Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West is praised for its heartfelt narrative, compelling small-town setting, and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate the story’s uplifting themes and sense of community. However, some feel the pacing is slow and certain plot points predictable. Overall, it’s seen as a touching and inspiring read despite minor flaws.

Fans of heartwarming, underdog stories like The Art of Racing in the Rain or The Secret Life of Bees will relish Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West. This novel appeals to readers who enjoy tales of resilience, community, and triumph against the odds in a small-town setting.

In Stanley Gordon West's novel Blind Your Ponies, high school basketball coach Sam Pickett grapples with past trauma in the small town of Willow Creek, Montana. Coaching the underdog basketball team, Sam uses his experiences to inspire and uplift the players, leading them to unexpected success and learning to move forward in life. This novel addresses the impact of a mass shooting, sexual assault, domestic abuse, alcohol addiction, and ableism.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful / Emotional / Challenging

**Sam Pickett**  
A 36-year-old English teacher and basketball coach at Willow Creek who references Don Quixote and seeks to overcome personal grief and guilt.

**Diana Murphy**  
A biology teacher and assistant basketball coach at Willow Creek High School, who shares a connection with Sam over mutual past traumas.

**Grandma Chapman**  
Peter’s spirited grandmother, who provides wisdom and support to her grandson and the basketball team despite her own health struggles.

**Peter Strong**  
A teenager who moves to Willow Creek to live with his grandmother, seeking to find his place in a new community following his parents' divorce.

Stanley Gordon West

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Blind Your Ponies | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Blind Your Ponies Summary and Study Guide

Background

Blind Your Ponies Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Chapters 1-9

Blind Your Ponies Book 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 10-19

Blind Your Ponies Book 1, Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 20-36

Blind Your Ponies Book 2, Chapters 20-36 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 37-55

Blind Your Ponies Book 2, Chapters 37-55 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 56-70

Blind Your Ponies Book 3, Chapters 56-70 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 71-88

Blind Your Ponies Book 3, Chapters 71-88 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Blind Your Ponies Character Analysis

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Themes

Blind Your Ponies Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Blind Your Ponies Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Blind Your Ponies Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Blind Your Ponies Essay Topics

Blind Your Ponies

Before You Read

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