E217: Horse Books for Horse Reasons! with Anna Rose Reads and Lorin from Paperback Bish
Summary
Host Agatha Andrews is joined by Anna Rose Reads and Paperback Bish to discuss horses in fiction, covering symbolism, childhood favorites like *Spirit*, and book recommendations. The trio analyzes romance cover tropes, shares personal "horse girl" origins, and reviews titles ranging from *Black Beauty* to Robert McMahon’s *Bethany’s Sin*. They also highlight organizations combating wild horse roundups and explore the cultural impact of equine imagery in horror and fantasy genres.
Topics discussed
Introduction, guest welcome, and show plugs
Guest introductions and personal branding
Chat about fashion and vampire aesthetics
Horses in Gothic fiction and genre tropes
Analyzing a controversial romance novel cover
Symbolism of white horses and immortality
Nostalgia for the movie Spirit and horse coats
Childhood memories of horse toys and play
Personal experiences with real horses and books
Growing up in Texas and ranch culture
The impact of Black Beauty and War Horse
Horse facts, genetics, and personal interests
Recommendations: Black Beauty and horse encyclopedias
Reading the back cover of Bethany's Sin
The Unicorn Hunters and other fantasy recs
Misty of Chincote and taxidermy controversy
Mimi Siren of Sussex and historical romance
Lonesome Dove and the role of horses
Monty Roberts and horse training philosophy
The Unmothers: a small town horror rec
Horses in horror: Stay Buried and Shattery Horses
Ghost horses in middle grade fiction
Existential horror and the sound of horses
Saddle Club and Phantom Stallion nostalgia
Mary Stewart's Airs Above Ground
Honorable mention: The Sleeping Sisters
Outro, social media plugs, and final thoughts
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