Susan Richards

Susan Richards is an American author known for her memoir writing, particularly focusing on her relationships with horses and experiences of personal transformation. Her most successful work, "Chosen by a Horse" (2006), became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into multiple languages. Richards worked as a college writing professor in upstate New York while developing her career as an author. Her writing often explores themes of healing from trauma, alcoholism recovery, and the therapeutic bond between humans and animals. Her other notable works include "Chosen Forever" (2008) and "Saddled" (2010), which continue to examine her life experiences and personal growth through the lens of her relationships with horses. The books detail her journey from an abusive childhood through various life challenges to finding purpose through animal care and writing. These memoirs have established Richards as a significant voice in the genre of animal-human connection literature and recovery narratives. Her work has been featured in various publications including The Washington Post and Reader's Digest.

Readers consistently connect with Richards' honest portrayal of healing through animal relationships. Her straightforward writing style and emotional vulnerability resonate with horse lovers and trauma survivors. What readers liked: - Raw, authentic depiction of personal struggles - Clear, accessible writing without self-pity - Detailed horse care descriptions - Connection between animal bonds and recovery "Her story helped me understand my own healing journey" - Goodreads reviewer What readers disliked: - Repetitive themes across books - Some sections move slowly - Limited focus beyond horse/recovery narrative "Wanted more depth about other life aspects" - Amazon reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: - Chosen by a Horse: 4.1/5 (19,000+ ratings) - Chosen Forever: 4.0/5 (2,000+ ratings) - Saddled: 3.9/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: - Chosen by a Horse: 4.6/5 (900+ reviews) - Chosen Forever: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews) - Saddled: 4.3/5 (100+ reviews)

Chosen by a Horse (2006) - A memoir about the author adopting an abused mare named Georgia and the profound bond they develop during their time together.

Chosen Forever (2008) - A follow-up memoir chronicling the author's experiences after the publication of her first book and her continuing journey of personal growth.

Saddled (2010) - A memoir exploring the author's difficult childhood, failed marriage, and how horses helped her overcome personal struggles and find healing.

Lost and Found in Russia (2009) - A non-fiction account of the author's experiences and observations in post-Soviet Russia, based on her visits between 1992 and 2008.

Sy Montgomery writes nonfiction about animals and human-animal relationships, with a focus on personal connection and healing through bonds with creatures. Her memoirs combine scientific observation with emotional resonance similar to Richards' style.

Shreve Stockton documents her life with animals on a Wyoming ranch through personal narratives and photography. She shares experiences of caring for both domestic and wild animals while building a life in a rural setting.

Temple Grandin writes about animal behavior and her insights into treating them with understanding and respect. Her work bridges the gap between human perception and animal experience, providing perspective on interspecies relationships.

Jon Katz focuses on stories about dogs and farm life, drawing from his experiences on Bedlam Farm in upstate New York. His books combine personal growth with animal relationships in rural settings.

Pam Houston chronicles her life on a Colorado ranch and her connections with animals through essay collections and memoirs. She writes about healing from trauma through relationships with animals and nature.