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Summary: an amazingly written account of racing's best
Review: Ruffian was before my time, but the book seemed to drop me into her life and those around her. I came away with a lot of respect for the great horse, and a better understanding of the horseracing world. I highly recommend this book to any horse lovers and history buffs. Don't forget your Kleenex, either.
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Summary: Gone too Soon
Review: Since I was already familiar with Ruffian's story and knew it was going to end in tragedy, the whole time I was reading it, I was afraid to get to the end of the book. I raced through the first three-quarters of the book and then started reading really slowly because I knew I was going to be bawling my eyes out. Needless to say, that is exactly what I did. I read the last chapter through tears and sobs but I would not have had it any other way. Rather than a cold, sterile narration of how the events unfolded (like many articles do), the author managed to convey it in such a heartfelt manner which elicits a whole range of emotions - profound sadness, horror, grief and yes, anger that Ruffian had to go down like that, her last moments filled with pain, panic and fear. I can only imagine how broken hearted her inner circle must have been. Legions of fans aside, my heart ached for those people who took care of her and knew her. To have her so cruelly snatched from them in a split second which changed everything. Ruffian, after all, was just a baby. She was supposed to have years ahead of her. She was supposed to be able to enjoy her retirement. She was supposed to have it all.This book is beautifully written filled with very personal details of Ruffian's family and is a fitting tribute to the great filly. If you are a fan of horse racing, this is a must-have book. And even if you are not, it provides great insight into the arduous journey these magnificent horses make, culminating in their appearance at the race track. Understandably, since they are bred to run, every effort is directed towards that goal. Make no mistake, the triumphs and glory of horseracing has a dark side and the author does offer us a fleeting glimpse into that world. It is truly a testament of the beauty, heartbreak and fragility of horseracing.
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Summary: The greatest racing book I've ever read!
Review: The author did a fantastic job doing this book. You get to know Ruffian, her personality, and the people around her who knew and loved her the most. Ruffian was perfect; she was a queen. The book gave you chills as you read about her races--which were accurately written and exciting! The match race made you cry, especially knowing that there was nothing you could do to change the ending of the book. Rest in peace, Ruffian. You deserve it.
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Summary: The Immortal Ruffian NEVER Headed !
Review: The story of Ruffian was one of great courage and triumph. Jane Schwartz did a wonderful job inher book highlighting the wonderful moments of what could be called the greates filly of all time. Ruffian ran her heart out and she was NEVER headed, no one ever got in front of Ruffian. This is a great historical reference and a wonderful book. Be forewarned if you cry easily, or would be troubled from a tragic ending. Ruffian was the best but her last race cost her everything. This book is a must have in your collection. Best Regards to all, MC - TheStickRules.Com
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Summary: I re-lived the exultation and the despair of Ruffian's life
Review: The wonderful books of Walter Farley hooked me on thoroughbred racing when I was a young girl. When I grew up, I used my Farley-gained knowledge to follow big-time racing in the real world. I was knowledgeable enough to know how special Ruffian was when the spectacular filly took the racing world by storm in 1974. The following year only added to her legend. As I devoured Ms. Schwartz's riveting account of Ruffian's life -- and death -- I was transported back more than two decades. This book evokes the excitement of the times, and all the memories I had buried deep in my mind poured back. I let myself remember how glorious Ruffian was and how I, along with millions of others, "raced" vicariously through her exploits. As the noble filly's final race approached, I found myself wondering if I would be able to finish reading the book. Reading the account of the race and its aftermath was as gut-wrenching as I feared it would be. I asked myself, "WHY am I doing this to myself?" I wished I'd never started the book, because once started, it had to be finished. But Ms. Schwartz has figured out how to put a fitting, uplifting end to this tragic and triumphant saga. The tears I shed revisiting Ruffian's story were worth it. I take from this book the inspiration of Ruffian's strength, determination, and spirit.
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Summary: This book is Burning From the Start!!!!
Review: This book is great! It starts out amazing and you want to keep reading the whole book! You get sucked into the world of Ruffian!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This book is sooo good. I started crying at the end! Ruffian is amazing! I recommend this book to all fans of Horse Racing!
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Summary: I LOVED IT!!!
Review: This book was spectacular. It helped you really get to know the filly. I couldn't beleive her determination. She loved to run died doing it. I felt proud when she won her races and cried when she had to be put down. I'll never forget her.
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Summary: RUFFIAN, A LOVE STORY
Review: This is a "MUST HAVE" book. A real page turner even for the non-horse lover. The "author" takes you in to the world of race horses, owner's, trainer's, jockey's and the behind the scene's workers to include the pace ponies and the good and bad. Be sure to keep the kleenex box close by.
I have ordered another book for my mother, rather than give her mine. On her 72nd birthday (3 years ago) she was inducted into the "Tennessee Walker" hall of fame, although she no longer shows, she is still an avid horse lover and takes part in annual trail rides. She will love this book as much as I did.
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Summary: A compelling and heartbreaking book
Review: This is a brilliant book - a must-read if you love horses, but definitely worth reading even if you have no connection to horses or racing. Very well researched, full of illuminating facts, but it reads like fiction. Very moving!
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