Lean On Pete by Willy Vlautin

Set against the backdrop of the American West, this poignant coming-of-age story follows a fifteen-year-old boy named Charley Thompson as he embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery. After moving to Portland with his neglectful father, Charley finds solace in a rundown racetrack where he befriends a worn-out racehorse named Lean on Pete. When circumstances take a tragic turn, Charley is left to navigate a harsh and unforgiving world, relying on his resilience and the unlikely companionship of the horse. Through his quest for belonging and a place to call home, Charley's tale explores themes of loneliness, hope, and the enduring human spirit.