Rating: 
Summary: More Horse, Less Author
Review: "Horse of a Different Color" shines when it shines the spotlight on Monarchos, winner of the 2000 Kentucky Derby. It sinks when the author looks at himself.Somewhere along the line, an Editor should have warned the author against using a second person narrative style. It just gets annoying after a while. And his dubbing of his wife as "The Dominant Female" is kind of cute at first, but after 300 pages it really grates on the nerves. Cutesy writing has no place in a book for adults.
Rating: 
Summary: A "Thumbs Up" by everyone in our book club
Review: An engrossing account of the biggest and most celebrated horse race in the world and all the challenges which had to be met in getting there. The writing is superb, the story rich and funny and the author's subjects are fascinating and very appealing. Even if you are not a horse enthusiast, you will be enthralled by the narrative of a experienced storyteller.
Many of characters' lives, and the twists and turns of their lives, are skilfully woven into the text. For example, the pitiful beginnings of the great jockey, Jorge Chavez, homeless at the age of ten and rummaging for food in garbage cans. Yes, this book has it all and some of the lessons are told in good humor, some not, and some you have to go back and think about. A highly recommended read.
Rating:
Summary: Great horses, great writing, great wit!
Review: As a lifelong devotee of the horse, and particularly the Thoroughbred, I've read more than a few horse books. Few have delighted me as much as has this treasure by Jim Squires. My only complaint is that it wasn't at least 1000 pages long (and even then I'd probably wish it was longer). What makes this book so delicious is the writer's horse-savvy coupled with his sharp wit and good writing, and obvious love for his horses. More than just telling the tale of how one particular colt brought home the roses, it's about the whole, encompassing experience through the eyes, heart and pen of a knowledgable and articulate person. "Seabiscuit" was excellent and I enjoyed every word. "My Racing Heart" was expressive and also a pleasure to read. "Horse of a Different Color" stands above these, on a par with the unforgettable Joe Palmer and "This Was Racing." It's got a permanent home in my library, as will any future book Squires might write about equines (and I certainly hope he does).
Rating: 
Summary: Ego + Ego+ More Ego= Don't waste your money.
Review: As an avid fan of the sport of horse racing and owner of several race horses I purchased "Horse of a Different Color" eager to glean from it's pages the 'secret' of one who had attained the improbable. Winning the Kentucky Derby is something we all dream about.
Unfortunately, this boorish narrative begins with and maintains the overwhelming self-aggrandizement found in too many people involved in the sport of racing. Upon reaching page 175 I put the book back on my book shelf and have no plans to re-open it.
What could have been a wonderful story about an unlikely champion was, in fact, one man's story about what is clearly his favorite subject: himself. With so many other wonderful books available on the champions of horse racing I would recommend passing on this one to take a chance on any other.
Rating:
Summary: Dissapointing
Review: Don't think for one minute that this is in the same class as Seabiscuit or Colt, both thoroughly entertaining and informative books. Too many totally irelevent references to the dominant female and sometimes quite difficult to follow the chronology of the pedigrees. Informative to some extent, but then, what would you expect from a thoroughly immodest genius breeder.
Rating:
Summary: A very exciting story and fun to read
Review: Having just returned from my first trip to the greatest race of them all, the Kentucky Derby, I purchased Jim Squires' book. Mr. Squires is a wonderful writer with a great story to tell. His tale was as exciting as the Derby! Many emotional elements woven into the fabric of his book will have you laughing on one page and crying on the next. Don't miss out on this one, you will love it from its very beginnings to the thrilling climax.
Rating:
Summary: A very exciting story and fun to read
Review: Having just returned from my first trip to the greatest race of them all, the Kentucky Derby, I purchased Jim Squires' book. Mr. Squires is a wonderful writer with a great story to tell. His tale was as exciting as the Derby! Many emotional elements woven into the fabric of his book will have you laughing on one page and crying on the next. Don't miss out on this one, you will love it from its very beginnings to the thrilling climax.
Rating:
Summary: The author became a Kentucky horse breeder against all odds
Review: Horse and horse racing fans will thrill to Horse Of A Different Color, an account of horse breeding and Derby winners. The author became a Kentucky horse breeder against all odds after he lost his newspaper job in a management shakeup: he used his severance payment to support his passion of breeding horses and his story tells of how a novice with passion enters the world of Kentucky horse trading.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I am not a horseman, but I live in horse country. After considerable urging from my horse friends, I read Jim Squires' book. The story is about horses and people in today's world, and what a fascinating story it is. I imagine after many years as a journalist, he is very adept at keeping the reader, like me, turning page after page, non-stop. This tale is for everyone, not just horse lovers. Usually, it takes me 50 pages to get into a book, not this time! You're off to a quick start, and before you realize it, a thrilling climax. I found myself laughing out loud. His humor is all at his own expense. My wife likened herself to Mr. Squires' spouse, who he refers to as the dominant female. This is a remarkable true story told firsthand by the man who lived it.
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a book
Review: I read this book in 2 days. Of course I knew it was about a Kentucky Derby horse. But I didn't know how much fun was in store for me. A roller coaster ride, hitting on your emotions, would be the best description. One of the best parts for me was just before the big race. The breeder of one of the entries is lucky enough to get a pass into the paddock. He sees the horse he bred totally ignored by everyone, thus fueling his anger. He glances outside the paddock and views some men with watermelon rinds on their heads, wishing he could grab one and put it on his own to cool off. His humor is very reminiscent of Dave Barry's.
The breeding genius, as the author likes to refer to himself, is a first-rate animal caretaker. His relationship with Al, a Jack Russell who happens to be his confidant and financial advisor, tell me volumes about this man. And Monarchos, the central figure in the story and the horse he bred, a source of enormous pride. Once the horse is sold, he gives all credit to the horse's new owners and trainer. I would have preferred he tell more about his daily routine with these animals rather than the business of thoroughbreds.
M.A. is introduced in the beginning of the book and is one of several women in the author's life he obviously respects and admires. She represents a mix of strength, spirituality and tenderness that is found in women everywhere, I like that. A grand book with lots of movie potential.
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