Date: 24 August 2014
Location: Bob & Linda
The Happy Bookers August meeting was a laid-back affair. Many shared anecdotes about charter member, Merilyn, who had passed away this month and whose memorial service was held earlier in the day. However, when the discussion moved to the book, Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of the World’s Smartest Horse by Mim Eichler Rivas, there were not many comments (was the smell of barbequed ribs wafting from the kitchen an inhibiting factor?). Linda appreciated the description of the horse/owner relationship and thought it quite credible, especially the meaningful “looks” that Jim gave his owner. Bob was somewhat skeptical of the claims made by the owner/trainer and others nodded in agreement (at least no one “nodded off”–again the ribs may have been a factor). Bonnie thought the story raised questions about animal intelligence (Will we ever know?) and was touched by the fact that because of Jim Key, thousands of children took a pledge to be kind to animals. Someone else mentioned that the accompanying historical information was very interesting; but a few others thought it too much, too diffuse, and distracted from the story. At the ensuing supper, however, all were in agreement: the ribs were outstanding! And an August evening that ends with homemade ice cream, as this one did, is always a success.
— Bonnie