Seabiscuit

Rating:
Summary: The Legend Lives
Review: I read Seabiscuit: An American Legend and found it very thorough and a wonderful piece of history about a time when horse racing played a very different role in American sports than it does today. As a child I'd read Moody's Come On Seabiscuit and loved it (still have my copy), and this book, though more scholarly in nature, cites that book often. Just as Hillenbrand's cover picture shows more of the people than of the horse, so does her text extensively pursue the humans involved as well as the spirit of this great horse. She retells some stories from earlier books and articles, in many cases adding more details, frequently insights from eyewitnesses. It's interesting that some phrases appear here as in other racing books. I don't know who first wrote that when a fast horse had a good workout "the trees swayed" - the first time I remember seeing it was when Red Smith wrote about Majestic Prince's sire, Raise a Native, and I think the whole phrase may have been "the trees on the backstretch swayed" - it certainly sounds like something Smith could create - a tremendous image that appears again here describing another horse. Seabiscuit's story is a great one of spirit and persistence and more than a little bit of luck, and, in the end, despite all the problems along the way, his luck was good and history was made.

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Summary: My favorite book of the year
Review: I bought 'Seabiscuit' as a gift for my dad, not having read it myself. A racing fan, he read the book in two sittings and convinced me to read it. I can say with confidence that 'Seabiscuit' is the most engaging non-fiction book I have read in many years. It is compelling for a number of reasons, but mainly because of the confluence of personalities and how each of the principles seemed fated to meet and change the others' destinies. What I mean is that how fortunate Howard was to buy this smallish, odd horse; how Smith somehow arrived at the right time, and to be the only trainer capable of seeing Seabiscuit's true potential; and Pollard as well, who becomes a tragic figure despite his glorious victories on this magnificent horse. The author summons the mystery of horses, and how racing actually allows them to make use of their primal urges. I came to understand racing not as a brutal sport but a sublime competition of intelligent and superbly trained creatures. This was not always the case, but the mystical impulse to run is conveyed brilliantly by Hillenbrand - finally I understand why some people adore horses the way they do. Finally, 'Seabiscuit' is great storytelling, suspenseful right up to the end. You'll no doubt be cheering Seabiscuit along on all his rides, while the human drama behind the races pulls on your emotions. I know I really love a book when I slow down my reading, not wanting it to end while also looking forward to getting home from work to keep reading. I can only express admiration for the author, this story, and this horse.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Awesome!
Review: Ms. Hillenbrand, I cannot thank you enough for this book! An absolutely marvelous read, and a book that kept me entranced and on the edge of my seat rooting for "the little horse that could". The attention to detail is incredible--this book is not just about horses, but also about life during the depression, and Ms. Hillenbrand has dug deep to offer us a very complete, factual, and interesting history of "the Biscuit". Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Rating:
Summary: A Piece of American History ... An Entertaining Read
Review: To be able to read history with the comfort and entertainment value of reading a novel is a true plus! Captivating and beautifully written. Thank you Laura Hillenbrand!

Karen Yoder, co-author "The Heart Behind the Hero"

Rating:
Summary: In the Winner's Circle.....
Review: This book is for anyone who has ever lost at anything, and that means everyone. You'll cry, you'll cheer, and then you'll do it again. This book wins, going away! Thank you, Ms. Hillenbrand.

Rating:
Summary: MARVELOUS STORY OF ANOTHER PLACE IN TIME
Review: Laura Hillenbrand's capture of the life and times of Seabiscuit are without hesitation, excellent and wonderful. I felt as if I was at the track more than once. The book ended with but one regret: That I had not experienced life during the days of the magnificent Seabiscuit!

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Summary: I Remember Seabiscuit
Review: Perhaps I am one of the few readers who remembers clearly when Seabiscuit was racing. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on about animals and particularly horses. Man O' War was a favorite of mine, and War Admiral, Seabiscuit and Man O' War's many other progeny were household names. I still read everything I can that relates to horses, both fiction and non-fiction. I'm always interested, although frequently disappointed, as I was in the highly touted "Horse Whisperer".

Laura Hillenbrand's book exceeds most other horse-related books I've read. She writes extraordinarily well in a style which never bogs down in the wealth of information she handles and is never intrusive, overblown or irritating to the reader. This book is truly one I couldn't put down, and in fact I couldn't bear to have it end and read with fascination every single one of the wealth of footnotes she included.

I confess to being a "horse person", but I don't need to recommend this book to horse people, who will discover it themselves. I specifically recommend it to my friends who couldn't care less about horses or racing but who love a good story, good writing and an author who has done her research, knows her subject and can introduce you to a unique world of fascinating and dedicated people who truly love their work.

Rating:
Summary: It almost made me wish I was around to see him
Review: I just finished reading Seabiscuit An American Legend--it blew me away!!! I wish I had been lucky enough to see this brave little horse run--Ms Hillenbrand has written an absolutely fascinating book bringing Seabiscuit and his Team back to life. I found it hard to put the book down and felt my heart pounding as I read about the match race between War Admiral and The Biscuit. It is all to rare to see a biography that reads like a good novel but Ms Hillenbrand has accomplished just that. Buy and read Seabiscuit--its a sure bet.

Rating:
Summary: Thorough-read Book
Review: I admit I know little about thoroughbred racing. My lack of knowledge didn't keep me from enjoying this extremely well-written and engaging book. Laura Hillenbrand has done an exceptional job bringing the racing world of the 30s to life. I was swept up in the drama and emotion, and loved every minute of the narrative. I was fascinated by Hillenbrand's insight that as cowboys lost work on the plains, they found work in racing stables. Ultimately, it's all about the horses and she truly brings Seabiscuit to life. Congratulations to Laura Hillenbrand.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, but hard to find
Review: I purchased this book out of town on my sister's highest recommendation (she reads everything). I can't wait to pick it up whenI get home. It's so much more than a book about a horse. The characters are so interesting,and it's exciting every time a race starts. I'm one third through and purposely reading slowly. I do want to know why it's #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers Non-Fiction....