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Butler Basketball Legends: Basketball Legends
by Stan SuttonThe author of The Curse of the Indy 500 takes to the court to showcase the celebrated Bulldogs who made their marks on college basketball. Although many fans think Butler University basketball took off with its back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2010 and 2011, the Butler Bulldogs have a long history of tenaciously outplaying larger and better-known teams. In Butler Basketball Legends, veteran sports writer Stan Sutton profiles the legacy of the Butler University basketball program and the coaches, players, and fans who give it heart.Sutton takes readers behind the scenes to meet Butler’s legendary stars and hear their stories, including players like Darnell Archey, Gordon Hayward, Matt Howard, and Mike Green, and unforgettable coaches like Thad Matta and Brad Stevens, and of course, Tony Hinkle. For 41 years Mr. Hinkle was the cornerstone of the athletics department and built a winning basketball program around small guards, short but stout centers, and players other coaches thought inadequate, leading Butler to over 550 victories. From the fabled feats of past teams all the way up to the first season of new head coach LaVall Jordan, Butler Basketball Legends is a must-read for all who love the game.
Butter-Finger
by Bob Cattell John AgardButter-Finger follows the story of Riccardo Small, who misses a vital catch and is dropped from the cricket team. Riccardo takes refuge in his beloved calypso poems, written by John Agard, when he meets Count Crayfish, who helps him think of a way to still help the team. Ages 7 and up.
Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest (A Timber Press Field Guide)
by Robert Michael Pyle Caitlin LaBarA comprehensive field guide to the butterflies of the Pacific Northwest from renowned experts Easy to use and beautifully illustrated with more than 600 color photographs and nearly 200 maps, Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest is a must-have for nature lovers in Washington, Oregon, western Idaho, northern California, and British Columbia. The profiles include preferred common name for both genus and species, type locality, conservation status, the look and distinguishing traits of each butterfly, the preferred foodplants and nectar plants, habitat and range, and much more. Additional information includes a brief introduction to how butterflies work and details on ecology and conservation.
Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian - My Story of Rescue, Hope, and Triumph
by Yusra MardiniThe inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning—and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer.When young Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini realized her boat's engine shut down as she was traveling from Syria to Greece with other refugees, there was no hesitation: she dove into the water. Surfacing, she heard desperate prayers and sobbing from the passengers in the sinking boat above her. Between the waves, her elder sister Sarah screamed at her to get back on the boat. But Mardini was determined. She was not going to let Sarah do this alone. Grabbing the rope with one hand, she began kicking up the black water, inching the boat towards the distant shore.This bold act of bravery saved the lives of a boatload of refugees heading to Turkey from Syria. After her arrival in Greece, Mardini, focused and undeterred, worked toward a lifelong goal: to compete in the Olympics. She succeeded, and competed in 2016 on the Refugee Olympic Team in Rio de Janeiro. Butterfly tells her story, from Syria to the Olympics to her current work with the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador. Mardini is eager to tell her story in the hopes that readers will remember that refugees are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, chased from their homes by a devastating war. In today's political climate, this story is guaranteed to inspire and educate readers from every background.
Butterfly Save: Edizione Italiana
by Mignon MykelSinossi Chi dei due salverà l’altro? L’ex portiere Jonny Prescott si rifugia su un’isola remota per stare da solo. Trovare l’amore è l’ultimo dei suoi pensieri… È stato un anno infernale. Se devo essere onesto, è stata una vita infernale. Per anni il mio valore è dipeso da due fattori: essere il portiere dei San Diego Enforcers e il marito, poi ex, della figlia maggiore dei MacTavish. Il rimpianto è un fardello che pesa sulle mie spalle. Ora mi sto ritirando su un’isola immersa tra i boschi su cui la mia famiglia possiede una seconda casa per allontanarmi dalle luci della ribalta e recuperare le mie radici. Sono pronto a vivere il resto della mia vita da solo in questo posto. Ma poi incontro lei. Timida, guardinga e stupenda. Dovrei starle lontano. Non ha bisogno che la carichi dei miei fardelli. Ma dannazione, non posso farne a meno.
Butterfly Winter
by W. P. KinsellaButterfly Winter, W.P. Kinsella's first novel in 15 years, is the story of Julio and Esteban Pimental, twins born in the Caribbean country of Courteguay, a lush and enchanted but impoverished enclave on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic where time moves at its own pace and reality is open to question. The brothers are destined to play ball in America, and to shape the history of their baseball-crazed homeland. They mature quickly and by the age of ten they leave home for the Major Leagues. Julio is a winning pitcher who, much to the chagrin of any team that signs him, will only throw to his catcher brother, who is a very weak hitter. As they pursue their baseball dreams, events in their homeland, including political brutalities and the outlawing of baseball, continue to shape their lives. They are monitored by the Wizard, a mysterious figure who controls events behind the scenes. In his last years, the Wizard tells the story of the twins, their family and their lovers to a skeptical gringo journalist. Butterfly Winter is a magical literary romp that includes a diabolical chiropractor, a romance blessed by butterflies and a deep political undercurrent that unites the wealthy north with the baseball-loving, talent-laden but oppressed and deprived south.
The Button Boxes
by Temple KinyonWhat does a football-loving kid do with a couple of old wooden boxes and a pile of buttons? Andy Howell sure doesn't know, but his Grandma Lois gives him precisely that on his twelfth birthday. "They'll change your life and show you spectacular stories about our family's history," Lois tells him. But Andy wonders if she's just trying to coax him toward a future in the family tailoring business and away from his dream of becoming a famous football player. And when she urges him to sleep with the buttons to unlock their magical stories, he begins to think she's going crazy. He doesn't have time to mess with stupid buttons and boxes. All he can think about right now is how to get a good grade on his family tree project in history so he doesn't get benched by his coach and ridiculed by his teammates, who are also his friends. But when Lois suddenly ends up in the hospital with a mysterious ailment, Andy begins to wonder if the power of the buttons and boxes are the only things that can save her. If he learns the button's secrets and his family history, will it cure Lois? Andy doesn't know but frantically devises a plan to rescue her, risking trouble with his parents, teachers, friends, and worst of all, his coach. But is it too late?
Buttons the Naughty Pony: Book 14
by Pippa FunnellMeet Tilly Redbrow, who doesn't just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too! Naughty pony Buttons is coming to Silver Shoe Farm because his owner, Tim, just doesn't know what to do with him. They need Tilly's help - and fast! From Pony Club to riding for the British team, and for every girl who has ever longed for a pony of her own, these delightful, warm and engaging stories are packed with Pippa Funnell's expert advice on everything you ever wanted to know about horses.
Buttons the Naughty Pony: Book 14 (Tilly's Pony Tails #14)
by Pippa FunnellMeet Tilly Redbrow, who doesn't just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too! Naughty pony Buttons is coming to Silver Shoe Farm because his owner, Tim, just doesn't know what to do with him. They need Tilly's help - and fast! From Pony Club to riding for the British team, and for every girl who has ever longed for a pony of her own, these delightful, warm and engaging stories are packed with Pippa Funnell's expert advice on everything you ever wanted to know about horses.
Buying a Fishing Rod for My Grandfather: Stories
by Xingjian Gao Mabel LeeWritten between 1983 and 1990, these translated stories take as their themes the fragility of love and life, and the haunting power of memory. In "The Temple" the narrator's acute and mysterious anxiety overshadows the "delirious happiness" of an outing with his new wife on their honeymoon. In "The Cramp" a man narrowly escapes drowning in the sea, only to find that no one even noticed his absence. In "The Accident" a bus hits a cyclist and, as in stop-action film, the chaotic aftermath gives way to a calm, ordinary street comer with no trace of the previous drama. In the title story the narrator attempts to "unburden myself of homesickness" only to find himself lost in a labyrinth of childhood memories. Everywhere in this collection are powerful psychological portraits of characters whose unarticulated hopes and fears betray the never-ending presence of the past in their present lives."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Buying and Selling a Horse: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-122 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Cherry HillSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Buzz Saw: The Improbable Story of How the Washington Nationals Won the World Series
by Jesse DoughertyThe remarkable story of the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals told by the Washington Post writer who followed the team most closely.By May 2019, the Washington Nationals—owners of baseball&’s oldest roster—had one of the worst records in the majors and just a 1.5 percent chance of winning the World Series. Yet by blending an old-school brand of baseball with modern analytics, they managed to sneak into the playoffs and put together the most unlikely postseason run in baseball history. Not only did they beat the Houston Astros, the team with the best regular-season record, to claim the franchise&’s first championship—they won all four games in Houston, making them the first club to ever win four road games in a World Series. &“You have a great year, and you can run into a buzz saw,&” Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg told Washington Post beat writer Jesse Dougherty after the team advanced to the World Series. &“Maybe this year we&’re the buzz saw.&” Dougherty followed the Nationals more closely than any other writer in America, and in Buzz Saw he recounts the dramatic year in vivid detail, taking readers inside the dugout, the clubhouse, the front office and ultimately the championship parade. Yet he does something more than provide a riveting retelling of the season: he makes the case that while there is indisputable value to Moneyball-style metrics, baseball isn&’t just a numbers game. Intangibles like team chemistry, veteran experience and childlike joy are equally essential to winning. Certainly, no team seemed to have more fun than the Nationals, who adopted the kids&’ song &“Baby Shark&” as their anthem and regularly broke into dugout dance parties. Buzz Saw is just as lively and rollicking—a fitting tribute to one of the most exciting, inspiring teams to ever take the field.
Buzzie and the Bull: A GM, a Clubhouse Favorite, and the Dodgers' 1965 Championship Season
by Ken LaZebnikBuzzie and the Bull chronicles a baseball year in the lives of two lifelong friends who couldn&’t be more different: Buzzie Bavasi, the legendary general manager of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, and Al &“the Bull&” Ferrara, bon vivant, fountain of joy, and bench player. Their 1965 baseball journey encompassed a thrilling pennant race settled on the final day of the season, a city engulfed in flames, a perfect game, and a GM who extolled his friend the Bull as a hero in May and then banished him from the team to the depths of public purgatory in July. The partnership of these two characters—the general manager who valued fearlessness above all else and the crazy player who loved living on the edge—became the embodiment of champions who never choked in the clutch. Over seventeen years, Bavasi&’s teams won eight pennants and four World Series titles. His approach deserves review, and his friendship with Ferrara illustrates the ground on which he staked his baseball career. The summer of 1965 proved Bavasi&’s thesis that champions are built on players with one core characteristic: nerves of steel.Buzzie and the Bull offers a counterpoint to today&’s focus on advanced statistical analysis that may be crowding out the important work of discovering a player&’s unique human qualities: the intangibles. Gauge those intangibles correctly and you get an edge—and edges help win championships.
By Heart (Anderson Stables #4)
by Sasha Kay RileyAnderson Stables: Book FourIn this final book in the Anderson Stables series, Vince Anderson and Dustin O’Brien are approaching the end of their show jumping journey, and their ride off into the sunset as a married couple is within their grasp. But they won’t get there without facing challenges both personal and professional. Vince has been working hard for years to make the Olympic Equestrian team with his horse, Sir Galaxy. Now, with Dustin by his side, his dreams are about to come true as he enters the selection process. But making the team isn’t as easy as simply winning shows, not when a very wealthy and powerful name in the sport is holding a grudge against Vince. Despite attempts to damage Vince’s reputation, Vince pushes on while supporting Dustin, whose past is pushing into his future. And making the team will only be the beginning of an arduous endeavor against elite competitors. But Vince and Dustin will see each other through to the end, through the Olympics and to their wedding, because supporting each other is something they know by heart.
By My Brother's Side
by Tiki Barber Ronde Barber Robert BurleighIntroduces twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, who worked hard to overcome obstacles and became National Football League stars, one as running back for the New York Giants, the other as cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
By My Brother's Side
by Robert Burleigh Ronde Barber Tiki Barber Barry RootTiki and Ronde were each other's best friends. Together from the start, these twins might not have been the strongest or the tallest, but they were fast and worked hard at what they loved. And they loved sports, especially football. Then one day Tiki badly hurt his knee in a biking accident, and he was sure he'd never be able to play again. Their mother had always told them, "You are each other's best friends. Stick together, believe in yourselves, and you can do anything." They kept her words in their hearts and never gave up. Based on the childhood of National Football League superstars Ronde and Tiki Barber, this inspiring book about the values of family, hard work, and determination is the story of what it takes to be a champion.<P> <i>Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. To explore further access options with us, please contact us through the Book Quality link on the right sidebar. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these. </i>
By the Sword
by Richard CohenNapoleon fenced. So did Shakespeare, Karl Marx, Grace Kelly, and President Truman, who would cross swords with his daughter, Margaret, when she came home from school. Lincoln was a canny dueler. Igantius Loyala challenged a man to a duel for denying Christ's divinity (and won). Less successful, but no less enthusiastic, was Mussolini, who would tell his wife he was "off to get spaghetti," their code to avoid alarming the children. By the Sword is an epic history of sword fighting--a science, an art, and, for many, a religion that began at the dawn of civilization in ancient Egypt and has been an obsession for mankind ever since. With wit and insight, Richard Cohen gives us an engrossing history of the world via the sword. With a new Preface by the author.n as he is with the sword."-The New York Times"Irresistible . . . extraordinary . . . vivid and hugely enjoyable."-The Economist"A virtual encyclopedia on the subject of sword fighting."-San Francisco Chronicle"Literate, learned, and, beg pardon, razor-sharp . . . a pleasure for practitioners, and a rewarding entertainment for the armchair swashbuckler."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
By the Sword: A History of Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai, Swashbucklers, and Olympic Champions
by Richard A. CohenNapoleon fenced. So did Shakespeare, Karl Marx, Grace Kelly, and President Truman, who would cross swords with his daughter, Margaret, when she came home from school. Lincoln was a canny dueler. Ignatius Loyola challenged a man to a duel for denying Christ's divinity (and won). Less successful, but no less enthusiastic, was Mussolini, who would tell his wife he was "off to get spaghetti," their code to avoid alarming the children. By the Sword is an epic history of sword fighting-a science, an art, and, for many, a religion that began at the dawn of civilization in ancient Egypt and has been an obsession for mankind ever since. With wit and insight, Richard Cohen gives us an engrossing history of the world via the sword.Praise for By the Sword:"Touché! While scrupulous and informed about its subject, Richard Cohen's book is about more than swordplay. It reads at times like an alternative social history of the West."-Sebastian Faulks"In writing By The Sword, [Cohen] has shown that he is as skilled with the pen as he is with the sword."-The New York Times"Irresistible . . . extraordinary . . . vivid and hugely enjoyable."-The Economist"A virtual encyclopedia on the subject of sword fighting."-San Francisco Chronicle"Literate, learned, and, beg pardon, razor-sharp . . . a pleasure for practitioners, and a rewarding entertainment for the armchair swashbuckler."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards
by Robert ByrneFully illustrated with hundreds of drawings depicting nearly three hundred and fifty mind-boggling trick shots, Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards will teach you everything from the basic "butterfly formation" to the most difficult and impressive shots. Robert Byrne has scoured classic sources from the past two hundred years as well as his own personal experience and contacts to bring you the most comprehensive book on the subject. Historical anecdotes and context about the origin of each shot accompany the explanations, making for fascinating reading for anyone-from the most inexperienced amateur to the most seasoned expert.Whatever your skills and strengths, pool and billiards master Byrne will teach you the best in trick shots. In hardcover for the first time in nearly thirty years, topics include:Classic shots and variationsThe wisdom of the ancients, inner secrets, and Byrne's personal favoritesNovelty shots and easy-to-do tricksStymies, puzzles, and clustersTube and jump shotsStroke, time, and kiss shotsDraw, follow, and massé shotsShowstoppers and more!Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards is the definitive guide to the best trick shots that the world's masters have to offer.
The C&O Canal Companion: A Journey through Potomac History
by Mike HighAn indispensable guide to a regional treasure—now thoroughly updated and expanded.A comprehensive guide to one of America's unique national parks, The C&O Canal Companion takes readers on a mile-by-mile, lock-by-lock tour of the 184-mile Potomac River waterway and towpath that stretches from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, and the Allegheny Mountains. Making extensive use of records at the National Archives and the C&O Canal Park Headquarters, Mike High demonstrates how events and places along the canal relate to the history of the nation, from Civil War battles and river crossings to the frontier forts guarding the route to the West. Using attractive photographs and drawings, he introduces park visitors to the hidden history along the canal and provides practical advice on cycling, paddling, and hiking—all the information needed to fully enjoy the park's varied delights. Thoroughly overhauled and expanded, the second edition of this popular, fact-packed book features updated maps and photographs, as well as the latest information on lodgings and other facilities for hikers, bikers, and campers on weekend excursions or extended outdoor vacations. It also delves deeper into the history of the upland region, relaying new narratives about Native American settlements, the European explorers and traders who were among the first settlers, and the lives of slaves and free blacks who lived along or escaped slavery via the canal.Visitors to the C&O Canal who are interested in exploring natural wonders while tracing the routes of pioneers and engineers—not to mention the path of George Washington, who explored the Potomac route to the West as a young man and later laid out the first canals to make the river navigable—will find this guide indispensable.
Cabezón. Biografía oficial de Andrés D'Alessandro: Mi vida. Mis sueños. Mi fútbol. Mi legado.
by Diego BorinskyHoy que se aproxima su retiro, en conversación íntima y sin reservas con Diego Borinsky, Andrés D'Alessandro -máximo ídolo del club brasileño Inter, y desde siempre muy querido por todos los hinchas de River- cuenta por primera vez su vida, de La Paternal y Racing a Brasil pasando por Europa y, por supuesto, por el Monumental, con testimonios de quienes mejor lo conocen y más lo aprecian, de su esposa y sus padres a Marcelo Bielsa. Mucha gente cree que voy discutiendo con todos por la calle. No soy así, quizás se dejan llevar por la imagen de discutidor que se ve en el campo de juego. Es parte de mi carácter, el mismo que me llevó a construir esta carrera de la que me siento muy orgulloso. La idea de escribir un libro nació porque se acerca el final y de algún modo quiero dejar un mensaje, un legado, y mostrar quién es no sólo el que entra con sus compañeros a hacer lo mejor por su equipo, sino también la persona que se va después a la casa con su bolsito. No puedo reclamarle nada a mi carrera, aunque debo admitir que mi gran espina es no haber podido jugar un mundial. Jamás imaginé que triunfaría en Brasil. Tampoco que iba a terminar organizando partidos benéficos y que me nombrarían ciudadano ilustre y embajador del Instituto de Cáncer Infantil. Son halagos que me llenan el alma y me obligan a redoblar el compromiso. Me produce una profunda tristeza saber que dejaré de hacer lo que me gusta tanto e hice durante toda mi vida. Me he largado a llorar más de una vez en estos meses hablando sobre el futuro. Leyendo el libro van a comprender por qué todos los integrantes de la familia D'Alessandro somos tan sensibles y de lágrima fácil. Espero les guste y lo disfruten, como yo he disfrutado de mis años en el fútbol y de contarlos en estas páginas.Andrés D'Alessandro «Gran polemista, analizaba todas las decisiones. Sin embargo, aún en el disenso, siempre sentí que contaba con su adhesión. Cuestionador, pero en sintonía con los intereses colectivos y con los del entrenador, comprometido con el escudo a defender».Marcelo Bielsa «En el colegio era un poco rebelde, pero nada demasiado grave. Con lo que me volvió loca en la infancia fue con todos los golpes que se dio. Ay, Dios santo, ese chico era un infierno de inquieto, no ganamos para sustos».Gladys (mamá) «Su mayor virtud como persona creo que es la honestidad. Existe una relación directa y sincera entre lo que dice y lo que hace. Es auténtico. Eso le jugó muchas veces en contra en su carrera».Érica (esposa) «Acompaño a Inter desde los ocho años y no tengo dudas: Paulo Roberto Falcão, Valdomiro Vaz Franco, Fernando Lúcio da Costa y Andrés Nicolás D'Alessandro son los cuatro máximos ídolos de la historia del club».Marcelo Medeiros, presidente de Inter «El apodo Cabezón se lo puse yo. De chico era muy caprichoso, le decías una cosa y hacía lo contrario, era discutidor. Andrés dice que yo nunca lo vi jugar bien, pero en el fondo le buscaba el pretexto, lo fui llevando de esa manera para que nunca se conformara».Eduardo (papá) «Hay muchos futbolistas que juegan por instinto y otros que entienden el juego, que tienen lectura y son entrenadores dentro del campo. Dale es uno de esos. Quiere saber los porqués de todo, siempre pregunta. Juega con la cabeza, pero también con el corazón».Dunga (exentrenador de Andrés y amigo)
The Cabin: A Search for Personal Sanctuary
by Hap WilsonOne hundred years ago, a young doctor from Cleveland by the name of Robert Newcomb, travelled north to a place called Temagami. It was as far north as one could travel by any modern means. Beautiful beyond any simple expletive, the Temagami wilderness was a land rich in timber, clear-water lakes, fast flowing rivers, mystery and adventure. Newcomb befriended the local Aboriginals — the Deep Water People — and quickly discovered the best way to explore was by canoe. Bewitched by the spirit of an interior river named after the elusive brook trout, Majamagosibi, Newcomb had a remote cabin built overlooking one of her precipitous cataracts. The cabin remained unused for decades, save for a few passing canoeists; it changed ownership twice and slowly began to show its age. The author discovered the cabin while on a canoe trip in 1970. Like Newcomb, Hap Wilson was lured to Temagami in pursuit of adventure and personal sanctuary. That search for sanctuary took the author incredible distances by canoe and snowshoe, through near death experiences and Herculean challenges. Secretly building cabins, homesteading and working as a park ranger, Wilson finally became owner of The Cabin in 2000. Artist, author and adventurer, Hap Wilson is perhaps best known for his ecotourism/travel guidebooks. He has led over 300 wilderness expeditions in Canada, and served as actor Pierce Brosnan’s personal outdoor trainer for the feature film Grey Owl. "This is a complex and fascinating story, beautifully told. At first, it draws us in because the author appears to be living the life we all dream of-a simpler life, close to nature, free from the stress and strain of our consumer culture. But the reality, with its myriad challenges, is what holds our attention and gives the book its substance." — Judith Ruan, Muskoka Magazine
Caca, Birita E Biquínis
by Ed Robinson Makoto YamamotoO primeiro livro de Ed Robinson, Salto de Fé - Largue Seu Emprego e Vá Morar Num Barco, é best-seller em várias categorias da Amazon. Agora Ed volta com esta hilária análise do estilo de vida náutica. Tratando de assuntos desde caca, passando por birita, até chegar aos biquinis, ele conta o lado engraçado das questões enfrentadas por todos os tipos de velejadores. Alguns capítulos mostram os sinais de que você vive num barco, descrevem pessoas estúpidas que alugam equipamentos náuticos e ainda revelam como se salvar de zumbis que não sabem nadar; você vai dar muitas risadas. Há até um capítulo para os fãs de Tim Dorsey. Se você mora num barco, é velejador, pescador de fim de semana, tem iate ou amigos marinheiros, ou é apenas fã das sacadas de Ed Robinson, você apreciará essa suave tiração de sarro dos vários temas marítimos.
Caching In (Orca Currents)
by Kristin ButcherEric and Chris are avid geocachers who stumble into a very strange search. At first they are merely curious, but as the stakes rise and the challenges become more trying, the boys get truly hooked. Convinced they are indeed on the trail of treasure, they become consumed with the search, and though their quest tests their strength, intelligence, courage and even their friendship, they don't give up.
Cactus Jack: A Novel
by Brad Smith** A delight from paddock to finish line." --Booklist (STARRED REVIEW) ** Brad Smith &“rivals Elmore Leonard at his best&” (Publishers Weekly). His latest novel, for fans of Richard Russo and Jane Smiley, is a terrific novel about a thirty-something single woman, the untried colt she inherits, a horse crazy little girl, and their band of misfits and has-beens who stick it to the establishment in the cutthroat world of horse racing. Billie Masterson is a thirty-something chronic underachiever, drowning herself in alcohol and bad relationships in Ohio. She hasn&’t been home to the family&’s broken-down thoroughbred farm in Kentucky since college. Her mother committed suicide when Billie was a teen and she blames her father, Will Masterson. When Will drops dead while working on the farm, Billie returns to rural Kentucky for the funeral, intending only to pay her respects before high-tailing it back to Ohio. However, she&’s informed by her father&’s lawyer, the garrulous David Mountain Clay, that she now owns the farm…and all the debt that goes with it. Determined to sell everything, settle the debts and get out of town, Billie discovers that her father&’s colt, a horse named Cactus Jack, is the object of obsession for billionaire Reese Ryker, the louche scion of a department store dynasty and now owner of Double R Racing, one of the top thoroughbred stables in the world. Billie is willing to sell everything to Ryker—until she realizes that he&’s an entitled misogynist and a not-so-subtle racist. Against her better judgment, she decides to keep the farm and the untested horse. To do that she needs to race the animal—and beat Ryker at his own game. Assisted by a team of misfits, including a washed-up trainer with whom she has a bit too much history, the horse-crazy little girl next door, and her father&’s ex-girlfriend, Billie and Cactus Jack take the track by a storm.