Rating: 
Summary: Great Book, Great Movie
Review: Fantastic Book, what a story, great for horse lovers, history buffs, and anyone that enjoys a wonderful story.
Rating: 
Summary: If I Didn't Know that it Was a True Story. . .
Review: . . . I would have disliked the book due to its complete implausibility. This is a generally solid telling of a fascinating piece of American sporting history. It also provides a lot of interesting detail into how the sport works, suitable for all levels of interest/knowledge in thoroughbred racing. In the early pages of the book, Hillenbrand draws up a wonderful snapshot of America at the turn of the 20th century and does a great job of conveying how society shaped the characters and drove the story. For example, the retelling of the early hatred of the automobile are not only interesting and humorous, but also critical to the development of Charles Howard as a character. Unfortunately, this level of attention to the world around the main characters falls away midway through the book. Instead of factual listings of every scratch that Seabiscuit ever had because of muddy track conditions, I would rather have had more information on how and why the Depression-era populace came to adore this horse as a national celebrity. Nevertheless, once you muddle past the slow middle of the book, you're in for a treat. I wasn't able to put it down as it recapped the climax and conclusion of this amazing horse's career.
Rating:
Summary: A wonder
Review: I am not one who takes much stock in the Best Seller list. A few weeks ago, I read a piece by Ms. Hillenbrand in the New Yorker magazine. Her name was somewhat familiar and the piece that she wrote was one of the most haunting I have read. If you have not read this piece, which traces her unusual, debilitating disease, it will give you even more insight to this extraordinary author. That she was able to write this book at all is a wonder. Way at the end of the article, she mentions that she is the author of Seabiscuit.
I picked up the paparback the next day at the airport and read it wire to wire, finishing it at home, hugged up close to my big yellow lab. My heart was in my throat and breaking at the same time if such a thing can happen. Seabiscuit is the most exquisite book I have read in years. My daughter is amazed that I am so rapt about this book because I am so picky about books and an author myself. I finished the book a week ago and it continues to resonate. Pictures continue to pop up in my mind. The research was exhaustive and is perfectly documented, the flow is nonstop, and the writing -- natural, as if there was no effort involved whatsoever. The reality of her situation belies the seemingly effortless writing. Laura, wherever you are, thank you. SJS
Rating:
Summary: Merits the Hype
Review: When this book was first published, I heard all the great reviews, but not being a horseracing fan, I thought, " How interesting could a book about a horse be?" Well, it meets and exceeds all the hype you've heard about it! If the movie is even HALF as good as this book, RUN, do not walk, to see it! I literally inhaled this book over 2 days, and was completely taken in and enthralled by the story of this improbable champion and the men who believed in him, and brought out the best in him. The meticulous research and documentation by the author is seamlessly converted into a "you are there" story...this will be a book you cannot put down!
Rating:
Summary: Worth More Than 5 Stars!
Review: I loved this book a great read! I can't not wait until I see the movie. My husband is a huge horse racing fan, when he goes to the horse races and bet I would bring my book along, my favorite jockey is Gary Steven's, When I found out he was going to play the part of George Woolf I couldn't have been more happier. Reading this book makes you feel like you were right there in the 30's and cheering for Seabiscuit.
Happy Reading Lisa
Rating:
Summary: True Story that changed a nation
Review: Seabiscuit is the ultimate American story. He captures the what America is all about. To keep trying and to beeat the odds. The legend was made possible when 4 unlikely people joined up to create an unbeatable team. Seabiscuit was the 1500 dollar claimer that ran like a duck and showed no promise because of the lazy/stubborn streak in him. Tom Smith was the washed up trainer that saw passed the little horses exterior and saw the heart and courage he posessed. Red Pollard is the jockey who was blind in one eye and just about washed up when Tom Smith found him and signed him on. Charles Howard was the owner who made his fortune in cars but whose heart was in horses.
Together this team beat all odds and rose above to win the most prestigious races in the country. Seabiscuit became and american icon. This book is one that is impossible to put down and really makes has you rooting for the little horse with the big heart.
Rating:
Summary: Great work
Review: What a great work of non-fiction! I first thought this was just some over-hyped movie: over-hyped director, over-hyped crew, and that the storyline would be bad. How wrong was I! This book captivated me from start to finish. I am amazed to learn what life as a jockey as like. What they do to their bodies, all for very little recognition, is unbelievable (and not quite healthy, mind you). I like how the authors weaves historical details throughout this book, and the fact that this book takes place during the depression is of key importance. It is also a very uplifting story: what can happen when you really set out to accomplish something. Another great work of non-fiction that I enjoyed - at least if you're a guy - is Make Every Girl Want You by steve reil.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating.....
Review: This is wonderfully told and captivates you from beginning to end. The story of this spirited horse and those who surrounded him. I usually do not read non-fiction so this was unusual for me to pick up but I was determined to read it before the movie came out. It was especially interesting about the lives of jockeys and the lives of the three men who meant so much to Seabiscuit---Howard, Smith and Pollard. I highly recommend this to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: its a book?
Review: Oh man, Can you say greatest movie ever!!! I didnt even know it was a book. My favorite part was when spider man started to shot webs at the other horses. The end it great when he's like talkin about how his horse is to small and he's to dumb or somthing. go see this now!!!
Rating:
Summary: fantastic read
Review: Seabiscuit, along with The DaVinci Code are my favorite books that I've read in the last year or so. The story of three different men who've all endured their own pitfalls, and how they come together around a runt of a horse is quite endearing. The author has carefully researched the three principal protagonists and their stories to create the sensation that you've been transported to Depression-era America. The magnitude of stardom that this horse enjoyed is unparralleled in todays world, and is something very much worth reading about. Read this book before seeing the movie.
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