Blind Your Ponies
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Book Brief
574
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
WesternWillow Creek, Montana • 1990s
•
Love•
Mental Health2004
Lexington Marshall Pub
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Stanley Gordon West's novel Blind Your Ponies, high school basketball coach Sam Pickett grapples with past trauma in the small town of Willow Creek, Montana. Coaching the underdog basketball team, Sam uses his experiences to inspire and uplift the players, leading them to unexpected success and learning to move forward in life. This novel addresses the impact of a mass shooting, sexual assault, domestic abuse, alcohol addiction, and ableism.
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
7,909 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West is praised for its heartfelt narrative, compelling small-town setting, and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate the story’s uplifting themes and sense of community. However, some feel the pacing is slow and certain plot points predictable. Overall, it’s seen as a touching and inspiring read despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read Blind Your Ponies?
Fans of heartwarming, underdog stories like The Art of Racing in the Rain or The Secret Life of Bees will relish Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West. This novel appeals to readers who enjoy tales of resilience, community, and triumph against the odds in a small-town setting.
7,909 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A biology teacher and assistant basketball coach at Willow Creek High School, who shares a connection with Sam over mutual past traumas.
Peter’s spirited grandmother, who provides wisdom and support to her grandson and the basketball team despite her own health struggles.
A teenager who moves to Willow Creek to live with his grandmother, seeking to find his place in a new community following his parents' divorce.
574
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
WesternWillow Creek, Montana • 1990s
•
Love•
Mental Health2004
Lexington Marshall Pub
Adult
18+ years
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