When Horses Fly: The Karankawa of Terlingua (Vol. 1)

By: F.H. Grissino
Publisher: F.H. Grissino
Publication Date: September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-6156-1422-9
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: March 2013

Falling into the category of ‘Adult Christian Novella,’ this particular author - who has an extensive background in the world of ‘sermon writing’ - offers a story that combines mankind’s daily life with the words of the Lord, as seen through the eyes of a Native American girl.

When readers begin the first chapter with Francy, she is all of twelve years old and is sitting at the dentist. Eating various vegetables out of other peoples’ gardens, Francy’s teeth are a lovely orange color, reminding one of Halloween. Here, she uses the truly respectful word ‘Sir,’ and makes sure that her friendly dentist understands that the word was learned from her favorite TV show hero, Tarzan. And from this one innocent conversation comes a blend of real life with a lesson one can learn from the Bible.

Many short tales arrive about Francy, from playing with her dog and learning all about the earth and its resources to listening and observing everyone from her parents, to her odd neighbors, to the young man named Thom who believes that Francy will one day marry him when they grow up because his father, the great ‘Doc’ Bannon town psychologist, has recommended the union.

Francy shows the reader not only kind things within her life, but also trials and tribulations about some extremely adult topics that will make people in similar situations feel a tad bit calmer as they read the poetic words. All subjects are touched upon - from greed to lust to envy - but when Francy’s actual heritage is discovered and announced inside the famous ‘Alamo,’ a tale comes forth about how lasting prejudices can literally change the course of a human life.

A great deal of thought was put into this small book, and the lessons taught and words spoken can range from a punch in the gut to a ‘hug’ from an understanding friend. Although this book needs an editor that will clean and present this information in an easier-to-read manner, the points being made are extremely poignant.

Quill says: This is just the first volume of things this author has to say, so it will be interesting to see what comes next.