The Red Pony introduces us to Jody, a youth on a small California ranch. His father brings him a red sorrel colt one day and then Steinbeck takes you on an emotional, gut-wrenching ride of elation and sorrow. Interspersing evocative descriptions of the California landscape, you become completely engaged with the characters. They are very real. You know them. You feel for them. Jody learns some harsh lessons in life and living before the end of the story and this coming of age tale rightfully stands alongside Steinbeck's other acclaimed works. A must-read, and not one that will take too long to finish either.
Traces a boy's journey into manhood after his father gives him a pony to train and care for.