In her book "Half Broke Horses," Jeannette Walls details the life of her grandmother, depicting her resilience and adventurous spirit. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the narrative follows the challenges and experiences that shaped her life, including dealing with the harsh realities of rural living and raising a family in unpredictable circumstances.

The story emphasizes a connection to nature, particularly weather phenomena, as Walls conveys how her family would track storms and embrace the changes they brought. This affinity for the weather symbolizes their love for life’s unpredictability and the excitement of living on the edge of nature’s whims.