Who Will Buy the Book of Mules?

 Who will want to buy a copy of The Book of Mules: Selecting, Breeding and Caring for Equine Hybrids? It seems to be a book that would have a limited appeal, but after giving it some thought I realize there are many people who will enjoy reading about this animal, designed by human intervention. The mule has been a favorite subject in literature, art and music. Americans have a thing for mules.

Mule enthusiasts and owners are the first demographic one expects to buy The Book of Mules. Add people thinking about getting a mule to the ones who already own the horse and donkey combination. The Book of Mules gives an overview on all things mulish.

The next natural candidates are people whose mules are pictured in the book and people whom I have interviewed for the book. Some of these folks will also buy copies for their friends and relatives.

Nostalgia is the motivation of some of the older folks who will buy The Book of Mules. Folks who either grew up on a farm and had a mule as a workmate, or people who remember mules bringing goods to market. This is especially true in the south where tobacco and cotton farming needed mules to work the fields and carry the harvest into the cities where the markets were located.

People interested in sustainable living and the environment may be considering replacing the tractor with a work animal. In The Book of Mules they will learn that the mule may be more economical to own than a horse. They often require less food, are hardier and can tolerate the summer heat better than most horses. They run on hay, not gasoline, and the manure can be used to fertilize the garden.

The Book of Mules would certainly have something to offer students being introduced to genetics and hybridization. Depending on the type of horse or donkey used in the mating, people can “design” a mule to fit the job needed – miniature mules as pets, draft type mules for work and lots of designs in between. The mule is the perfect example of how we can produce a hybrid to achieve certain goals and improve on the parents. The mule, like the draft horse, also played an important role in developing America. In fact, because of their strength and stamina they are still used in the military today. So it is logical that The Book of Mules can enjoy a spot in the classroom. Teachers may want to buy it for that reason.

Librarians, both public and school, will find The Book of Mules a good addition to their collection. It is printed in full color and will appeal to a wide range of readers, both young and old for all the reasons stated above.

People who like American history will enjoy reading The Book of Mules. They will learn the mule played an important role in the Westward Movement, the military, and agriculture of our country.

The Book of Mules was released in December 2008 by The Lyons Press. It is just getting started and is enjoying a good sales rank on Amazon already. I love getting feedback, so if you have bought a copy let me know. And, please tell me your mule story; I love hearing the stories.