URGENT: Severe drought conditions in the southern U.S. have led to a critical hay shortage and loss of pasture. Horses are starving, being slaughtered, or simply set loose. YOU CAN HELP. Click here to donate to the Fairfield Equine Foundation's hay drive, which Sara co-founded. (See Critters in Need to learn more.)

Sara Gruen is the New York Times #1 bestselling author of Riding Lessons, Flying Changes, and Water for Elephants. She is hard at work on her next novel, Ape House, which will hit bookstores in October 2008.

Readers of Riding Lessons or Flying Changes may wonder whether brindled horses really exist. They do, and they're spectacular! Click here for more.

Hey Book Clubs! Interested in Water for Elephants for your next book club pick? Click here for a great discussion guide.