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Kept Animals
A bold, riveting debut novel of desire, betrayal, and loss, centering on three teenage girls, a horse ranch, and the tragic accident that changes everything.
Rory Ramos works as a ranch hand at the stable her stepfather manages in Topanga Canyon, California, a dry, dusty place reliant on horses and hierarchies. There she rides for the rich clientele, including twins June and Wade Fisk. While Rory may have unwittingly drawn the interest of out-and-proud June, she’s more intrigued by Vivian Price, the beautiful teenager with the movie-star father who lives down the hill. Rory’s blue-collar upbringing keeps her largely separate from the likes of the Prices—but, perched on her bedroom windowsill, Rory steals glimpses of Vivian swimming in her pool nearly every night.
After Rory’s stepfather is involved in a tragic car accident, the lives of Rory, June, and Vivian become inextricably bound together. Rory discovers photography, begins riding more competitively alongside June, and grows closer and closer to gorgeous, mercurial Vivian, but despite her newfound sense of self, disaster lurks all around her: in the parched landscape, in her unruly desires, in her stepfather's wrecked body and guilty conscience. One night, as the relationships among these teenagers come to a head, a forest fire tears through Topanga Canyon, and Rory's life is changed forever.
Kept Animals is narrated by Rory’s daughter, Charlie, twenty years after that fateful 1993 fire. Realizing that the key to her own existence lies in the secret of what really happened that unseasonably warm fall, Charlie is finally ready to ask questions about her mother’s past. But with Rory away on assignment as a war photographer, Charlie knows she must unravel the truth for herself.
Rory Ramos works as a ranch hand at the stable her stepfather manages in Topanga Canyon, California, a dry, dusty place reliant on horses and hierarchies. There she rides for the rich clientele, including twins June and Wade Fisk. While Rory may have unwittingly drawn the interest of out-and-proud June, she’s more intrigued by Vivian Price, the beautiful teenager with the movie-star father who lives down the hill. Rory’s blue-collar upbringing keeps her largely separate from the likes of the Prices—but, perched on her bedroom windowsill, Rory steals glimpses of Vivian swimming in her pool nearly every night.
After Rory’s stepfather is involved in a tragic car accident, the lives of Rory, June, and Vivian become inextricably bound together. Rory discovers photography, begins riding more competitively alongside June, and grows closer and closer to gorgeous, mercurial Vivian, but despite her newfound sense of self, disaster lurks all around her: in the parched landscape, in her unruly desires, in her stepfather's wrecked body and guilty conscience. One night, as the relationships among these teenagers come to a head, a forest fire tears through Topanga Canyon, and Rory's life is changed forever.
Kept Animals is narrated by Rory’s daughter, Charlie, twenty years after that fateful 1993 fire. Realizing that the key to her own existence lies in the secret of what really happened that unseasonably warm fall, Charlie is finally ready to ask questions about her mother’s past. But with Rory away on assignment as a war photographer, Charlie knows she must unravel the truth for herself.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
116 people are currently reading
9792 people want to read
About the author
Kate Milliken
2 books135 followersKate Milliken is the author of the 2013 Iowa Short Fiction Award-winning collection of stories, If I’d Known You Were Coming. A graduate of the Bennington College Writing Seminars, she has received fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center and the Tin House Summer Writer’s Workshop. She lives in Northern California with her family. Kept Animals is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
September 28, 2021
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
I was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through Goodreads giveaways. I’d like to thank Goodreads, Scribner publishing, and Ms. Kate Milliken for my copy. I saw the ratings averaged 3.76 of 5 so I was expecting a good, yet perhaps, forgettable story. I was wrong. I can’t stop thinking about this book. It grew and grew on me and eventually bloomed like a rose.
This is a slow simmering tale. The chapters alternate between Topanga Canyon, CA, in 1993 and Little Snake, WY, in 2015. The protagonists of those two timelines are 15-year-old Rory and 22-year-old Charlie, respectively. This is a character-driven novel. The story is about the people and how their decisions affect the rest of their lives. Rory becomes friendly with June that summer at the ranch where Rory works as a ranch hand and June boards her horse. Wade is June’s brash twin brother. These two are rather well off. Even more well off is Vivian Price, the teen-aged daughter of a movie star. There are also several interesting peripheral characters who are enmeshed with these teens. 1993 brings more than one tragedy to Topanga Canyon—tragedies that didn’t have to happen. Charlie has a vested interest in what went on in Topanga Canyon that year and is determined to find out what happened.
There are many mysteries hidden within this book. The plot weaves together multiple threads that all come together to impact a mighty climax. This book gives the reader so much to think about. And so much to feel.
This is a quiet, haunting tale, one that deserves to be read and remembered. I hope that it can find more readership as it is truly a quality piece of writing. The only other work from Ms. Milliken is a book of short stories entitled If I’d Known You Were Coming. I can’t wait to get to it.
I was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through Goodreads giveaways. I’d like to thank Goodreads, Scribner publishing, and Ms. Kate Milliken for my copy. I saw the ratings averaged 3.76 of 5 so I was expecting a good, yet perhaps, forgettable story. I was wrong. I can’t stop thinking about this book. It grew and grew on me and eventually bloomed like a rose.
This is a slow simmering tale. The chapters alternate between Topanga Canyon, CA, in 1993 and Little Snake, WY, in 2015. The protagonists of those two timelines are 15-year-old Rory and 22-year-old Charlie, respectively. This is a character-driven novel. The story is about the people and how their decisions affect the rest of their lives. Rory becomes friendly with June that summer at the ranch where Rory works as a ranch hand and June boards her horse. Wade is June’s brash twin brother. These two are rather well off. Even more well off is Vivian Price, the teen-aged daughter of a movie star. There are also several interesting peripheral characters who are enmeshed with these teens. 1993 brings more than one tragedy to Topanga Canyon—tragedies that didn’t have to happen. Charlie has a vested interest in what went on in Topanga Canyon that year and is determined to find out what happened.
There are many mysteries hidden within this book. The plot weaves together multiple threads that all come together to impact a mighty climax. This book gives the reader so much to think about. And so much to feel.
This is a quiet, haunting tale, one that deserves to be read and remembered. I hope that it can find more readership as it is truly a quality piece of writing. The only other work from Ms. Milliken is a book of short stories entitled If I’d Known You Were Coming. I can’t wait to get to it.
January 18, 2021
4.5 stars.
Kept Animals , Kate Milliken's debut novel, is a powerful, gorgeously told story of desire, loss, secrets, and the toll we take on nature.
In 1993, 15-year-old Rory Ramos is living in Topanga Canyon, California, and working as a ranch hand at a stable her stepfather runs. She’s talented with horses but mostly rides for rich people, including wealthy twin siblings June and Wade. June, who is openly gay, takes an interest in Rory, who is struggling with her own sexuality, but often Rory is caught in the manipulation between the siblings.
But Rory is more intrigued by Vivian, the beautiful daughter of an actor, whose house Rory can see from her bedroom window. At night she can catch glimpses of Vivian swimming.
After a tragic accident occurs which creates strange ties among Rory, Vivian, June, and Wade, Rory’s equestrian skills grow stronger and she discovers her talent for photography. And as the relationships among the four grow more complicated, one night everything comes to a head, and a dangerous forest fire occurs, threatening to destroy the canyon and beyond.
In 2015, Rory’s daughter, Charlie, is left with more secrets about her mother than memories, as her mother is on the road more than she is home. The more she starts to question and dig into things, the more she realizes that to understand her mother, and perhaps herself, she needs to understand what happened more than 20 years before.
This book was so beautifully written. Milliken’s imagery is so evocative you can taste the dust and feel the dryness in the air. There is a lot of tension among characters that you can feel as well—I had my suspicions about what might happen but couldn’t wait to see things unfold. Issues of race and class, inequity and prejudice are also touched on.
I really enjoyed Kept Animals and stayed up late to finish it. (Story of my life in 2020.) This was a book I wouldn’t have heard of were it not for Bookstagram, so I’m grateful.
Kate Milliken provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Kept Animals , Kate Milliken's debut novel, is a powerful, gorgeously told story of desire, loss, secrets, and the toll we take on nature.
In 1993, 15-year-old Rory Ramos is living in Topanga Canyon, California, and working as a ranch hand at a stable her stepfather runs. She’s talented with horses but mostly rides for rich people, including wealthy twin siblings June and Wade. June, who is openly gay, takes an interest in Rory, who is struggling with her own sexuality, but often Rory is caught in the manipulation between the siblings.
But Rory is more intrigued by Vivian, the beautiful daughter of an actor, whose house Rory can see from her bedroom window. At night she can catch glimpses of Vivian swimming.
After a tragic accident occurs which creates strange ties among Rory, Vivian, June, and Wade, Rory’s equestrian skills grow stronger and she discovers her talent for photography. And as the relationships among the four grow more complicated, one night everything comes to a head, and a dangerous forest fire occurs, threatening to destroy the canyon and beyond.
In 2015, Rory’s daughter, Charlie, is left with more secrets about her mother than memories, as her mother is on the road more than she is home. The more she starts to question and dig into things, the more she realizes that to understand her mother, and perhaps herself, she needs to understand what happened more than 20 years before.
This book was so beautifully written. Milliken’s imagery is so evocative you can taste the dust and feel the dryness in the air. There is a lot of tension among characters that you can feel as well—I had my suspicions about what might happen but couldn’t wait to see things unfold. Issues of race and class, inequity and prejudice are also touched on.
I really enjoyed Kept Animals and stayed up late to finish it. (Story of my life in 2020.) This was a book I wouldn’t have heard of were it not for Bookstagram, so I’m grateful.
Kate Milliken provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 21, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: April 21, 2020
“Kept Animals” is the first novel for Kate Milliken, who has made a name for herself in the short story and poetry circuit. Positives of this novel for me were, obviously, the inclusion of horses, stables, riding and all things equestrian. The horse on the cover was, to be honest, the reason I picked this book. It is evident through this novel that Milliken understands the power of horses, and the healing connections they can make with broken humans.
That being said, this novel was a little bit confusing. Told in two timelines, in the 90s and in the early 2010s, from the perspectives of Rory, Gus and Charlie, this novel jumps back and forth. Although the timelines are clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter, not enough time has passed between the two timelines to really differentiate them. All of the characters from the first timeline are still alive(okay, most of them), and the introduction of characters from the second timeline (although it plays a minor role in comparison to the first) do little to help sort through the confusion.
The focus of this novel seemed to be on the same-sex relationships between Rory, June and Vivian, and the drama wreaked by these. The three teenage girls were relatable, and actually not too irritating, full of their teenage angst and drama, which is difficult for me to stomach in most instances. Milliken managed to overcome these pitfalls and produce decent teenage characters.
There are some parts of the writing that threw me too, especially in the conversations of or when the chapters were being narrated by the teenagers. The sentences were short, and choppy, and although this is meant to help a reader connect more with the teenage characters, it was not effective for me. Even though they were short and choppy, the dialogues were more mature and self-aware than any teenagers I know would have.
In short, the characters were relatable and likable, the plot was slightly confusing (and unless it had horses in it, I lost interest) but the animals in this novel (and their human relationships) kept me invested. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, and wishes that the book had read more like this throughout.
Expected publication date: April 21, 2020
“Kept Animals” is the first novel for Kate Milliken, who has made a name for herself in the short story and poetry circuit. Positives of this novel for me were, obviously, the inclusion of horses, stables, riding and all things equestrian. The horse on the cover was, to be honest, the reason I picked this book. It is evident through this novel that Milliken understands the power of horses, and the healing connections they can make with broken humans.
That being said, this novel was a little bit confusing. Told in two timelines, in the 90s and in the early 2010s, from the perspectives of Rory, Gus and Charlie, this novel jumps back and forth. Although the timelines are clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter, not enough time has passed between the two timelines to really differentiate them. All of the characters from the first timeline are still alive(okay, most of them), and the introduction of characters from the second timeline (although it plays a minor role in comparison to the first) do little to help sort through the confusion.
The focus of this novel seemed to be on the same-sex relationships between Rory, June and Vivian, and the drama wreaked by these. The three teenage girls were relatable, and actually not too irritating, full of their teenage angst and drama, which is difficult for me to stomach in most instances. Milliken managed to overcome these pitfalls and produce decent teenage characters.
There are some parts of the writing that threw me too, especially in the conversations of or when the chapters were being narrated by the teenagers. The sentences were short, and choppy, and although this is meant to help a reader connect more with the teenage characters, it was not effective for me. Even though they were short and choppy, the dialogues were more mature and self-aware than any teenagers I know would have.
In short, the characters were relatable and likable, the plot was slightly confusing (and unless it had horses in it, I lost interest) but the animals in this novel (and their human relationships) kept me invested. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, and wishes that the book had read more like this throughout.
January 24, 2020
This review is based on the advanced uncorrected proof.
This book is unbelievably captivating throughout--it's very quiet, there's so much that happens, and nearly all of it feels surprising and inevitable at the same time. The novel, while narrated by her daughter years later, is centered around Rory's story, and at first I found Rory difficult to get to know. However, as the novel progresses, we realize as readers that her daughter also feels this way about her, and I love the way this mirror happens in the story. We get to experience Rory in Topanga Canyon just as her daughter imagines it years later, and as we slowly get to know her, she becomes more and more complex and more interesting. I love the way Vivian and Sarah Price are rendered, and the theme of absent mothers. I also very much enjoyed the queerness in this novel--it creates realistic tension, but not in an in-your-face way. I couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend pre-ordering this novel!
This book is unbelievably captivating throughout--it's very quiet, there's so much that happens, and nearly all of it feels surprising and inevitable at the same time. The novel, while narrated by her daughter years later, is centered around Rory's story, and at first I found Rory difficult to get to know. However, as the novel progresses, we realize as readers that her daughter also feels this way about her, and I love the way this mirror happens in the story. We get to experience Rory in Topanga Canyon just as her daughter imagines it years later, and as we slowly get to know her, she becomes more and more complex and more interesting. I love the way Vivian and Sarah Price are rendered, and the theme of absent mothers. I also very much enjoyed the queerness in this novel--it creates realistic tension, but not in an in-your-face way. I couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend pre-ordering this novel!
April 7, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down
It was good book, it was just a little slow and I kept forgetting who each character was who. I don't know why? But none of the names stuck with me. I also think the POV from Rory's grown daughter didn't add anything to the story.
Still a good book with a solid story
It was good book, it was just a little slow and I kept forgetting who each character was who. I don't know why? But none of the names stuck with me. I also think the POV from Rory's grown daughter didn't add anything to the story.
Still a good book with a solid story
January 15, 2020
A very novel approach to the telling of a life's story. Three girls growing into young women as their worlds circle each other but seldom touch. The main story revolves around a horse ranch and the many different personalities that interact with each other. As circumstances always do, the young women are forced to change how they see themselves and each other. Kate Milliken has written an entertaining story that will have you hoping for more happiness and less drama. Definitely worth your reading time.
October 12, 2019
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was really good! I was intrigued by this book from the outset — the early ‘90s California setting, the complicated relationship between three girls (Rory, June, and Vivian), and the mystery of what happened one fateful night.
And this book did not disappoint. The story flips between the past and the present, the past through various different characters and the present through Charlie, Rory’s daughter. Charlie is trying to come to grasps with her mother’s shadowed past, and it’s this that propels the narrative.
Rory is the main focus of the story. Coming from a low-income dysfunctional family, Rory is a budding photographer who longs to get out and see the world as much as she loves working as a stable girl. She’s also a repressed lesbian.
Over the course of one year, Rory gets drawn into the worlds of two vastly different girls June and Vivian — and all of the complexities that come with that. June, the daughter of a rich doctor, is crushing hard on Rory, but Rory is more interested in the elusive Vivian, her next door neighbor and daughter of a famous actor. Their lives become intrinsically linked following a tragedy. It’s messy and complicated and Rory finds herself in the middle of a lot of connected plot threads.
I liked how well-written all the characters were. There are certainly villains in the story, but everyone is written as a fully realized character, with flaws and complexities. This is a world in the midst of upheaval, and everyone reacts accordingly.
Rory, of course, is especially nicely defined. Her struggle with her sexuality felt natural and honest. Truly, I saw many shades of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” (one of my all-time favorite books) here, and I could even imagine Cam and Rory being best friends if they ever met.
The mystery aspect is also well done, with all of the plots tied nicely together at the end. The closer we drew towards it, the more I felt a sense of dread. I had a sneaking suspicion as to what happened the further I got it, but I was still surprised by the execution. Although I can imagine some people may find the ending a bit too pat with some resolutions, it worked for me.
I can’t say I could find much, if any fault in this book. It was a solid read with interesting characters and an engaging plot.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was really good! I was intrigued by this book from the outset — the early ‘90s California setting, the complicated relationship between three girls (Rory, June, and Vivian), and the mystery of what happened one fateful night.
And this book did not disappoint. The story flips between the past and the present, the past through various different characters and the present through Charlie, Rory’s daughter. Charlie is trying to come to grasps with her mother’s shadowed past, and it’s this that propels the narrative.
Rory is the main focus of the story. Coming from a low-income dysfunctional family, Rory is a budding photographer who longs to get out and see the world as much as she loves working as a stable girl. She’s also a repressed lesbian.
Over the course of one year, Rory gets drawn into the worlds of two vastly different girls June and Vivian — and all of the complexities that come with that. June, the daughter of a rich doctor, is crushing hard on Rory, but Rory is more interested in the elusive Vivian, her next door neighbor and daughter of a famous actor. Their lives become intrinsically linked following a tragedy. It’s messy and complicated and Rory finds herself in the middle of a lot of connected plot threads.
I liked how well-written all the characters were. There are certainly villains in the story, but everyone is written as a fully realized character, with flaws and complexities. This is a world in the midst of upheaval, and everyone reacts accordingly.
Rory, of course, is especially nicely defined. Her struggle with her sexuality felt natural and honest. Truly, I saw many shades of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” (one of my all-time favorite books) here, and I could even imagine Cam and Rory being best friends if they ever met.
The mystery aspect is also well done, with all of the plots tied nicely together at the end. The closer we drew towards it, the more I felt a sense of dread. I had a sneaking suspicion as to what happened the further I got it, but I was still surprised by the execution. Although I can imagine some people may find the ending a bit too pat with some resolutions, it worked for me.
I can’t say I could find much, if any fault in this book. It was a solid read with interesting characters and an engaging plot.
June 9, 2020
The thing about trauma is that even after it is over, it is still happening. It is a memory in motion, forever present.
disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for review consideration. All of the opinions presented below are my own. Quotes have been taken from the advanced copy and are subject to change upon publication.
This review can also be found on my blog.
This absolutely devastated me. Kate Milliken has been without a doubt added to my must-read list of authors. Kept Animals is a novel about so many things: grief, toxic relationships, trauma, sexuality. I feel like it's impossible to pin my thoughts on this down. I found it compelling from the start, but the deeper into the story I got, the more impossible it was to stop reading. I felt such an incredible depth of emotion reading this, and even cried at the end. It was quiet, but there was an underlying tension throughout reminiscent of a thriller -- we are, after all, trying to find out what happened on one fateful day in 1993. All I can really say is: I highly recommend this if you're interested in a dark, depressing, queer literary novel.
content warnings: drunk driving; child death; both casual and violent homophobia; sexual assault; racism and xenophobia; parental neglect; substance abuse.
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April 11, 2020
This book just isn't for me. I did read it all the way through since Scribner was kind enough to send me an ARC. Unfortunately, the only thing I liked about it was the horses. The people were jerks to each other for the most part and it was just a depressing train wreck. I see others are raving about this debut and I am glad they enjoyed it. Agree or disagree, I hope we can still be book friends.
Thank you to Scribner for a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Scribner for a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2020
Such a wonderful debut that took me by surprise. I have always enjoyed a generational story that spans over a dual timeline. In this case, mid 90s and 2010, and I especially loved that it included a horse ranch at the heart of the story for three young women.
*thank you Scribner for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own
*thank you Scribner for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own
April 6, 2020
This is a remarkable, but simple, book about 2 generations of a family on the edge. It deals with day to day happendings at a horse ranch, the pressures of growing up rich and poor, and family dynamics across the spectrum.
Rory Ramos is a girl who works at a stable that is run by her stepfather. She meets several rich kids at the stable. She becomes friendly with June, a rich girl who rides horses competitively. June comes on to Rory. We also meet Wade, June's brother, who is a wild child. Then there is Vivian Price, the daughter of a hollywood insider, whose house Rory can see from her porch. Rory ends up entering and winning a competition against Wade and June, which alienates her from June. We also find out about the relationship between Rory and her stepfather, who she loves despite his flaws.
Rory becomes interested in photography and ends up meeting Vivian and taking pictures of her, some risque. Her photography teacher encourages her as a photographer.
Everything changes when Rory goes to a party at Vivian's house and the two end up back at Rory's .
Wade and his friend find the risqué pictures and orchestrate an assault on Rory. This happens at the same time as a devastating wildfire. Rory becomes pregnant after the assault and the family moves to Wyoming, where her daughter Charlie is born. Charlie ends up working at a stables when she is growing up. We hear about the relationship between the mother and daughter, which is kind of sad, but understandable. Rory becomes a famous photographer who specializes in war zones and other dangerous places. She is rarely at home with her family.
the story is narrated by Charlie in one time period and Rory in another. We follow events of betrayal and redemption and hope in the characters' lives. We learn about the difference in the lives of the rich and famous on one hand, and the poor and powerless on the other. When circumstances change for one character or another, the relationships and power between them
change. This is a story which pulls at the reader's heartstrings and their intellect.
Rory Ramos is a girl who works at a stable that is run by her stepfather. She meets several rich kids at the stable. She becomes friendly with June, a rich girl who rides horses competitively. June comes on to Rory. We also meet Wade, June's brother, who is a wild child. Then there is Vivian Price, the daughter of a hollywood insider, whose house Rory can see from her porch. Rory ends up entering and winning a competition against Wade and June, which alienates her from June. We also find out about the relationship between Rory and her stepfather, who she loves despite his flaws.
Rory becomes interested in photography and ends up meeting Vivian and taking pictures of her, some risque. Her photography teacher encourages her as a photographer.
Everything changes when Rory goes to a party at Vivian's house and the two end up back at Rory's .
Wade and his friend find the risqué pictures and orchestrate an assault on Rory. This happens at the same time as a devastating wildfire. Rory becomes pregnant after the assault and the family moves to Wyoming, where her daughter Charlie is born. Charlie ends up working at a stables when she is growing up. We hear about the relationship between the mother and daughter, which is kind of sad, but understandable. Rory becomes a famous photographer who specializes in war zones and other dangerous places. She is rarely at home with her family.
the story is narrated by Charlie in one time period and Rory in another. We follow events of betrayal and redemption and hope in the characters' lives. We learn about the difference in the lives of the rich and famous on one hand, and the poor and powerless on the other. When circumstances change for one character or another, the relationships and power between them
change. This is a story which pulls at the reader's heartstrings and their intellect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2020
This story captivated me from the start! Great read! I was honestly sad to get to the end!
February 5, 2020
KEPT ANIMALS is a beautiful, unexpected piece of art. Yes, you will get a lot more enjoyment out of it if you are a horse person, but the story of finding yourself, California in the 90s, and shocking revelations is worth the price of admission. It had a slow start, but the second half of the book really grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. The ending will be hard to read for many, and is shocking in a way that the rest of the book is not at all, but I think the author's choices for her story make sense and all in all, it's a great work of storytelling.
The characters are well-defined and intriguing, and I loved the setting most of all. The second book in a row set in the 90s and I never tire of that period of life right before the Internet (that I can vividly remember). It's a solid read, has a great mystery, and a wonderful coming of age story. Also that cover is *chef's kiss*
The characters are well-defined and intriguing, and I loved the setting most of all. The second book in a row set in the 90s and I never tire of that period of life right before the Internet (that I can vividly remember). It's a solid read, has a great mystery, and a wonderful coming of age story. Also that cover is *chef's kiss*
June 3, 2020
i think all fiction should be like this, actually
edit 6/2/2020: hi, i very recently ended my semester-long tenure covering literature at the daily californian, and i could not have asked for a better book to finish up an amazing and bookish whirlwind of a spring, tumultuous as the world is at the moment. you can read my full review here if you're interested! i have to say it is probably my favorite out of the 12 i wrote in total between january and may. excerpt:
"Rory’s story, backed by a chorus of thousands, unfolds against a setting so richly developed, it is as if the Santa Ana winds themselves are turning the pages. Milliken’s economical but beautiful prose transforms her novel into an atmospheric and bittersweet love letter to the drylands of Southern California, where the Santa Ana winds, as Milliken writes, 'can make you feel as if you’ve been skinned, every inch of you a raw nerve ending.'”
i really really really heckin' loved this book — few books manage to captivate me this way, and it deserves more than the 5/5 stars i was able to grant it. it's beautifully written, tragic, deals with [compelling and well-done] damaged women who also just happen to be queer (i say this as a Damaged Woman Who Just Happens To Be Queer), and (perhaps my favorite part about it, but its representation of women is really up there) captures southern california so thoroughly it is actually devastating. i don't know why it's devastating. the whole book is devastating. but like, the pain is So Good. i really love this book and stand by my original goodreads "review" (my immediate reaction to finishing it, lol):
i think all fiction should be like this, actually (!!)
edit 6/2/2020: hi, i very recently ended my semester-long tenure covering literature at the daily californian, and i could not have asked for a better book to finish up an amazing and bookish whirlwind of a spring, tumultuous as the world is at the moment. you can read my full review here if you're interested! i have to say it is probably my favorite out of the 12 i wrote in total between january and may. excerpt:
"Rory’s story, backed by a chorus of thousands, unfolds against a setting so richly developed, it is as if the Santa Ana winds themselves are turning the pages. Milliken’s economical but beautiful prose transforms her novel into an atmospheric and bittersweet love letter to the drylands of Southern California, where the Santa Ana winds, as Milliken writes, 'can make you feel as if you’ve been skinned, every inch of you a raw nerve ending.'”
i really really really heckin' loved this book — few books manage to captivate me this way, and it deserves more than the 5/5 stars i was able to grant it. it's beautifully written, tragic, deals with [compelling and well-done] damaged women who also just happen to be queer (i say this as a Damaged Woman Who Just Happens To Be Queer), and (perhaps my favorite part about it, but its representation of women is really up there) captures southern california so thoroughly it is actually devastating. i don't know why it's devastating. the whole book is devastating. but like, the pain is So Good. i really love this book and stand by my original goodreads "review" (my immediate reaction to finishing it, lol):
i think all fiction should be like this, actually (!!)
May 22, 2021
Sad to only rate this book at 3 Stars. It could have been so much better if it had been slightly less ambitious in including so many different characters, time shifts, drugs, alcohol, horses, taxidermy, animal cruelty, racism, rich versus poor, immigration, abuse, growing up, homosexuality. Did I forget anything? Probably.
Set in two different time periods and locations, this is the story of Rory in 1993 and her daughter Charlie 22 years later. Rory has an uncaring mother and a loving stepfather. It is confusing who is the real parent. Rory is a champion 3 day event rider. We learn a lot about her as a 15 year old, but more in her daughter's story in 2015.
The writing is good and the story, particularly the horse parts is excellent. Unfortunately, too many times, one become totally confused and to who is who and when and where you are in time and location and who is narrating. That adds to the frustration and ruins the enjoyment. I'd be more interested in Milliken's subsequent books if she stuck more to one story. I look forward to subsequent books that have kept these criticisms in mind.
Set in two different time periods and locations, this is the story of Rory in 1993 and her daughter Charlie 22 years later. Rory has an uncaring mother and a loving stepfather. It is confusing who is the real parent. Rory is a champion 3 day event rider. We learn a lot about her as a 15 year old, but more in her daughter's story in 2015.
The writing is good and the story, particularly the horse parts is excellent. Unfortunately, too many times, one become totally confused and to who is who and when and where you are in time and location and who is narrating. That adds to the frustration and ruins the enjoyment. I'd be more interested in Milliken's subsequent books if she stuck more to one story. I look forward to subsequent books that have kept these criticisms in mind.
July 12, 2020
I thought this book was a hot mess. Definitely reads like a first novel. Seemed like YA, but I think it’s being marketed for adults. Back and forth between the past and present works until the very end when it seems to fall apart. Hated the characters. I think two stars is generous.
August 10, 2021
90s, California, horses, coming of age yes yes yes! I really enjoyed this read. I didn't put it down. I would love to see this as a film. The topics of trauma, love, and sexuality are so important for so many of us to feel seen. One I will share with other book lovers.
June 1, 2020
Independent films have a level of emotional depth that I do not find in mainstream movies. I fell in love with them at a small, co-op theater in a college town I used to call home. I saw them frequently- sometimes with friends, mostly alone. The town even hosted a very well known film festival once a year, but the theater has since closed and I now live far away.
I remember how I'd sit watching an independent film in a constant level of low-grade discomfort and yet leave glowing. Independent films go there, they aren't afraid, and it's that level of depth and thoughtfulness that my soul craves.
Kept Animals flooded me with those same sort of feelings. The book is about three girls living in California during the 90's who are connected by a tragedy. It's a work of art. The writing is masterful and doesn't read like a debut novel. Emotionally, it's difficult to read at times. The author hits upon every single major topic in our world today without it feeling clunky- race, class, #metoo, LGBTQ+, immigration... it's all in there. This is one I'll be purchasing for myself as it is deserving of a re-read.
I remember how I'd sit watching an independent film in a constant level of low-grade discomfort and yet leave glowing. Independent films go there, they aren't afraid, and it's that level of depth and thoughtfulness that my soul craves.
Kept Animals flooded me with those same sort of feelings. The book is about three girls living in California during the 90's who are connected by a tragedy. It's a work of art. The writing is masterful and doesn't read like a debut novel. Emotionally, it's difficult to read at times. The author hits upon every single major topic in our world today without it feeling clunky- race, class, #metoo, LGBTQ+, immigration... it's all in there. This is one I'll be purchasing for myself as it is deserving of a re-read.
April 9, 2020
While I was originally looking forward to Kept Animals, about 45% of the way through, I realized I wasn't interested in or connecting with any of the characters, or even the story. There were a few things that triggered me regarding animal cruelty. And that for me should have been a hard stop, but I did keep reading, because this books is so well written. However, even though I made it all the way through, I still didn't like it.
Kept Animals comes out 4.21.2020.
2.5/5 Stars
Kept Animals comes out 4.21.2020.
2.5/5 Stars
January 30, 2020
Enjoyed the experience of this coming of age novel but the ending was totally jarring. A fantastic main character but fuzzy secondary characters.
March 2, 2020
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest opinion.
While I don't know much about horses, the story was interesting and engaging. The characters were well-rounded, and despite their flaws, it is easy to empathize with and even like most of the characters.
My biggest issue was the pacing. In the beginning, the story was a bit slow-moving, although this resolved itself later in the book. The family dysfunction, tragedy, struggles involving coming to terms with sexuality in high school during the 1990s, and the underlying current of racism and inequality set against a backdrop of impending wildfires made for a powerful and moving story.
While I don't know much about horses, the story was interesting and engaging. The characters were well-rounded, and despite their flaws, it is easy to empathize with and even like most of the characters.
My biggest issue was the pacing. In the beginning, the story was a bit slow-moving, although this resolved itself later in the book. The family dysfunction, tragedy, struggles involving coming to terms with sexuality in high school during the 1990s, and the underlying current of racism and inequality set against a backdrop of impending wildfires made for a powerful and moving story.
March 22, 2020
This book was a slow burn. It's right up my alley (f/f, coming of age, 90s fiction). At first, I felt very removed from Rory, but then, as I read on, I realized how intentional that was. Her daughter Charlie also grew up completely removed. I couldn't see at first the reason for Charlie narrating the novel, but as everything came together, I thought it was brilliant. I highly recommend this one!
August 16, 2021
I won an ARC of this one in a Goodreads giveaway. While the horses were nice, that was about it.
The characters are jerks. The story is convoluted. The timeline's not well done. It's clearly a debut novel and it seems as though this one is being seriously rushed. Either the editor has a *serious* case of pandemic brain, or this thing wasn't edited at all before it was slapped in ARC format and rushed out. Whatever the case, this marketing campaign is circling the drain. Eesh.
The characters are jerks. The story is convoluted. The timeline's not well done. It's clearly a debut novel and it seems as though this one is being seriously rushed. Either the editor has a *serious* case of pandemic brain, or this thing wasn't edited at all before it was slapped in ARC format and rushed out. Whatever the case, this marketing campaign is circling the drain. Eesh.
March 23, 2020
I finished this two weeks ago and still can’t stop thinking about it. I’ll put a full review later but that’s all I’ve got for now
July 29, 2020
The story is interesting, if a bit slow-paced. A loss of innocence and coming-of-age novel, it examines issues of abandonment, family dysfunction, sexual assault, friendships, and sexuality. These heavy topics are woven realistically and skillfully throughout the plot to create a fascinating look at how different acts in the past effect the present and the future.
I also just loved how this story came together in the end. Don’t worry! I won’t give away any spoilers. But this book gives a perfect ending—not an ending that ties everything up with a pretty little bow—but an ending that made so much sense to where this story was headed.
I also just loved how this story came together in the end. Don’t worry! I won’t give away any spoilers. But this book gives a perfect ending—not an ending that ties everything up with a pretty little bow—but an ending that made so much sense to where this story was headed.
April 20, 2020
It's hard to know what to write about this dual time line coming of age story of mothers, daughters, horses, and betrayal except that it's an amazing read. You know going in that there's going to be a horrible fire in 1993 but not why or how. Rory, fifteen at the time, helps her stepfather Gus at the barn and takes photos in her spare time until she was wrapped into the world of rich kids, June, Wade, and Vivian. Her mother Mona is never really present. Vivian lives with her mother Sara and little brother Charlie. When Charlie is killed, Sara takes off and Vivian spins out. In 2015, Rory's daughter is helping Gus with his ranch in Wyoming but she's aching for Rory, now a war photographer. You'll learn something about horses and horsebreeding, as well as the cruelties that can go along. There's a lot of tragedy here and sadness but the novel is beautifully written with incredible characters. You won't like all of them- Wade figures large on that end of things- and you might grow to dislike others as the story proceeds but you will always find them believable. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, A wonderful read - highly recommend.
March 11, 2021
This book doesn't work for me. The writing, while sometimes intriguing and technically skilled, feels distant. There are moments throughout where a character is presented with the actions of others, seems to not feel much of anything in response, then suddenly behaves as though impassioned. I was left feeling unfulfilled and kind of gutted by those scenes. This is especially true for Gus.
Similarly the author frequently will skip the chance to show something happening (when Gus confronts Mona and Hawkeye outside the bar, for example) in favor of having a character casually mention the outcome later.
Also I was annoyed by how this book ends. Sure, trauma can be important in fiction, but this feels like the author wrote trauma in for little more than a dramatic twist. Then she's like, "The two guys who did the Bad Trauma are dead/go to jail for lesser, unrelated crimes so that's fine and neat."
Sidenote: How does 2015 Charlie find out about her mom's past? Gus clearly wouldn't know everything, and I don't think Rory would have explained what happened between her teenage self and the other two girls. Are we meant to believe that Charlie doesn't know it all? She seems too well-versed in the relationships her mom had with Vivian and June for that to be a possibility.
Overall this isn't the book for me. To each their own, I suppose.
Similarly the author frequently will skip the chance to show something happening (when Gus confronts Mona and Hawkeye outside the bar, for example) in favor of having a character casually mention the outcome later.
Also I was annoyed by how this book ends. Sure, trauma can be important in fiction, but this feels like the author wrote trauma in for little more than a dramatic twist. Then she's like, "The two guys who did the Bad Trauma are dead/go to jail for lesser, unrelated crimes so that's fine and neat."
Sidenote: How does 2015 Charlie find out about her mom's past? Gus clearly wouldn't know everything, and I don't think Rory would have explained what happened between her teenage self and the other two girls. Are we meant to believe that Charlie doesn't know it all? She seems too well-versed in the relationships her mom had with Vivian and June for that to be a possibility.
Overall this isn't the book for me. To each their own, I suppose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. Since it is not out yet I cannot quote anything but I want to encourage you to read it!
Set in two time periods- 1993 & 2015, it follows Rory as she navigates a few life changing months in the summer/fall of 1993. It is set around a horse stable that she and her step father work at, and the struggle between social classes, race and sexuality.
You follow how every moment, every decision that you make leads you to where you end up. That there is not set rules for how one should conduct their lives, or feelings. The anguish of the unknown when a brutal accident sets in motion the plot of the book.
I am a character driven reader- and even the ones you do not like were comprised so successfully as complicated beings, that you cannot help but see them as someone to be emphatic to.
I loved this book! I read it in one day! The backdrop of 3 day eventing was an added bonus for this equestrian but it evokes so much emotion and sincerity that you will enjoy the concept of all of us being animals that are kept.
Set in two time periods- 1993 & 2015, it follows Rory as she navigates a few life changing months in the summer/fall of 1993. It is set around a horse stable that she and her step father work at, and the struggle between social classes, race and sexuality.
You follow how every moment, every decision that you make leads you to where you end up. That there is not set rules for how one should conduct their lives, or feelings. The anguish of the unknown when a brutal accident sets in motion the plot of the book.
I am a character driven reader- and even the ones you do not like were comprised so successfully as complicated beings, that you cannot help but see them as someone to be emphatic to.
I loved this book! I read it in one day! The backdrop of 3 day eventing was an added bonus for this equestrian but it evokes so much emotion and sincerity that you will enjoy the concept of all of us being animals that are kept.
August 18, 2021
My Review Of
KEPT ANIMALS
By Author, Kate Milliken
Gifted & Published by {Partner} @Scribner
On Sale: 8/3/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
The Author writes with words that are emotionally resonant to its readers. A coming of age novel where one is finding oneself and learning who they are and differentiating how others view them. Such powerful characters both good and bad, show how a child is raised can effect their emotional well being and feeling of wholeness. The relationships between family, parents and their kids, single parents, friendships and same or opposite sex coupling; really shows the struggle and importance of each relationship. I loved learning about and seeing how the focus on hobbies such as riding horses and photography became an escape and a place where one felt safe and empowered.
It does comes with it’s dark, highly intense and emotional moments that had my heart breaking. It is a phenomenal read and a book that shows how some young adults learn the hard way who they can and cannot trust.
KEPT ANIMALS
By Author, Kate Milliken
Gifted & Published by {Partner} @Scribner
On Sale: 8/3/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
The Author writes with words that are emotionally resonant to its readers. A coming of age novel where one is finding oneself and learning who they are and differentiating how others view them. Such powerful characters both good and bad, show how a child is raised can effect their emotional well being and feeling of wholeness. The relationships between family, parents and their kids, single parents, friendships and same or opposite sex coupling; really shows the struggle and importance of each relationship. I loved learning about and seeing how the focus on hobbies such as riding horses and photography became an escape and a place where one felt safe and empowered.
It does comes with it’s dark, highly intense and emotional moments that had my heart breaking. It is a phenomenal read and a book that shows how some young adults learn the hard way who they can and cannot trust.
May 2, 2020
Glancing over other reviews, I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one confused by character names. I don't know what the issue is! I usually have no problem with much bigger casts, but with this one I felt like I needed a chart. Once I got past that, however, it was a beautiful story with loads of dark, sad stuff. Well worth checking out.
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