This has been a long time coming. Took me forty years to write the book, and another one to get it out into the world. And a bit more time to gather photos and memorabilia together so I can properly give Gizmo his due. So, this is just a little welcome mat I’m throwing down, to invite you in to have a look around. Stay as long as you like. Have a seat, and put your feet up.
best, –je
I am in the middle of reading your book and loving it! In 1974 I was 22 and getting married. I At the time I would have never thought about riding across the country. I would love to do it now, perhaps I would set a record for being the oldest person to do it. But I’m afraid to ride along the road and I’m sure there would be lots of road riding. I love the bond you had with Gizmo. I have a four year old gelding that I raised. We have a very similar bond. I have always been very close to all my horses but this one is special. I figure he is my last horse, he will most likely outlive me. If I ever were to set out on a trip like you did he is the one I would want to share it with. Thanks for sharing your trip and your life!
Hi John,
Just finished your book and loved it! It strikes me how often I found myself reading certain passages or sentences over again. Food for thought, applicable to all of us. So I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story, writing from your heart and hope you have another book in you.
Best, Philip Sundberg
I am just reading your book John and it is a wonderful story of a brave young man who made lemonade out of many a lemon, and his much valued companion Gizmo. I am slowing down my reading because I don’t want the story to end! Recommending it to all my friends that know a good book when they read one. Thank you for sharing your journey and the wisdom you gained both during the journey and later as you look back over the experience!
Cathy
Stuck here in London post lockdown I have to thank you John for taking me on such a moving journey. Gizmo is such a beauty. Got me remembering the big dun I rode on a Montana cattle drive, quarter horses are just the best. Still in tears from the ending. The photos are so moody
An absolutely remarkable book and a wonderful tale of this epic journey for ‘Man and Horse’. I left a review on Amazon, and if ten stars has been available, that is what I would have given; as it is I had to make do with five! I fell in love with Gizmo, and having been a horse-owner, am only too aware of just how unusual he was, and how close was his relationship to you : to have a horse choosing to lie close to you at night must be the most special experience in the world, and I am deeply envious.
The descriptions of people, places and topography were so ‘real’ that, when I finished the book, it felt odd to find myself back in the Welsh countryside where I live, and not in America.
I doubt that you will read this, but, as I do not do Facebook, I must just ask here: did you still have Gizmo with you until his demise when he was 22? I did read the little detail that you gave in the book regarding his life after 1974, but I must admit to crying my eyes out when worrying whether you maintained that unique bond with him, which he had known during that 7 months ride, and must have expected to continue? I worries me still, so I’m most likely nuts 🙂
Hello, Jane. Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate them. Yes, Gizmo was a special horse, for sure. And yes, he was with me all his life, until he died at 22 years old. And yes, we did maintain our bond. And no, you’re not nuts [grin]. All the best to you, –je
Oh, thank you so much for that reply, it has pleased me greatly that he had the life he so richly deserved. J
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your story with us. I just completed your book and agree with the others praising your yarn-spinning abilities, writing skills, your kindness, and your horsemanship. I hope that generations to come will read your story, for a glimpse into the America that you and I grew up in, and for the window into a very decent soul. Thank you!
I just read your book almost without stopping. I was so drawn into the story that I could hardly stop. The love and care you showed for Gizmo before tending to your own well being is something people should take note of. I did not want the story to end. However, all good things must I presume. Thank you for sharing your story. I mentioned this in the Amazon review but I will say it again. I don’t think I will ever look at the horizon or the stars in the sky without thinking to myself “Wayward, Sammy, & Gizmo…rest easy.”
For me the mark of a good book is I can’t put it down while at the same time I don’t want it to end. Your book is that kinda book. You tell a wonderful story drawing the reader in with your words and descriptive phrases while telling your tale to the common person. I smelled the rain coming as the storm clouds approached across the desert, heard the thunder, and jumped when the lightening struck the windmills. It was so real and so believable. Thanks for writing and publishing it. If you decide to make a movie out of it I think the actor Christopher Sweeney would make a great young you. I just want to tell you how much I loved the book.
thanks very much, Pam. Really do appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the book. All the best to you.
–je
A fantastic story written by a wordsmith of the highest order! John and Gizmo’s adventure is a MUST READ!