This evocative coming-of-age story is told in brief chapters with sudden cuts that makes it move quickly despite the literary tone. The equestrian details ring true without being ever being precious.

If you were a horsey kid without a horsey, Teagan is almost living your dream. She has a fine horse, Ian, and all the tack and horse accouterments you can imagine, all described in loving detail. There's a magic to the curry combs, hoof picks, halters, saddle and bridle bits that has a kind of music to horse people. I still have my painted tack trunk from my elementary school years even though I've never owned a horse.

Where Teagan may be living your nightmare is that her father has abandoned the family for a co-worker She turns to her horse for comfort, a horse who used to belong to her dad.

For readers hoping to experience something like Mary Gaitskill's "The Mare," sorry. The character of Teagan is simply not captivating enough to drive the story. You feel bad for her, but you don't really feel for her.

(Spoiler) Plus, a warning for people who can't handle animals coming to a bad end.