Smiley, Jane

A compilation of twenty American short stories by authors such as Thom Jones, Ellen Gilchrist, Edward Falco, and Jamaica Kincaid. Includes a list of 100 additional notable stories from 1994.

The world of horses and horse racing is experienced by Rosalind Maybrick, an owner; Tiffany Morse, a racing fan; as well as a host of jockeys, managers, and trainers as they care for the horses in their charge.

Writer Jane Smiley presents an examination of the novel, including an author's behind the scenes look at novel-writing, including tips on writing, and reviews of over one hundred novels, from "Don Quixote" to "Lolita.".

At Moo U., a midwestern university in severe financial trouble, the faculty are at work on their own secret projects to get the university more money.

The story of an Iowa farmer who decides to retire in 1979 and turns over his valuable land to his three daughters.

Chronicles the life of Charles Dickens, focusing on how his life experiences influenced each of his major works, and analyzing his narrative techniques, his voice and themes, and his portrayal of England's lower class.

Plain, independent Lidie Harkness, impatient with the restrictions placed on women in mid-nineteenth century Illinois, jumps at the chance to marry New England abolitionist Thomas Newton and travel with him to the Kansas Territory where they embark on a dangerous quest to stop the spread of slavery.

Soon after her yearling, Jack, begins working with professional trainers at a nearby ranch, Abby Lovitt takes responsibility for a very large, very smart, and very curious retired racehorse named Gee Whiz.

Abby Lovitt takes her beloved horse, True Blue, to the most famous equestrian clinic around, not knowing how it will change her and her horse's life. Then, Sophia, a girl who hardly ever makes a mistake, becomes so frightened that she refuses to ride her horse, Pie in the Sky, ever again. Pie in the Sky comes to Abby, who reluctantly takes the challenge of training the stubborn horse, and in the process learns something about life.