Rating: 
Summary: Simply stunning...
Review: I began reading Seabiscuit reluctantly and within minutes I was completely hooked. This book achieves something so few do: It absoluetly transports you. I was floating when I read it. The room, the day, the year disappeared. Laura Hillenbrand's writing is fiercely addictive. She truly immerses you in the world of this extraordinary horse and the courageous men who faught for him. It was painful to finish this book. A spell was broken. I am so grateful to Ms. Hillenbrand for taking me on this glorious journey. Seabiscuit is an utter delight!
Rating:
Summary: Seabiscuit Review
Review: Whether you love horses or not, Seabiscuit is a great read. The story is a rivating one, filled with both humor and tragedy, giving a new meaning to the phrase "page turner." Each time one of Seabiscuit's races is described, the reader will find himself or herself at the edge their seat, hoping that Seabiscuit will come out on top. As some of the characters' lives take turns for the worse, it's hard not to hope that everyone will work itself out for them. A reader will definately feel for the characters in Seabiscuit, which makes in a wonderful book.
Laura Hillenbrand, the author, does a wonderful job of developing all of the characters. She manages to summarize their lives and personalities without getting too detailed or off topic. Even Seabiscuit the horse has a personality all his own. Seabiscuit also has pictures of the legendary horse and his people at the beginning of every chapter, which is a nice touch to the book. Overall, Seasbiscuit is a wonderful book and is great for anyone looking for a light-hearted read.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting Tale of Passion, Determination
Review: Talk about riveting. I have read other racing-related books, and none have even come close to "Seabiscuit" in terms of its beautiful writing style and gripping story. Seabiscuit was a true treasure in the racing world, but he was also so much more. He was a horse with a huge heart and a determination that is yet unmatched. Laura Hillenbrand crafts this tale with exquisite care, bringing the reader directly into the stable and onto the track to follow the heroic tale of this special horse. She also succeeds in revealing the horrific nature of a jockey's life, something that has not been illustrated in such a degree before. All in all, this story is truly one of the very best pieces of literature I have ever read. Tears were often in my eyes, and I laughed many a time outloud. You will come to appreciate the very heart of this horse, and it will touch you. You do not have to be a horseracing fanatic nor even a horse lover to enjoy and appreciate this story. Well done, Ms. Hillenbrand, and I cannot wait to read your other stories.
Rating:
Summary: Don't hesitate...
Review: I do not like horses, nor horse racing, but this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. You WILL be cheering, and perhaps crying, for Seabuscuit and his companions before the end. I've also learned something about the times, the 1930's, and am waling away from this book more educated. Thanks you Laura H. for this great book.
Rating:
Summary: from equine underdog to New York Times bestseller
Review: "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" is such a successful book that no customer review can really alter its sales trend. To critique it is almost as pointless as writing a review of "Catcher in the Rye"--whether reviewed favorably or poorly, readers will continue to purchase it. All that I can say is that all of the hype surrounding "Seabiscuit," a horse-racing book that somehow became a bestseller, is justified. A native Marylander, Laura Hillenbrand recently presented this book at a nearby bookseller in Georgetown, a rare appearance made even more remarkable by the fact she suffers from the often misunderstood ailment, chronic fatigue syndrome. Some audience members were amazed by her youthful good looks, which really have nothing to do with her writing ability. At any rate, Hillenbrand recounted how she had poured all of her energy into researching and writing this book with an attention-grabbing narrative style that has you turning pages well into the night. Or in this review, the audio cassette version, narrated by actor Campbell Scott (of "The Spanish Prisoner" fame), which has you making extra long road trips just to keep on listening. It is amazing to think that so many readers who have had nothing to do with horses or horse racing in the past have flocked to this book by the droves. Ms. Hillenbrand has remarkable talent, and in the end she will have you cheering for an underrated, lopsided racehorse you've never met. Now that's something.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Horse and Best Horse Book Ever!
Review: Before I read this book I would not have believed that anyone could make me fall in love with a horse now dead some 55 years. After reading Seabiscuit, I stand corrected - Laura Hillenbrand's compelling, unforgettable, hypnotic novel left me yearning for more after I finished it in less than 48 hours. I wound up feeling like I knew everyone she wrote about - the Howards, Red Pollard, George Woolf, Tom Smith - and above all, that stumpy, ear-waggling, challenge-snorting little horse that ran with all of his heart, right into mine. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read (12 on a scale of 1 to 10), and I have given copies of it to everyone I know as a present. Without exception, they all feel the same way that I do, about the book and the Biscuit. Thank you, Ms. Hillenbrand, for bringing the era, the people, the horse and the excitement to such vivid and thorough life - reading your book was the highlight of my summer, followed closely by a visit to the National Racing Museum in Saratoga Springs, which has a Seabiscuit exhibition up through mid-December. To all who loved the book - try to see it!
Rating:
Summary: Here Comes Seabiscuit!
Review: The story of the racing stallion Seabiscuit, one of the greatest icons from the early part of 20th century America, is both a superbly written historical piece as well as a rich character study of both the horse and his unlikely supporting cast. Simply a brilliant piece of non-fiction.
Rating:
Summary: A Triple Crown Winner
Review: This is an incredibly well-written nonfiction book by a master story teller. What a winning combination! What a way to enjoy history! What a way to reaffirm how much can be accomplished through dedication, shared objectives and "heart." I read on my various plane rides. This was the first time -- ever -- that I had a number of people approach me onboard or in various lounges to share their positive impressions of a bbook. Everyone had their favorite vignettes to share. Everyone loved the book. Everyone loved Seabiscuit. I didn't want the saga to end because I loved every single page and, honestly, I didn't want to read about Seabiscuit's inevitable demise. However, I must say that the final pages were handled with the same gentle spirit and grace as the rest of the book and exemplified the grace of those about whom the book is written.
Rating:
Summary: Five stars aren't enough
Review: I read somewhere between 100-200 books a year, and this has been, hands down, my favorite book so far this year. I can't explain to you how a story about a horse and the people surrounding him can be so compelling - I can only assure you that it is!! During the passages describing races, I actually found myself clutching the book for dear life, heart pounding, waiting with bated breath for the outcome. I devoured it and then cried, sad that it had to end. If only books like Seabiscuit came along more often!
Rating:
Summary: My "book of the year"
Review: I just loved this book, and had trouble putting it down between reads. The author, Laura Hillenbrand, has done a masterful job of research about "The Biscuit" and the men in his life. Her style of tying together the details had me riveted. I laughed, I cried, and with each race that she described I was on the edge of my seat. I didn't want this book to end.
|
