Is it a children’s book?
Or is it a self-improvement book disguised as a children’s book?
I guess we will never know.
I did have a hard time categorizing this book on the TBR Bookshelf tracker though.
Simple, yes, but powerful.
I heard an interview with the author stating this book has been on the New York Best Selling Authors list for something like 250 weeks in a row. That’s almost 5 years!
I looked it up on Everand and it was only an hour long. I had some shopping to do so I thought “Why not?”
The author reads the book himself, and worked with artists to create the background music to set the story to a beautifully calming pace.
I’ve been struggling with my depression for the past few months and this book was so refreshing.
The story was less about a beginning, a middle, and an end, and more about the conversation the characters were having.
The boy was curious, open, and asked questions.
The mole was optimistic, kind, and didn’t take life too seriously.
The fox was shy, wounded, and thankful.
The horse was gentle, strong, and consistent.
I’m not saying you have to see yourself in any of these characters but I saw myself in the fox.
The fox who only said less than 20 words in the whole book.
He hurts quietly but obviously, trusts slowly, and wants to be accepted desperately.
The book was full of endless quotes.
“What’s your best discovery?” asked the mole.
“That I’m enough as I am,” said the boy.
I love that this came from the little boy. A child.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Kind,” said the boy.
Classic.
“What do you think is the biggest waste of time?”
“Comparing yourself to others,” said the mole.
Ooph, that one hit hard. As a person who spends far too much time on social media.
“What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
Ooph, another one!
“To be honest, I often feel I have nothing interesting to say,”
said the fox.
“Being honest is always interesting,” said the horse.
My absolute favorite quote. I almost started crying in the grocery store!
“The truth is everyone is winging it.”
Something I have to remind myself of regularly.
Now does this count as a self-improvement title?
Decidedly yes.
The best part about reading is that I get to make the rules. What I want to read, if I like the story, if I DNF, or how I categorize the read.
This book made me look internally at feelings I don’t want to process. Things I am waiting to ‘just go away’. And challenge my perspective on what a good life looks like.
My husband is my horse and my mole. Light hearted, good natured, consistent, gentle, and full of love.
I am beyond lucky to call him mine.
I’m on the look out for a hard copy of this book to add it to my physical library. If you see one, it’s not too late to send me a Christmas present!
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💎 Re-Read Worthy | 🌿 E – Everyone (Ages 10–13)
Takeaways 📝📝📝
Inspiration 💡💡💡💡
Credibility 💬
Engagement ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
Clarity 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Title: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse
Author: Charlie Mackesy
Genre: Self-Improvement
Format: Audiobook
Length: 58 minutes
Published: October 10, 2019 by Ebury Press
