Although Beautiful Jim Key is buried in Shelbyville, TN, not too far from where I grew up and Mim Eichler Rivas is originally from Oak Ridge, TN, where I now live, the story of Beautiful Jim Key became known to me only when she came to Oak Ridge to promote her book. Being interested in unique history stories of our area, her book caught my attention. What I found was more than just the lost history, although the facts of that discovery make for a good story. Beyond Mim's obvious enthusiasm for accurate research, her deep understanding of the people and situations - especially the Civil War events she relates, and her insights into the kindness "always to be kind to animals" promise and its tremendous impact on animal-rights, lies the excellent storytelling and writing ability of this superbly talented author. Having discovered her writing through Beautiful Jim Key, I now look forward to her next work! Beautiful Jim Key is an engaging read that will hold your attention as well as educate you regarding the value of kindness through Dr. Bill Key's relationship with his "smartest horse in the world." The author's skill will keep you turning the pages well into the night as you follow the story related by Dr. Key to his promoter, Alert R. Rogers, and creatively crafted into a comprehensive history of a man and his horse presented as an intriguing human interest tale by Mim Eichler Rivas.Read full review
This book was recommended to me by my veterinarian, who had also had the book recommended to her by another client. Coming from Kentucky and highly involved in the horse industry, we were all surprised to learn about this marvelous horse and the man who trained him. Jim Key is probably the most famous horse that no one has heard of. The remarkable things that this horse could do - and I believe his mathematical skills and ability to make change were perhaps the most incredible - make this true story about humane training and the results of patience and kindness an inspiration to those of us who have horses of our own, or have any animals, in fact. This book is going to be the Christmas gift many of my friends will be receiving from me this year, and I hope that they will all enjoy it as much as I did.Read full review
This book, read right through, excellent brilliant, It would be a smash if made into a film , I promise it be a one of the biggest hit of the year , I love it
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A wonderful story of a courageous, proud and successful former slave who had a special connection to a one in a million horse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am quite disappointed that Dr. Key's legacy hasn't been celebrated and been more widely known. He and his horse accomplished so much and yet I had never heard of them, only by chance as a close friend had begun to read this book and told me of it. I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy human interest, animal, history and non-fiction stories. Some events make you laugh right out loud while others make you feel disappointed in the so called human race. I am a decisive horse lover and have become a fan of both Dr. Key and his horse, Jim. If another book is published about them, I would scoop it right up and devour it.Read full review
Beautiful Jim Key is really a love story of the love shared between a former slave and a sickly colt! Both rise above tremendous odds and manage to accomplish what had never been done before or since! Dr. William Key taught his horse to read, solve math problems, write his name, make change, and file papers! More importantly, Jim and William taught the world what love and kindness could achieve!
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