Seabiscuit: An American Legend

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Summary: An American Story If I Ever Heard One
Review: Any American knows that America was built up by underdogs since the Revolution to present day. Even if you don't know anything about Horse Racing,like me, you'll enjoy this book because it's about underdogs. These aren't your normal underdogs either they're the kind that have the worst luck possible. So if your looking for a good American Tale with underdogs, determination, sportsmanship, and a bit of history then this is a must have.

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Summary: One of the best horse stories ever
Review: What a wonderful book. A fascinating look at horseracing and a horse who ran for all he was worth. It's a must read even if you know nothing about horse racing. You cannot help but feel part of the era and you cannot help but love Seabiscuit just like everyone else did during his lifetime.

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Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!!
Review: This book was: outstanding/awesome/terrific/excellent/ wonderful. I would definetly recommend this book to other people. I would probably say to skip over some of the first part (it is separated into 3 sections), because it only talks about the lives of the people who are Seabiscuit's owner, his trainer, and his jockey, and is a little boring. But the second and third parts are TREMENDOUS! I can't wait for the movie!

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Summary: A Breath of Fresh Air
Review: A great new book about a really famous horse from the late 30s, "Seabiscuit." One of the fastest ever, but doesn't show up in the records much because he didn't get trained right and discovered until he was four, so he never had a chance for the Triple Crown races which are limited to three year olds. But he smoked the famous Triple Crown winner War Admiral when War Admiral was at his peak, and set all sorts of speed records that stood for years. They ran him successfully until he was 7, which is sort of an unheard age to still race. In 1938 he got more press than either FDR or Hitler (they were #s two and three, respectively). Great story about the rich owner (he brought cars to SF in 1906) and the crazy jockey. Sort of like "Rocky" only wholesome and true. And lots better. It's got up to No. 2 on the NY Times Nonfiction Bestseller List. Universal Pictures is making the movie. A breath of fresh air.

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Summary: Made the era come alive
Review: Excellent book! It was more than the story of an amazing horse and the fascinating people involved in making him a champion. The author went into detail about the introduction of the automobile in San Francisco (it was an initial failure), the Mexican gambling scene during Prohibition, and more. She really helped to recreate the world that they lived in.

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Summary: I felt like I was at the track!
Review: Wow! I could not put this book down. When I absolutely had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. I was glued to every page. I am familiar with horses and racing, but even a Martian would have a good understanding after reading this book. I felt as though I knew Seabiscuit, Pollard, Howard, and Smith after reading this book. The thrilling way in which Hillenbrand describes the races made me feel like I was at the track. What a read! It will be interesting to see how this translates to a movie. Who will play Seabiscuit and War Admiral??

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Summary: Thoroughly Written Thoroughbred Bio
Review: I heard about this book on NPR and mentioned it to a friend who owns a thoroughbred. Then I heard another review on the radio. The story stuck in my mind. Both my friend and I ended up buying a copy. We both loved the story and are circulating the book to our fathers and various other friends. I highly recommend this book as a Father's Day gift to any Dad who lived through the Depression. I don't usually read nonfiction and I am no fan of horseracing but I was hooked on the story from start to finish. This is the way nonfiction should be written -- with attention to detail and documentation of facts and quotes. The author really made the story come to life in a big way. The hardest part reading it was when I had to stop right in the middle of a big race. There were a couple of days when lunchtime could not come fast enough. I was even tempted to call in sick! The last race was very emotional and I had to explain to coworkers why I was crying over my lunch.

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Summary: Seabiscuit: An American Legen
Review: I could not put this book down. It made me laugh and it made me cry. This is an example of excellent storytelling infusing American History with a story of the ultimate underdog. Don't miss this one!

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Summary: Terrific writing!
Review: The author did a marvelous job of keeping the story fresh and suspenseful and that is not always easy to do with history. Her writing is crisp and her delightful descriptions of people and the times are peppered with a gentle humor. Underlying the whole story of the trainer, the jockey, and the owner is her appreciation of the nobility, competitiveness, and heart of this small, ungainly horse. Thank you for the experience!

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Summary: On the edge of my seat!
Review: Truly a fine biography of perhaps the greatest thoroughbred of all time. I was literally on the edge of my seat cheering Seabuiscuit on in his match with War Admiral. A must read for everyone.