Coal Black Horse Audiobook

" I bought this book after listening to a positive review from some guy on NPR. He was so emphatic that everyone listening to the radio program should run right out and buy it that I did just that. I'm about half way through it- I put it down for a few days after realizing that it wasn't the right kind of book to be reading on vacation. I'll go back to it and finish it eventually but I'm not running back. Maybe it's just not my kind of book? I'm having a hard time connecting to the book. Having said that, I can't get the image of the crazy, lice ridden goose man out of my head. Creepy as hell. "

" While the writing was strong, there was much that was off-putting to me, including the premise of a mother willing to risk her son in the way she did, and the graphic violence which seemed never-ending. "

" This was a great read. Reminded me of the story of "War Horse" but set during the Civil War. Now I'd like to read O'Reiley's "Killing Lincoln". "

" Coal Black Horse is a hard read. Fourteen year old, Robey Childs, is sent by his mother to find his father who is a soldier in the Civil War and bring him home. She made him a coat that was grey on one side and blue on the other. Her only directions were to "travel south". An impossible jouney. He receives a coal black horse as a gift on the way. The horse becomes a source of inspiration for Robey. He finds his father at Gettysburg. This is where the book becomes hard to read. Common sense tells you that the Civil War had to be brutal, the book confirms this and more. "

" A coming of age novel set during the American Civil War this is truly a wonderful story. Robey's mother sends him off on a fool's errand. He is to find his father and tell him to come home. During the search he sees more than a boy of 14 should and changes for ever. But he also experiences great joy. A wonderful dichotomy. Excellent book. "

" Surpassed Killer Angels as the best fictionalized treatment of Gettysburg. Gory at times but excellent storytelling "

" This is not my normal genre of books. I thought it was slow, for my taste, but it's good. It's a different way to look at the Civil War. I did like it. "

" Terrific coming of age story about Gettysburg during the Civil War. Well written and page turning. "

" I really enjoyed this book and so will you if you can close your eyes and loose yourself in the descriptions and narrative of the author. I highly recommend this for a book club read. "

" Gruesome tale from the civil war. Interestingly written but it left me wanting more details. "

" A young man comes of age in grueling circumstances during the Civil War - graphic portrayal of the times. "

" While I did not care for the story, the book was well-written because I could visualize the various scenes and feel the emotions of the main character. "

" Every sentence this author writes drips with description. I learned about the battles of the civil war and became fascinated with that period of time. "

" Good book with boy to man theme and very realistic background of the Battle of Gettysburg. "

" Cold Mountain meets Blood Meridian. A good tale. "

" It had promise, but I just couldn't get into it. Really heavy handed with adjectives. Sounds silly to critique it like that, but it slowed me down too much. Perhaps my current state of mind? Could work out for other people. "

" Oh, my hippophile's heart. This was probably a fine historical novel, but it was the title and cover art that caused me to pick it up and there was nearly not enough of about the horse in it to suit me. "

" This story of a 17 year old boy sent by his mother to find his father on the front of the Civil War. There are gruesome descriptions of the results of cannon balls on the human body but appropriate for the times. The weaving of the boy's struggle to keep his horse is a new view of the times. "

" One of the BEST books I have ever read about the Civil War. A great coming-of-age story. It is unforgettable! "

" dark & brutal, another coming of age book. "

" Well I finally finished this, and only because I don't like NOT finishing books. The constant use of "coal black horse" when talking about the coal black horse annoyed me from the start. The mythical overtones just didn't work in the story. I'm glad it was only $2 at the bookstore. "

" This is a Civil War book and a worthy read for interested parties. "

" This book was like The Road by Cormac McCarthy, depressing, well written, a different look at the Battle of Gettysburg, but just like the Road, grim. "

" Civil War story. Not as complicated as Cold Mountain and told from a boy's perspective. Still, has edge of your seat qualities and tells story of civilian hardships with compassion--and judgement--for both sides. "

" Beautifully written book with an interesting story to tell. "

" Read this for book discussion in Port Clinton. Good discussion. People liked the description, even as they agreed it was sometimes too gruesome. "

" This painful story of growth of a young man during the Civil War was heart-rending. I'm sure it showed the War and its effects in their reality. "

" Similar to Cold Mountain in its depiction of how the Civil War affected young people. "

" Loved it! Olmstead is an immensely talented author. Definitely an adult read. "

" I am not enjoying this at all. Trying hard to get through it, but abandoning it weeks at a time. "

" Thouroughly enjoyed this novel. It took some time to get into it, but the language and imagery were outstanding. "

" Surpassed Killer Angels as the best fictionalized treatment of Gettysburg. Gory at times but excellent storytelling "