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Never Dull!
Laugh out loud as you hear about the author’s remarkable family and the legends of the rodeo world who illustrate life lessons that tell
To put God first. To be honest. To laugh at yourself. To stand up for what you believe. Attitude is everything. You are never too old. There is no such thing as easy money. To stand by your man. Enjoy the moment. Know what’s important. Be inspired as you listen to stories
John Roddy, who immigrated from Ireland with $18 in his pocket and became a millionaire. World Champion Cowboy John W. Jones, when he cut off barrel racer Marian Sharp’s ponytail and handed it to her. Jack Roddy, Jack Sparrowk, and Bob Cook RSC–the Rodeo Stock Contracting Company. The American Rodeo Show in Japan. Oscar the Bull. Jawbreaker the Bucking Horse. Veterinarian Dr. Nolan Sharp, who was one of the first to use acupuncture on horses. Hysterical stories about Marian Sharp, including the pyramid scheme and the arrest that followed. The following people contributed to these remarkable stories, and in the audiobook, you will hear the actual voices of Bob Tallman, Pat Parelli, Jack Roddy, Jack Sparrowk, Jimmy Roddy, Steve Cosca, Gene St. John Jr., Carla Harrison, Ted Ryan, Brian Sharp, Grant Schlichting, and Ryan Schlichting.
Download the PDF of pictures to see Marian in her gold shiny-hineys, Nolan in his queen outfit with a red hat and blond wig, and the 90 other priceless photos that you have to see to believe.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
To put God first. To be honest. To laugh at yourself. To stand up for what you believe. Attitude is everything. You are never too old. There is no such thing as easy money. To stand by your man. Enjoy the moment. Know what’s important. Be inspired as you listen to stories
John Roddy, who immigrated from Ireland with $18 in his pocket and became a millionaire. World Champion Cowboy John W. Jones, when he cut off barrel racer Marian Sharp’s ponytail and handed it to her. Jack Roddy, Jack Sparrowk, and Bob Cook RSC–the Rodeo Stock Contracting Company. The American Rodeo Show in Japan. Oscar the Bull. Jawbreaker the Bucking Horse. Veterinarian Dr. Nolan Sharp, who was one of the first to use acupuncture on horses. Hysterical stories about Marian Sharp, including the pyramid scheme and the arrest that followed. The following people contributed to these remarkable stories, and in the audiobook, you will hear the actual voices of Bob Tallman, Pat Parelli, Jack Roddy, Jack Sparrowk, Jimmy Roddy, Steve Cosca, Gene St. John Jr., Carla Harrison, Ted Ryan, Brian Sharp, Grant Schlichting, and Ryan Schlichting.
Download the PDF of pictures to see Marian in her gold shiny-hineys, Nolan in his queen outfit with a red hat and blond wig, and the 90 other priceless photos that you have to see to believe.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Audible Audio
Published July 21, 2023
5 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Heather Sharp
3 books2 followersAs a young girl, Heather aspired to carry on her family's legacy and become a professional cowgirl.
Heather earned a rodeo scholarship, but during career exploration day, ‘Horse Trainer’ or ‘Rodeo Star’ was not an option. A teacher encouraged her to become a pilot. Having competed against men all her life, Heather felt undeterred and disregarded the fact that only 1% of airline pilots were female. So at 17, she traded her lariat for a cockpit.
She spent the next decade flying freight and commuter routes, reminding herself, "Cowgirls don’t cry." Dust yourself off and get back on that horse.”
An economic downturn led to a hiring freeze at major airlines. Remarkably, just four days before reaching the age limit, the Air National Guard selected her to be a pilot.
Her call sign was Notso, implying she was not so sharp, but she brushed it off. She knew the military evaluated individuals based on skill rather than gender or race, and she graduated top of her C130 pilot training class.
1997 was a transformative year. Northwest Airlines hired her to fly the 747 around the world, she moved to Alaska and got married. Once again, she defied social norms by being the primary breadwinner while her husband cared for their firstborn son.
Three years later, she became a 747 instructor, and they moved to a hobby farm in Minnesota and welcomed their second son. Everything was going according to plan.
Eh, not so fast.
In 2008, she was involved in a high-speed accident a mile from home. The paramedic was sure she was dead, but found a pulse and called for a med-evac helicopter. After a year of recovery, she returned to flying.
Two years later, a tree fell on her head. Talk about bad luck. The same paramedic responded and saw her lying on the ground with blood coming from her nose and thought, “This time, she’s dead for sure.” Heather gasped, and the helicopter was called again.
Surgeons had to remove part of her skull to stop a brain bleed and placed her in an induced coma for five days. She suffered a collapsed lung,
twelve fractured vertebrae, and a severe brain injury. After 32 days in the hospital, she went home to her family and began the long road to recovery.
Doctors said she'd never fly again. Miraculously, she resumed flying in 2017—not a little Cessna, but the Airbus 320 for Delta Air Lines.
Life was great. She expected smooth skies ahead and no more turbulence.
However, she learned a loved one was battling alcohol addiction and it devastated her. After four treatments and countless prayers, he is sober today. Praise God.
After 38 years in the skies, she retired and is grounded. This word has two meanings: one refers to a pilot not permitted to fly, while the other describes a realistic person who understands what really matters.
Having faced death twice and overcoming many challenges, she has a unique perspective on the value of family, faith, and a positive attitude.
Today, she is a motivational speaker and award-winning author. Heather wrote a book about her extraordinary family, which Cowgirl Magazine hailed as “witty and inspirational.” The book received the Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award, and the audiobook was a Selah Award Finalist in 2024.
Her next project is a fiction book exploring the healing power of animals, followed by a memoir focused on discovering what is truly important.
Heather earned a rodeo scholarship, but during career exploration day, ‘Horse Trainer’ or ‘Rodeo Star’ was not an option. A teacher encouraged her to become a pilot. Having competed against men all her life, Heather felt undeterred and disregarded the fact that only 1% of airline pilots were female. So at 17, she traded her lariat for a cockpit.
She spent the next decade flying freight and commuter routes, reminding herself, "Cowgirls don’t cry." Dust yourself off and get back on that horse.”
An economic downturn led to a hiring freeze at major airlines. Remarkably, just four days before reaching the age limit, the Air National Guard selected her to be a pilot.
Her call sign was Notso, implying she was not so sharp, but she brushed it off. She knew the military evaluated individuals based on skill rather than gender or race, and she graduated top of her C130 pilot training class.
1997 was a transformative year. Northwest Airlines hired her to fly the 747 around the world, she moved to Alaska and got married. Once again, she defied social norms by being the primary breadwinner while her husband cared for their firstborn son.
Three years later, she became a 747 instructor, and they moved to a hobby farm in Minnesota and welcomed their second son. Everything was going according to plan.
Eh, not so fast.
In 2008, she was involved in a high-speed accident a mile from home. The paramedic was sure she was dead, but found a pulse and called for a med-evac helicopter. After a year of recovery, she returned to flying.
Two years later, a tree fell on her head. Talk about bad luck. The same paramedic responded and saw her lying on the ground with blood coming from her nose and thought, “This time, she’s dead for sure.” Heather gasped, and the helicopter was called again.
Surgeons had to remove part of her skull to stop a brain bleed and placed her in an induced coma for five days. She suffered a collapsed lung,
twelve fractured vertebrae, and a severe brain injury. After 32 days in the hospital, she went home to her family and began the long road to recovery.
Doctors said she'd never fly again. Miraculously, she resumed flying in 2017—not a little Cessna, but the Airbus 320 for Delta Air Lines.
Life was great. She expected smooth skies ahead and no more turbulence.
However, she learned a loved one was battling alcohol addiction and it devastated her. After four treatments and countless prayers, he is sober today. Praise God.
After 38 years in the skies, she retired and is grounded. This word has two meanings: one refers to a pilot not permitted to fly, while the other describes a realistic person who understands what really matters.
Having faced death twice and overcoming many challenges, she has a unique perspective on the value of family, faith, and a positive attitude.
Today, she is a motivational speaker and award-winning author. Heather wrote a book about her extraordinary family, which Cowgirl Magazine hailed as “witty and inspirational.” The book received the Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award, and the audiobook was a Selah Award Finalist in 2024.
Her next project is a fiction book exploring the healing power of animals, followed by a memoir focused on discovering what is truly important.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 29, 2024
Enjoyed the book. Laughed and cried.
April 24, 2025
Never Dull! is a wild and heartfelt tribute to family, grit, and laughter, told through stories that feel more like tall tales around a campfire than your standard biography. At its heart, it’s a daughter’s loving homage to her vibrant parents—Marian and Nolan Sharp—and the larger-than-life characters that made up their world of rodeos, ranching, and rowdy good times. Through transcribed audio, photos, and personal anecdotes, Heather Sharp gives us a front-row seat to a life lived loud, full of joy, and never short on mischief.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to get as hooked as I did. The storytelling is casual and reads like someone pouring you a drink and pulling you into a story with a wink. The chapter “Live in the Moment” had me belly-laughing. A steer wrestler cuts off Marian’s ponytail in a bar as a joke, and her reaction? She rolls with it, gets a new haircut in the bar bathroom, and demands he buy drinks for life. That mix of sass and grace pretty much sums her up. And then there’s the moment where Nolan proposes after saving a cow with milk fever and roping it with a short rope. These stories aren’t just funny. They’re gritty, raw, and full of heart.
But it’s not all laughs. What caught me off guard was how emotionally honest the book is. There’s a recurring theme about living with purpose and keeping your word, especially in the chapter “The Guy in the Glass.” Nolan’s character comes through as humble, kind, and deeply grounded—a man who wasn’t of the cowboy world, but in it. His grandkids’ memories of him are gold. The chapter Come Fly With Me really tugged at my heart. I loved how it celebrated Marian’s late-in-life dream of becoming a flight attendant. At an age when most folks are slowing down, she was chasing the clouds, proving it’s never too late to go after what sets your soul on fire. The way Heather tells it—with humor, pride, and a little awe—made me want to cheer. It’s not just about flying; it’s about freedom, grit, and showing up for your dreams no matter how long they take.
Never Dull! is a rollercoaster of laughs, lessons, and lump-in-the-throat moments. It’s perfect for anyone who loves true stories that don’t shy away from messiness. If you like books with guts, grit, and a ton of charm—and especially if you’ve got a soft spot for cowboys or family tales—this one’s for you.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to get as hooked as I did. The storytelling is casual and reads like someone pouring you a drink and pulling you into a story with a wink. The chapter “Live in the Moment” had me belly-laughing. A steer wrestler cuts off Marian’s ponytail in a bar as a joke, and her reaction? She rolls with it, gets a new haircut in the bar bathroom, and demands he buy drinks for life. That mix of sass and grace pretty much sums her up. And then there’s the moment where Nolan proposes after saving a cow with milk fever and roping it with a short rope. These stories aren’t just funny. They’re gritty, raw, and full of heart.
But it’s not all laughs. What caught me off guard was how emotionally honest the book is. There’s a recurring theme about living with purpose and keeping your word, especially in the chapter “The Guy in the Glass.” Nolan’s character comes through as humble, kind, and deeply grounded—a man who wasn’t of the cowboy world, but in it. His grandkids’ memories of him are gold. The chapter Come Fly With Me really tugged at my heart. I loved how it celebrated Marian’s late-in-life dream of becoming a flight attendant. At an age when most folks are slowing down, she was chasing the clouds, proving it’s never too late to go after what sets your soul on fire. The way Heather tells it—with humor, pride, and a little awe—made me want to cheer. It’s not just about flying; it’s about freedom, grit, and showing up for your dreams no matter how long they take.
Never Dull! is a rollercoaster of laughs, lessons, and lump-in-the-throat moments. It’s perfect for anyone who loves true stories that don’t shy away from messiness. If you like books with guts, grit, and a ton of charm—and especially if you’ve got a soft spot for cowboys or family tales—this one’s for you.
August 23, 2025
As someone who has been around the rodeo world for years, I can say Heather Sharp’s Never Dull is the most authentic, entertaining, and heartfelt collection of rodeo stories I’ve ever read. She doesn’t just list events or retell history, she makes the people and the moments come alive.
I loved the sections on the Rodeo Stock Contracting Company and the American Rodeo Show in Japan. Those details show just how far-reaching the rodeo tradition has been, and how much innovation and grit went into making it what it is today. And then there’s Oscar the Bull, such an unforgettable character in his own right!
But what sets this book apart is how Heather blends history with humor and life lessons. Rodeo people know what it means to work hard, laugh through the struggles, and lean on faith. Heather captures all of that. She reminds us that the same lessons we learn in the arena, courage, honesty, resilience, apply to life outside it too.
This book had me smiling with nostalgia, laughing until my stomach hurt, and nodding in agreement at truths I’ve lived myself. If you’re a rodeo fan, this is a must-read. And if you’re not, it might just make you fall in love with the cowboy way of life.
I loved the sections on the Rodeo Stock Contracting Company and the American Rodeo Show in Japan. Those details show just how far-reaching the rodeo tradition has been, and how much innovation and grit went into making it what it is today. And then there’s Oscar the Bull, such an unforgettable character in his own right!
But what sets this book apart is how Heather blends history with humor and life lessons. Rodeo people know what it means to work hard, laugh through the struggles, and lean on faith. Heather captures all of that. She reminds us that the same lessons we learn in the arena, courage, honesty, resilience, apply to life outside it too.
This book had me smiling with nostalgia, laughing until my stomach hurt, and nodding in agreement at truths I’ve lived myself. If you’re a rodeo fan, this is a must-read. And if you’re not, it might just make you fall in love with the cowboy way of life.
August 20, 2025
Every so often you stumble on a book that feels like sitting down with a friend who knows how to laugh at life without losing sight of its seriousness. Never Dull is exactly that. Heather Sharp doesn’t just tell funny rodeo stories, she captures the texture of a life lived fully, with grit, grace, and a lot of laughter.
What impressed me most was the honesty. Nothing here feels manufactured. These are real people, dreamers, innovators, tricksters, believers, who remind us that truth is always stranger (and funnier) than fiction. I adored the story of Dr. Nolan Sharp’s inventive veterinary work, but it was Marian who made me laugh until I wiped tears from my eyes. Her antics, whether disastrous or delightful, carry a kind of holy absurdity.
The book left me thinking about my own family, the stories we tell, the legends we’ve half-forgotten, the humor that carried us through the hardest days. Reading this wasn’t just entertainment; it was a mirror held up to the power of memory and joy.
If you need a reminder that life is both ridiculous and sacred, add Never Dull to your shelf. It’s the kind of book you’ll end up passing around to everyone you love.
What impressed me most was the honesty. Nothing here feels manufactured. These are real people, dreamers, innovators, tricksters, believers, who remind us that truth is always stranger (and funnier) than fiction. I adored the story of Dr. Nolan Sharp’s inventive veterinary work, but it was Marian who made me laugh until I wiped tears from my eyes. Her antics, whether disastrous or delightful, carry a kind of holy absurdity.
The book left me thinking about my own family, the stories we tell, the legends we’ve half-forgotten, the humor that carried us through the hardest days. Reading this wasn’t just entertainment; it was a mirror held up to the power of memory and joy.
If you need a reminder that life is both ridiculous and sacred, add Never Dull to your shelf. It’s the kind of book you’ll end up passing around to everyone you love.
August 23, 2025
What makes Never Dull stand out is how seamlessly it combines humor with deep spiritual grounding. Heather Sharp doesn’t shy away from pointing back to the values that shaped her family’s life: faith, honesty, resilience, and gratitude. As a reader who values books that point me back to God without being heavy-handed, this was exactly what I hoped for.
I loved that every outrageous, laugh-out-loud story was tied back to something bigger, a reminder of how to live well. “Put God first” is a theme that shines through again and again, but so does the importance of laughter, humility, and enjoying the moment.
There were times I was doubled over laughing (Marian Sharp’s escapades are beyond belief!), but there were also passages that made me pause and reflect. The story of John Roddy, who immigrated with $18 and built a new life through faith and hard work, was particularly inspiring.
This is the kind of book you can read for the fun of it, but also come away with truths to carry into your own life. It’s rare to find something so funny and so spiritually uplifting. For me, that makes this book a treasure.
I loved that every outrageous, laugh-out-loud story was tied back to something bigger, a reminder of how to live well. “Put God first” is a theme that shines through again and again, but so does the importance of laughter, humility, and enjoying the moment.
There were times I was doubled over laughing (Marian Sharp’s escapades are beyond belief!), but there were also passages that made me pause and reflect. The story of John Roddy, who immigrated with $18 and built a new life through faith and hard work, was particularly inspiring.
This is the kind of book you can read for the fun of it, but also come away with truths to carry into your own life. It’s rare to find something so funny and so spiritually uplifting. For me, that makes this book a treasure.
August 23, 2025
Family stories are my weakness, and Heather Sharp has given us a gift with this book. Never Dull feels like being invited to the Sharp family reunion, where the tales are outrageous, the characters unforgettable, and the lessons surprisingly universal.
I was captivated by John Roddy’s journey from penniless immigrant to millionaire saloon owner, it felt like something out of a novel, but knowing it really happened made it even more powerful. Dr. Nolan Sharp’s veterinary innovations were fascinating too. I had no idea about his groundbreaking work with acupuncture on horses or the prosthetic limb he devised for a calf. He was clearly ahead of his time.
But the heart of the book, for me, was Marian Sharp. Her stories are the ones that made me laugh until I cried, but also the ones that showed the resilience, boldness, and sheer unpredictability that makes a family legend. She embodies the spirit of the book’s title, life with her was truly never dull.
Reading this book made me think of my own family, and the stories we pass down. It reminded me how important it is to preserve them with both love and honesty. I’m grateful Heather Sharp did that for hers.
I was captivated by John Roddy’s journey from penniless immigrant to millionaire saloon owner, it felt like something out of a novel, but knowing it really happened made it even more powerful. Dr. Nolan Sharp’s veterinary innovations were fascinating too. I had no idea about his groundbreaking work with acupuncture on horses or the prosthetic limb he devised for a calf. He was clearly ahead of his time.
But the heart of the book, for me, was Marian Sharp. Her stories are the ones that made me laugh until I cried, but also the ones that showed the resilience, boldness, and sheer unpredictability that makes a family legend. She embodies the spirit of the book’s title, life with her was truly never dull.
Reading this book made me think of my own family, and the stories we pass down. It reminded me how important it is to preserve them with both love and honesty. I’m grateful Heather Sharp did that for hers.
August 19, 2025
Heather Sharp has a true gift for storytelling. From the very first page, I knew this wasn’t going to be your ordinary memoir. The balance between comedy, heartfelt moments, and valuable life lessons kept me hooked until the end. I especially enjoyed the story of John Roddy, who came from Ireland with only $18 in his pocket and ended up living the true American dream. That story alone could have been a book! It showed how faith, determination, and resilience can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
But just when you’re marveling at such inspiring history, Heather flips the mood with one of her mother Marian’s hilarious antics, the ponytail incident, the pyramid scheme, or the inversion boot story. I was laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Yet, beneath the humor, you always feel the heart of the family: strong values, courage, faith in God, and a joyful outlook no matter what came their way.
This is the kind of book that entertains, uplifts, and sticks with you long after you’ve read the last page.
But just when you’re marveling at such inspiring history, Heather flips the mood with one of her mother Marian’s hilarious antics, the ponytail incident, the pyramid scheme, or the inversion boot story. I was laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Yet, beneath the humor, you always feel the heart of the family: strong values, courage, faith in God, and a joyful outlook no matter what came their way.
This is the kind of book that entertains, uplifts, and sticks with you long after you’ve read the last page.
August 20, 2025
Never Dull is aptly named. Heather Sharp delivers a memoir that balances hilarity with sincerity in a way that feels almost old-fashioned, in the best sense of the word. It reminded me of listening to my grandparents tell stories that seemed too colorful to be true, yet carried kernels of wisdom you couldn’t ignore.
What stayed with me most was the sense of intergenerational storytelling: John Roddy chasing cowboy dreams, Dr. Nolan Sharp reinventing veterinary medicine, Marian creating havoc wherever she went. Together they form a patchwork quilt of human resilience and absurdity.
At times I found myself laughing until my stomach hurt; other times, I was unexpectedly contemplative, reminded of how fleeting life is and how important it is to stand by the people we love. The book’s greatest achievement is not just entertaining, it makes you want to call your mother, hug your spouse, or dust off your own family stories.
👉 Pick this up if you need a reminder that life is at its best when it’s messy, funny, and shared.
What stayed with me most was the sense of intergenerational storytelling: John Roddy chasing cowboy dreams, Dr. Nolan Sharp reinventing veterinary medicine, Marian creating havoc wherever she went. Together they form a patchwork quilt of human resilience and absurdity.
At times I found myself laughing until my stomach hurt; other times, I was unexpectedly contemplative, reminded of how fleeting life is and how important it is to stand by the people we love. The book’s greatest achievement is not just entertaining, it makes you want to call your mother, hug your spouse, or dust off your own family stories.
👉 Pick this up if you need a reminder that life is at its best when it’s messy, funny, and shared.
August 20, 2025
Never Dull really lives up to its name. Heather Sharp has written a collection of stories that feel like a family album being shared over a cup of coffee, with all the awkward, outrageous, and tender moments intact.
The tone reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie meets The Pioneer Woman, with a dash of Southern humor and a big-hearted message. I particularly enjoyed the story of John Roddy, the Irish teen who came to America with nothing and became a millionaire. It's the kind of rags-to-riches story you'd expect in a movie, yet Heather tells it with such simplicity and warmth that it feels grounded and real.
Sometimes the narrative jumped between stories a little too quickly for my taste, I wished certain sections had more transition or reflection. But the morals are crystal clear and powerful: integrity matters, laughter heals, and life doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.
Add this to your reading list if you enjoy memoirs with depth, grit, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll walk away feeling like you know the Sharp family, and maybe a bit more about yourself.
The tone reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie meets The Pioneer Woman, with a dash of Southern humor and a big-hearted message. I particularly enjoyed the story of John Roddy, the Irish teen who came to America with nothing and became a millionaire. It's the kind of rags-to-riches story you'd expect in a movie, yet Heather tells it with such simplicity and warmth that it feels grounded and real.
Sometimes the narrative jumped between stories a little too quickly for my taste, I wished certain sections had more transition or reflection. But the morals are crystal clear and powerful: integrity matters, laughter heals, and life doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.
Add this to your reading list if you enjoy memoirs with depth, grit, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll walk away feeling like you know the Sharp family, and maybe a bit more about yourself.
August 23, 2025
If you’re looking for a book to lift your spirits, you’ve found it. I love memoirs and true-life humor, and Never Dull belongs on the same shelf as the best of them. It’s proof that real life really is funnier than fiction.
Some moments in this book are so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh out loud. The inversion boot incident is my personal favorite, I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard. The ponytail story, the pyramid scheme arrest, every time I thought nothing could top the last, another one came along.
What makes it even better is that the humor never feels forced. Heather Sharp writes with a natural wit that makes you feel like you’re in the room with her, listening to her spin these tales in person. She knows how to find the comedy in chaos, but she also knows when to step back and highlight the lessons hidden in the madness.
It’s the rare book that can make you laugh until your sides hurt while also nudging you to think about life, family, and faith. A feel-good read in every sense.
Some moments in this book are so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh out loud. The inversion boot incident is my personal favorite, I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard. The ponytail story, the pyramid scheme arrest, every time I thought nothing could top the last, another one came along.
What makes it even better is that the humor never feels forced. Heather Sharp writes with a natural wit that makes you feel like you’re in the room with her, listening to her spin these tales in person. She knows how to find the comedy in chaos, but she also knows when to step back and highlight the lessons hidden in the madness.
It’s the rare book that can make you laugh until your sides hurt while also nudging you to think about life, family, and faith. A feel-good read in every sense.
August 23, 2025
I can’t recommend the audiobook of Never Dull highly enough. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and this one was truly special. The stories lend themselves perfectly to being told out loud, it felt like I was sitting around a campfire, listening to a master storyteller pass down family lore.
The humor hits differently in audio. There were moments where I laughed so loudly in my car that people probably thought I was losing it. The delivery makes the outrageous stories even more outrageous. And somehow, the heartfelt lessons felt even more moving when spoken aloud, almost like a sermon wrapped inside a comedy routine.
The pacing was spot-on, the narration lively, and the stories never dragged. It’s no wonder this audiobook was recognized as a finalist for the Selah Award.
If you enjoy listening to books, pick this one up in audio, it will brighten your day in ways you didn’t expect. That said, however you read it, Heather Sharp’s family stories will leave you grinning, reflecting, and wanting more.
The humor hits differently in audio. There were moments where I laughed so loudly in my car that people probably thought I was losing it. The delivery makes the outrageous stories even more outrageous. And somehow, the heartfelt lessons felt even more moving when spoken aloud, almost like a sermon wrapped inside a comedy routine.
The pacing was spot-on, the narration lively, and the stories never dragged. It’s no wonder this audiobook was recognized as a finalist for the Selah Award.
If you enjoy listening to books, pick this one up in audio, it will brighten your day in ways you didn’t expect. That said, however you read it, Heather Sharp’s family stories will leave you grinning, reflecting, and wanting more.
August 20, 2025
Never Dull is aptly named. Heather Sharp delivers a memoir that balances hilarity with sincerity in a way that feels almost old-fashioned, in the best sense of the word. It reminded me of listening to my grandparents tell stories that seemed too colorful to be true, yet carried kernels of wisdom you couldn’t ignore.
What stayed with me most was the sense of intergenerational storytelling: John Roddy chasing cowboy dreams, Dr. Nolan Sharp reinventing veterinary medicine, Marian creating havoc wherever she went. Together they form a patchwork quilt of human resilience and absurdity.
At times I found myself laughing until my stomach hurt; other times, I was unexpectedly contemplative, reminded of how fleeting life is and how important it is to stand by the people we love. The book’s greatest achievement is not just entertaining, it makes you want to call your mother, hug your spouse, or dust off your own family stories.
What stayed with me most was the sense of intergenerational storytelling: John Roddy chasing cowboy dreams, Dr. Nolan Sharp reinventing veterinary medicine, Marian creating havoc wherever she went. Together they form a patchwork quilt of human resilience and absurdity.
At times I found myself laughing until my stomach hurt; other times, I was unexpectedly contemplative, reminded of how fleeting life is and how important it is to stand by the people we love. The book’s greatest achievement is not just entertaining, it makes you want to call your mother, hug your spouse, or dust off your own family stories.
August 20, 2025
If you’re looking for a book that will both humble and entertain you, Never Dull is it. I’ll admit, I picked it up because I was curious about rodeo culture, but by the time I closed the last page, I realized this wasn’t a “rodeo book” at all. It’s about the universality of the human experience: ambition, family, failure, faith, and, thankfully, laughter.
Some stories are laugh-out-loud funny, while others make you pause in awe of the risks people are willing to take for their dreams. The story of John Roddy is inspiring in the purest sense: the courage to leap into the unknown and somehow build a life from almost nothing.
Heather Sharp’s writing is straightforward, conversational, but full of heart. She doesn’t overwrite; she invites you in. And you leave with a sense that you’ve been reminded of something essential: life will hand you chaos, but it’s your attitude that shapes the story.
If you’re on the fence, let me just say, this book is worth it for Marian’s stories alone.
Some stories are laugh-out-loud funny, while others make you pause in awe of the risks people are willing to take for their dreams. The story of John Roddy is inspiring in the purest sense: the courage to leap into the unknown and somehow build a life from almost nothing.
Heather Sharp’s writing is straightforward, conversational, but full of heart. She doesn’t overwrite; she invites you in. And you leave with a sense that you’ve been reminded of something essential: life will hand you chaos, but it’s your attitude that shapes the story.
If you’re on the fence, let me just say, this book is worth it for Marian’s stories alone.
August 20, 2025
What makes Never Dull so remarkable is its ability to move seamlessly between tones, one moment you’re laughing so hard you can’t breathe, the next you’re unexpectedly reflecting on mortality, legacy, and the divine. That’s not easy to pull off.
Heather Sharp’s family emerges as both extraordinary and deeply relatable. Marian Sharp is an absolute force, her “you can’t make this up” moments highlight the absurdity of daily life, while Dr. Nolan Sharp’s quiet brilliance demonstrates how innovation often begins at the margins.
But what really struck me was how much this book made me think about my own attitude toward life. The lessons sprinkled throughout aren’t new, but they’re grounded in lived experience, which makes them feel urgent and real. By the time I finished, I wasn’t just entertained, I was challenged to live with more humor, honesty, and courage.
Don’t just read this book, let it remind you to laugh, to risk, and to live a little louder.
Heather Sharp’s family emerges as both extraordinary and deeply relatable. Marian Sharp is an absolute force, her “you can’t make this up” moments highlight the absurdity of daily life, while Dr. Nolan Sharp’s quiet brilliance demonstrates how innovation often begins at the margins.
But what really struck me was how much this book made me think about my own attitude toward life. The lessons sprinkled throughout aren’t new, but they’re grounded in lived experience, which makes them feel urgent and real. By the time I finished, I wasn’t just entertained, I was challenged to live with more humor, honesty, and courage.
Don’t just read this book, let it remind you to laugh, to risk, and to live a little louder.
August 20, 2025
There are books that entertain, and then there are books that alter the way you look at life. For me, Never Dull was both.
I read much of it in one sitting, smiling through passages that reminded me of my own family’s eccentricities. But more than the laughter, what lingered was the tenderness, the awareness that behind every wild story is a love of people and a reverence for the unpredictability of life itself.
Heather Sharp doesn’t just tell stories; she curates a worldview. A worldview that insists joy is not optional, that faith can carry you further than logic, and that laughter is as sacred as prayer.
I closed the book feeling grateful, not just for Sharp’s family, but for mine. Because isn’t that what the best stories do? They send us back to our own lives with new eyes, new gratitude, and maybe a little more willingness to laugh when things go sideways.
Please, read this book. And then tell your own family stories, they’re never as ordinary as you think.
I read much of it in one sitting, smiling through passages that reminded me of my own family’s eccentricities. But more than the laughter, what lingered was the tenderness, the awareness that behind every wild story is a love of people and a reverence for the unpredictability of life itself.
Heather Sharp doesn’t just tell stories; she curates a worldview. A worldview that insists joy is not optional, that faith can carry you further than logic, and that laughter is as sacred as prayer.
I closed the book feeling grateful, not just for Sharp’s family, but for mine. Because isn’t that what the best stories do? They send us back to our own lives with new eyes, new gratitude, and maybe a little more willingness to laugh when things go sideways.
Please, read this book. And then tell your own family stories, they’re never as ordinary as you think.
August 20, 2025
This was such a delightful surprise! I grabbed Never Dull because of the award buzz (hello, Will Rogers Medallion!) and it absolutely delivered.
The structure of the book is part memoir, part family tribute, and part life manual. The way Heather balances storytelling with timeless lessons (like “Attitude is everything” and “There is no such thing as easy money”) makes this more than just entertainment, it’s enriching.
What really stood out was how her mother, Marian Sharp, is portrayed. That woman is a character straight out of fiction. The pyramid scheme arrest, the ponytail incident, the inversion boots, I could NOT stop laughing. But even the most hilarious tales are wrapped in meaning. Marian's life is proof that being imperfect, loud, and completely yourself is a strength, not a flaw.
If you’ve ever had a wild relative or just appreciate the beautiful chaos of real life, this book is for you. Buy it, gift it, talk about it. It’s a gem.
The structure of the book is part memoir, part family tribute, and part life manual. The way Heather balances storytelling with timeless lessons (like “Attitude is everything” and “There is no such thing as easy money”) makes this more than just entertainment, it’s enriching.
What really stood out was how her mother, Marian Sharp, is portrayed. That woman is a character straight out of fiction. The pyramid scheme arrest, the ponytail incident, the inversion boots, I could NOT stop laughing. But even the most hilarious tales are wrapped in meaning. Marian's life is proof that being imperfect, loud, and completely yourself is a strength, not a flaw.
If you’ve ever had a wild relative or just appreciate the beautiful chaos of real life, this book is for you. Buy it, gift it, talk about it. It’s a gem.
August 21, 2025
Heather Sharp’s Never Dull is pure joy from beginning to end. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by her ability to mix rodeo lore with universal life lessons. The story of John Roddy arriving in America with only $18 in his pocket could have been told like a dusty history lesson, but Sharp makes it inspiring and almost cinematic. Then, just when you’re caught up in the emotion, she drops in one of Marian Sharp’s wild escapades that leaves you laughing so hard you have to set the book down.
What I love most is how the humor is never just for laughs, there’s always something deeper beneath it: resilience, honesty, faith, or family values. It’s the rare kind of book that makes you laugh while also making you think about your own life.
If you’re looking for something uplifting to break up your routine, do yourself a favor and pick up Never Dull. Better yet, grab an extra copy as a gift. This is one of those books you’ll want to pass along to family and friends.
What I love most is how the humor is never just for laughs, there’s always something deeper beneath it: resilience, honesty, faith, or family values. It’s the rare kind of book that makes you laugh while also making you think about your own life.
If you’re looking for something uplifting to break up your routine, do yourself a favor and pick up Never Dull. Better yet, grab an extra copy as a gift. This is one of those books you’ll want to pass along to family and friends.
August 21, 2025
Reading Never Dull felt like stepping into a warm family gathering where everyone is sharing their best “you won’t believe this” stories. I couldn’t get enough of Dr. Nolan Sharp’s veterinary tales, especially the cow sex-change and prosthetic calf limb. I learned so much and laughed out loud at the same time, which is a rare combination.
But what makes Heather Sharp’s writing special is her timing. She knows exactly when to let a funny moment breathe and when to drive home a lesson like “attitude is everything” or “laugh at yourself.” Even if you’ve never seen a rodeo, you’ll connect with her stories because they’re about the human condition, messy, funny, and hopeful.
Honestly, this should be required reading for anyone who needs a reminder that joy is still out there. Add it to your bookshelf, and when you’re done, leave it on the coffee table, it’s guaranteed to spark conversations.
But what makes Heather Sharp’s writing special is her timing. She knows exactly when to let a funny moment breathe and when to drive home a lesson like “attitude is everything” or “laugh at yourself.” Even if you’ve never seen a rodeo, you’ll connect with her stories because they’re about the human condition, messy, funny, and hopeful.
Honestly, this should be required reading for anyone who needs a reminder that joy is still out there. Add it to your bookshelf, and when you’re done, leave it on the coffee table, it’s guaranteed to spark conversations.
August 21, 2025
I can’t remember the last time a book made me both laugh out loud and reflect so deeply on life. Never Dull by Heather Sharp is exactly what the title promises, page after page of stories so unbelievable you’d swear they were made up, but all true. I loved the mix of outrageous rodeo anecdotes (like Marian Sharp’s infamous inversion boot story, which had me in tears from laughing) with truly inspirational moments that remind you what matters most, faith, family, and attitude.
What stood out most was how universal the life lessons are. I’ve never set foot in a rodeo arena, but I still came away with wisdom like: “Put God first,” “Attitude is everything,” and “Enjoy the moment.” This isn’t just a book for rodeo fans; it’s for anyone who needs a reminder that life is meant to be lived with joy and resilience.
If you’re looking for something funny, heartfelt, and inspiring, add this one to your reading list, you won’t regret it.
What stood out most was how universal the life lessons are. I’ve never set foot in a rodeo arena, but I still came away with wisdom like: “Put God first,” “Attitude is everything,” and “Enjoy the moment.” This isn’t just a book for rodeo fans; it’s for anyone who needs a reminder that life is meant to be lived with joy and resilience.
If you’re looking for something funny, heartfelt, and inspiring, add this one to your reading list, you won’t regret it.
August 21, 2025
Reading this felt like sitting around a fire with a storyteller who has a never-ending supply of the best family tales. Heather Sharp does an incredible job of capturing her family’s legacy while also honoring the wild, colorful world of rodeo. The characters leap off the page: John Roddy arriving in America with just $18 and building a fortune, Dr. Nolan Sharp revolutionizing veterinary medicine with acupuncture and even performing surgery on a cow, and of course, Marian Sharp, whose misadventures prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
I also appreciated the balance of humor and heart. You laugh at the stories, but then you realize there’s wisdom in each one. It reminded me to not take myself so seriously and to embrace the messy, funny, unpredictable parts of life.
Highly recommend this to readers who enjoy memoirs with a lot of humor but also want to walk away inspired. Don’t let this one slip by!
I also appreciated the balance of humor and heart. You laugh at the stories, but then you realize there’s wisdom in each one. It reminded me to not take myself so seriously and to embrace the messy, funny, unpredictable parts of life.
Highly recommend this to readers who enjoy memoirs with a lot of humor but also want to walk away inspired. Don’t let this one slip by!
August 20, 2025
This book blindsided me in the best possible way. I expected rodeo stories, a slice of cowboy history, maybe some horse talk. Instead, I found myself reflecting on my own family, on the people who shaped me with equal parts chaos and grace.
Heather Sharp’s prose has a rhythm to it, part fireside storytelling, part sermon, part stand-up comedy. Her mother Marian nearly steals the show with stories so wild you want to fact-check them, but the point is not whether they’re “believable”, the point is that they capture the absurd glory of being alive.
What lingers is not just the humor, but the reverence: for faith, for grit, for laughter that softens even the hardest days. This is one of those books that makes you rethink what “ordinary life” really means. Maybe there’s no such thing. Maybe it’s all legendary if we choose to see it that way.
Heather Sharp’s prose has a rhythm to it, part fireside storytelling, part sermon, part stand-up comedy. Her mother Marian nearly steals the show with stories so wild you want to fact-check them, but the point is not whether they’re “believable”, the point is that they capture the absurd glory of being alive.
What lingers is not just the humor, but the reverence: for faith, for grit, for laughter that softens even the hardest days. This is one of those books that makes you rethink what “ordinary life” really means. Maybe there’s no such thing. Maybe it’s all legendary if we choose to see it that way.
August 20, 2025
This book gave me joy at a time when I desperately needed it. There’s a kind of healing that comes only from laughter, the deep, cathartic kind that sneaks up on you in the middle of a serious reflection. Heather Sharp has captured that balance.
Marian Sharp’s escapades are priceless. The ponytail story alone had me in tears (of laughter), and the inversion boots scene is seared into my mind forever. But underneath the humor is something sturdier: faith, loyalty, hard work, and love that doesn’t always look tidy but is unshakable nonetheless.
What I admire most is Sharp’s refusal to glamorize or sanitize. She tells life as it was: wild, messy, funny, sometimes heartbreaking. And in doing so, she reminds us that life’s meaning is not in its polish but in its grit.
Read this when you need to laugh but also when you need to remember why family, and faith, matter.
Marian Sharp’s escapades are priceless. The ponytail story alone had me in tears (of laughter), and the inversion boots scene is seared into my mind forever. But underneath the humor is something sturdier: faith, loyalty, hard work, and love that doesn’t always look tidy but is unshakable nonetheless.
What I admire most is Sharp’s refusal to glamorize or sanitize. She tells life as it was: wild, messy, funny, sometimes heartbreaking. And in doing so, she reminds us that life’s meaning is not in its polish but in its grit.
Read this when you need to laugh but also when you need to remember why family, and faith, matter.
August 20, 2025
Heather structures the book around life lessons, like “You can do anything” and “Enjoy the moment”, which gives Never Dull an easy-to-follow, almost devotional-style format.
Each chapter tells a story or two that exemplify the theme. One of my favorites was “Stand by your man,” which delves into loyalty, love, and sacrifice in a way that’s both practical and poetic. Another standout was “You are never too old,” where Marian Sharp continues to break stereotypes and expectations well into her later years.
I loved the moral threads running through each story, but I wish we’d gotten even more introspection from Heather herself. I wanted to know more about how these stories shaped her own journey.
Perfect for anyone looking for a humorous but meaningful read. This would make a great gift for moms, grandmas, or anyone who appreciates down-home wisdom with a laugh.
Each chapter tells a story or two that exemplify the theme. One of my favorites was “Stand by your man,” which delves into loyalty, love, and sacrifice in a way that’s both practical and poetic. Another standout was “You are never too old,” where Marian Sharp continues to break stereotypes and expectations well into her later years.
I loved the moral threads running through each story, but I wish we’d gotten even more introspection from Heather herself. I wanted to know more about how these stories shaped her own journey.
Perfect for anyone looking for a humorous but meaningful read. This would make a great gift for moms, grandmas, or anyone who appreciates down-home wisdom with a laugh.
August 20, 2025
I picked up Never Dull thinking it would be a light read about rodeo life, but what I got was so much more, heartfelt inspiration, gut-busting laughter, and a glimpse into a truly remarkable family. Heather Sharp has written a tribute that is both hilarious and deeply moving.
Even though I’ve never been near a rodeo arena, I found myself completely drawn into these stories, from John Roddy’s rags-to-riches immigrant tale to the unforgettable antics of Marian Sharp (seriously, the inversion boots story had me wheezing with laughter).
At its core, this book is about values, faith, grit, resilience, and humor. It reminded me to laugh at myself more and not take life so seriously. And I appreciated how the life lessons were universal: put God first, enjoy the moment, and never think you're too old to try something new.
Even though I’ve never been near a rodeo arena, I found myself completely drawn into these stories, from John Roddy’s rags-to-riches immigrant tale to the unforgettable antics of Marian Sharp (seriously, the inversion boots story had me wheezing with laughter).
At its core, this book is about values, faith, grit, resilience, and humor. It reminded me to laugh at myself more and not take life so seriously. And I appreciated how the life lessons were universal: put God first, enjoy the moment, and never think you're too old to try something new.
August 21, 2025
This book is storytelling at its finest. Heather Sharp doesn’t just write about her family, she breathes life into them, quirks and all. I couldn’t get enough of Marian Sharp’s antics. The inversion boot story had me laughing until I cried, while the pyramid scheme fiasco read like something out of a sitcom. Yet Heather always pulls it back to what really matters: faith, honesty, and family.
What I admired most was the balance. A lot of “funny” memoirs can feel shallow, but Never Dull has real depth. The rodeo history adds richness, and the inspirational lessons give it staying power. Days later, I’m still thinking about “enjoy the moment” and how it applies to my own busy life.
If you only read one humor-inspired memoir this year, make it this one. Buy it, read it, and then share it, you’ll make someone’s day brighter.
What I admired most was the balance. A lot of “funny” memoirs can feel shallow, but Never Dull has real depth. The rodeo history adds richness, and the inspirational lessons give it staying power. Days later, I’m still thinking about “enjoy the moment” and how it applies to my own busy life.
If you only read one humor-inspired memoir this year, make it this one. Buy it, read it, and then share it, you’ll make someone’s day brighter.
August 21, 2025
I picked up Never Dull thinking it would just be a rodeo book, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about family heritage, perseverance, faith, and joy. Heather Sharp writes with such warmth that you feel like she’s letting you in on her family secrets.
The stories are laugh-out-loud funny, Marian’s ponytail incident had me giggling, but what makes them truly special is the thread of wisdom running through them. “Stand by your man,” “You are never too old,” “Know what is important”, these are the kinds of reminders we all need in today’s world. I also enjoyed the historical elements, like learning about The American Rodeo Show in Japan and Oscar the Bull.
If you’re craving a book that will make you smile while giving you something to think about, Never Dull is perfect. Add it to your list, you’ll be glad you did.
The stories are laugh-out-loud funny, Marian’s ponytail incident had me giggling, but what makes them truly special is the thread of wisdom running through them. “Stand by your man,” “You are never too old,” “Know what is important”, these are the kinds of reminders we all need in today’s world. I also enjoyed the historical elements, like learning about The American Rodeo Show in Japan and Oscar the Bull.
If you’re craving a book that will make you smile while giving you something to think about, Never Dull is perfect. Add it to your list, you’ll be glad you did.
August 21, 2025
I can see why Never Dull has already won awards, it’s such a unique, heartfelt, and downright fun book. Heather Sharp pays tribute to her remarkable family while also celebrating the colorful world of rodeo. I found myself inspired by the grit and creativity of people like John Roddy and Dr. Nolan Sharp, and constantly amused by Marian’s never-ending adventures.
The balance between laugh-out-loud humor and life wisdom is just perfect. This isn’t the kind of book you read once and forget; it’s one you’ll keep coming back to, either to re-read a funny story or to remind yourself of the life lessons sprinkled throughout.
If you’re searching for your next uplifting read, grab this one. It’s funny, it’s inspiring, and it’s a wonderful reminder that life is never dull when you choose to embrace it.
The balance between laugh-out-loud humor and life wisdom is just perfect. This isn’t the kind of book you read once and forget; it’s one you’ll keep coming back to, either to re-read a funny story or to remind yourself of the life lessons sprinkled throughout.
If you’re searching for your next uplifting read, grab this one. It’s funny, it’s inspiring, and it’s a wonderful reminder that life is never dull when you choose to embrace it.
August 21, 2025
I didn’t expect to learn so much while laughing so hard. Heather Sharp takes readers behind the scenes of rodeo life in a way that feels completely accessible, even to city folks like me. The story of the American Rodeo Show in Japan was fascinating, a glimpse into cultural exchange I’d never even considered.
Yet what stuck with me most were the little lessons sprinkled throughout: “you’re never too old,” “be honest,” “stand up for what you believe.” These aren’t clichés in Heather’s hands, they’re illustrated through lived experience, which makes them resonate.
If you love memoirs that entertain and inspire, don’t hesitate. Grab your copy of Never Dull today, you’ll want to read it twice, once for the laughs and once for the lessons.
Yet what stuck with me most were the little lessons sprinkled throughout: “you’re never too old,” “be honest,” “stand up for what you believe.” These aren’t clichés in Heather’s hands, they’re illustrated through lived experience, which makes them resonate.
If you love memoirs that entertain and inspire, don’t hesitate. Grab your copy of Never Dull today, you’ll want to read it twice, once for the laughs and once for the lessons.
August 21, 2025
This book is such a breath of fresh air. Heather Sharp takes stories from her family’s life and the rodeo world and weaves them into something that’s both hilarious and profoundly moving. I wasn’t expecting to be so drawn in, but I found myself reading long past bedtime because I didn’t want to stop.
My favorite part was the way humor is used to teach life lessons. Marian Sharp’s escapades are comedy gold, but they also underline the idea that life is best lived when we can laugh at ourselves. The historical rodeo stories, like John Roddy’s immigrant-to-millionaire journey, added an extra layer that made the book feel rich and unique.
If you love real-life stories that are equal parts funny and inspiring, you’ll love this. Put this one high on your to-be-read shelf!
My favorite part was the way humor is used to teach life lessons. Marian Sharp’s escapades are comedy gold, but they also underline the idea that life is best lived when we can laugh at ourselves. The historical rodeo stories, like John Roddy’s immigrant-to-millionaire journey, added an extra layer that made the book feel rich and unique.
If you love real-life stories that are equal parts funny and inspiring, you’ll love this. Put this one high on your to-be-read shelf!
August 21, 2025
Heather Sharp’s Never Dull proves that sometimes the best stories come straight from real life. I laughed so hard at some of Marian’s adventures (the pyramid scheme and arrest story is unforgettable) and found myself fascinated by the history of the rodeo world that I knew nothing about before.
What I love most is how this book manages to be both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful. It’s not just about the rodeo; it’s about resilience, faith, and finding joy in chaos. You don’t have to be a “horse person” to appreciate it. Honestly, it felt like I was part of the Sharp family while reading, and that’s a gift not many books give you.
If you want something heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring, this book deserves a spot on your nightstand.
What I love most is how this book manages to be both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful. It’s not just about the rodeo; it’s about resilience, faith, and finding joy in chaos. You don’t have to be a “horse person” to appreciate it. Honestly, it felt like I was part of the Sharp family while reading, and that’s a gift not many books give you.
If you want something heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring, this book deserves a spot on your nightstand.
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