broken Ground and A Passion for Narrative.

"A smart, modern, witty novel.  Curious adolescent equestrian navigates toward her passion. A must family read!"
- John Marton, Ph.D. Psychologist, and Seiko Marton, Social Worker

"Susan understands that the hearts of some of us come pre-stamped with the hoof prints of a horse."
- Anna Elvidge, Special Education Teacher

"I knew Susan rode her horse with intelligence, heart and humour, so I’m not surprised to find that she writes the same way."
- Gina Allan-Belasik, Equine Canada Coach

"The best books targeted at adolescents don’t just offer escape from the pressures of changing bodies and a changing world; they offer an education on topics that young people are too shy or uncomfortable to broach. That is exactly what Born that Way does. Sylvia’s growth – or lack thereof – combined with her mother’s Fruedian leanings leads her on a journey of self exploration that includes sexuality (an escapade with barnacles makes her wonder if she might somehow be a hermaphrodite), individuality, honesty, promise-keeping, and more.

Although I understand that some parents may be uncomfortable with some of the content in the book, I think that is its inherent strength. It deals with topics that are sensitive to both the child and the parent, and offers a place from which open discussion and learning – on both sides – can occur. The overall message is that you don’t solve problems by ignoring them, and the family relationships help to underscore that an open mind and understanding are essential on everyone’s part."
- From a review by Deb Taber in The Northwest Horse Source. For the complete review click here

"The novel answers (a number of) questions in an engaging, wise and often very funny account in which Sylvia gets help from unexpected allies including her pet barnacles, the Internet, a mysterious blond stranger, and a perceptive psychiatrist. But perhaps most important to her journey are her inner resources: a series of vivid and increasingly lucid dreams, and a deep determination that pushes her forward. Once she learns to trust and direct these inner powers, she begins to transform her life."
- From a profile in InFocus Magazine June/July 2009. For the complete article click here

"I just finished Born That Way (great title) and quite liked it; it never gets sappy and the voice works nicely. The author's voice - that's the real "hook" of the book. I love Susan's tone - there's lots of angst, but no self-pity - lots of humor in a really tragic life. I think this is going to do well - the love and respect for horses is actually rather overwhelming. We should all thank Cloudy, Squirt, Lollipop and all the other equines that inspired; it's a rather unique YA text."
- Kieran Kealy, Professor Children's Literature, UBC

There's a great book review of Born That Way in the Summer 2009 issue of B.C. Bookworld that will be of interest to anyone who needs a near-complete summary of the plot. Here's the link, but - spoiler alert - don't read it if you like surprises!

Mail from readers:

"Fabulous. A modern-day National Velvet."
- Jane

"Your book made me laugh, cry, and remember how it was to be 14 years old. Thank you for letting me enjoy some long ago memories." - Joan

"I love it. What a cool story. I relate to Sylvia, no doubt. It's excellent. I'm going to recommend the book to several of the therapists and caseworkers at work. It's got a great message. It's the first book I've read in years. No joke. I never take the time to sit down and read. I'm so glad I ordered the book. I'll be sure and give it a TOP review on Amazon!" - Annette

"Thanks to you I'm looking quite prune like....started reading in the bath last night and got so involved I lost track of time !!! It's a great read!"
- Christy

"Your blasted book is so good I keep staying up past my bed time reading!!"
- Natasha

"My wife picked up my copy, looked inside, said, "Oh. She signed it." Then read it half way through before coming to bed. You've got a winner."
- Bill

"The book was great. You're my kind of writer in a sense that you can take a very realistic situation and let your characters fill the book with quirky fun. It's a fun read that is Horse nut friendly. I LOVE it when I find a book that is realistic about horses. I guess my favorite part of the book looking back was that it was so entertaining yet super realistic, like Sylvia is actually my friend down the road. Some books I find almost....invasive I guess. They are jam packed with such degrees of drama that it's mentally exhausting to read. I was able to feel and laugh with Sylvia without her trials and tribulations mucking up my mind, it put a pleasant smile on my face instead of wrinkles on my forehead. The ending was in every way satisfying which is SO important to me, I don't like cliff hanger books. It's definitely a feel good novel and you have ever right to be super proud of it. It's a book that should be in every middle school."
- Corrina

Other comments:

"Okay, we know it’s fiction, but really—it’s so obvious—Electra the little boss mare is me, thinly disguised as a chestnut! I couldn’t be happier! Excellent book! Canter on!" - Lollipop, Arab/Welsh Pony

"Not a single cat mentioned in the entire book. Frankly, I’m disappointed." - Archie, Resident Cat