Rating: 
Summary: Nitty gritty, but fun too
Review: For me, the quintessential Seabiscuit book will always be Come On Seabiscuit by Ralph Moody. My aunt gave it to me when I was about 11 and it was a book I read over and over as I grew up. Hillenbrand fills in the cracks in Moody's narrative, giving the reader much more information, but perhaps without the passion. I guess what I am trying to say is that Moody told a great story while Hillenbrand typed out a documentary. Moody's book could be set in almost any time or place, but the facts that Hillenbrand fires at her readers on every page cement Seabiscuit in reality. Hillenbrand also gives lots of information on the people around Seabiscuit, an area in which Moody's book was lacking. Best to read both, and decide for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Sea Biscuit-a winner!
Review: This book was based on actual events and is well written. It held my attention (which can be difficult) for the entire book. I started on the plane to the Bahamas. At one point, I actually sat on the balcony (instead of doing activities) to read.
Rating:
Summary: A STORYTELLER WORTHY OF THE FOURSOME
Review: In the spine-tingling, once-in-a-century legend of Seabiscuit, there were four unique individuals, each splendid in his own right. There was the bluff wheeler-dealing owner, the taciturn trainer who read horses' minds, the jockey who rode rejects into the winners' circle, and of course, there was the great horse himself. But now there comes one more champion into the circle: Laura Hillenbrand, the author of SEABISCUIT: AN AMERICAN LEGEND. She is every bit as remarkable at her craft as each of the others. Many of us regret that we were born too late to see Seabiscuit run; but after reading this book, I feel a little sorry for those born too early to read Hillenbrand's magnificent narrative. From the time of Beowulf to the present, great heroes have understood the importance of the storyteller in keeping their fame alive. Now Seabiscuit and his associates have a bard worthy of their deeds.
Rating:
Summary: Accolations "Affirmed"
Review: All the previous accolades given to this book are well deserved.Thoughts: I found it intriguing that horse racing was so much more popular back in the first half of the 20th Century than the second half. Probably has to do with the horse being a major mode of transportation up until the early 1900's and that more people had firsthand contact with horses. It also seemed that you didn't have to win the Triple Crown (let alone race in those three races) to be a popular horse. Great story and excellent writing! A non-fiction page turner!
Rating:
Summary: Five Stars and Counting
Review: It's hard to determine the true hero of this book. Is it the taciturn trainer, Tom Smith, who took a colt the worlds leading trainer (the still-revered Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons) couldn't truly fathom and turn the reject into a champion racehorse? Is it Charles Howard, the car salesman turned millionaire who devoted so much of his time, money and energy to his beloved horse, never second-guessing his trainer and remaining ever steadfast in every adversity, including the death of his son? Is it Seabiscuit himself, the reluctant claimer who went on to a superstardom that matched or superseded anything later achieved by Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods? Perhaps it is Johnny (Red) Pollard, the jockey who emerged from depths about as low as any human being can go to the winner's circle in America's most prestigious races? All of these would be strong candidates, but my Eclipse Award goes to Laura Hillenbrand, for rising up out of her sickbed often enough and long enough to accomplish something just as miraculous as the feats that Seabiscuit and team pulled off. Take it from someone who spent six years of his life as an observer and worker at backstretches all around this country. I have held jobs from hot walker to trainer, at venues such as Belmont Park, Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Bowie, The Fairgrounds, Monmouth Park, etc. I also had a chance to observe some excellent horsemen for whom I worked, including Frank Whitely, Elliot Burch, Woody Stephens, and others. I had the pleasure to meet and talk with Alfred Vanderbilt, one of the characters in this story, as he was an owner of one of the trainers for whom I groomed horses. I?ve seen most of what the backstretch has to offer, from the lowliest stable-hand at a rickety bullring track in New Mexico, to the richest owner in the world purchasing horses at the Keeneland Yearling Sale. So perhaps I feel myself qualified, though it is hardly necessary, to say that Laura Hillenbrand has written the book I wish I had had the talent and fortitude to write. Her book, more than any other I have ever read, captures life on the backstretch as it is, was, and ever shall be. She has gotten to the essence of horse-racing, capturing perfectly the allure, the dreams, the utter exhilaration and despair that unfolds day in and day out behind the scenes at racetracks the world over. She has done this despite severe physical infirmities that would have stopped us lesser humans in our tracks. Reading this book left me feeling as though I had just won the pick-four at Hollywood Park. Hats off and thrown high into the air to Laura Hillenbrand for an accomplishment that will be next to impossible to match.
Rating:
Summary: Better than fiction!
Review: This was a page-turner like none I've ever experienced. The story was fascinating; the writing was magical. This book enters the "recommend to everyone" section of my library.
Rating:
Summary: A great summer read
Review: This is --surprisingly -- one of the best books I've ever read. I bought this book not because of the subject matter (I couldn't care less about horse racing) but because of the wonderful reviews it had received. It does not disappoint--the character studies of the three men who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are fascinating. Hillenbrand's descriptions of the horse's mannerisms are touching and often hilarious. For a very readable and informative account not only about horse racing (and Hillenbrand's description about the sport make it sound enthralling) but also about the era in which Seabiscuit lived and raced, buy this book. You're in for a great read.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: I have just recommended this book to a friend whose husband is ill. I can't imagine a more inspirational book. For me, it was all about commitment, ambition, and striving to overcome obstacles. I found the book very moving as well as a real page-turner.
Rating:
Summary: A racehorse with an attitude
Review: I found the book to be very entertaining on several levels. First, as a horse lover, Laura Hillenbrand was able to give us an insight into Seabiscuit's personality, from his early ill-tempered days, to his fiercely competetive racing days, and then to his peaceful days of retirement. Second, as a history buff, she does an admirable job of describing life in and about the time of the great depression. Lastly, she did a remarkable job as a suspense writer in decribing the horse's races. Seabuscuit: An American Legend was a fast and enjoyable read. I hope that Hillenbrand will consider exploring my favorite equine hero, Secretariat, in a future book.
Rating:
Summary: An Inspirational Book for All Walks of Life
Review: I highly recommend this book to absolutely anyone - even if you know nothing about horse racing. The book gives detailed background and the story really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book is not only about a horse, but how very three men overcame obstacles in order to achieve their dreams.
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