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I'm one of those racing fans that the tracks just hate. I love watching the beauty of the horses running, & then I worry about the horses that don't win. I never bet or get into the money or snobbery aspect of racing which is probably why I saw the movie & didn't bother to read the book until recently. I liked the movie, but I purely LOVED the book! It was one of those books that you try to stretch out as long as you can, yet you can't wait to get back to reading, & then miss it like heck when you do finish. For starters, Laura Hillenbrand's writing is remarkable. Even though I thought I knew the story-and there was so much more to it-it still held my attention from the very first page to the last. Her choice of words was particularly descriptive. The train didn't puff into the station; it groaned. In the match race between Seabiscuit & War Admiral, War Admiral "scratched & tore at the track" & Seabiscuit "drove over the track, his forelegs pulling the homestretch under his body & flinging it back behind him." These are perfect action words. Her description of trainer, Tom Smith is pure poetry: "He had a colorless translucence about him that made him seem as if he were in the earliest stages of progressive invisibility." Reading the author's descriptions of the races isn't like watching the race. It is more like viewing it from the back of the horse, & all the excitement is that much more heightened. "Seabiscuit" engages your heart from the start--for the characters & certainly for the horses. And when Red Pollard is severely hurt-which he is again & again, when Seabiscuit is injured at Santa Anita while under George Woolf & later when Woolf is killed, your heart your heart cries. Many times I had to remind myself that these events were unfolding more than 60 years ago because Hillenbrand makes them seem so immediate. Last, but certainly not least, is the inspiration of the story. What was it that made Red Pollard get back on a horse after nearly dying twice. (I do wish she had mentioned what happened to Modern Youth, the horse Red was thrown from in the barn.) Where did they get the stamina to continue? Whenever I think I can't go on, I'll think of these people. Some reviewers say even those who aren't into horse racing will like this book. I'm not sure I agree, but reading this book might just make a racing fan out of you.Read full review
I bought the book "Seabiscuit" for my daughter as a birthday gift. As horse lovers, we enjoyed the movie about Biscuit and his life as a famous racehorse, so I wanted to read the book to get the complete true story. I wasn't disappointed since the author, Laura Hillenbrand, weaves together an amazing story about this horse and its effect on the people around it. The nation came to love Seabiscuit and his ability to overcome the obstacles placed in his path. The highs and lows experienced by man and beast in this story will keep you turning the pages. I recommend this book as "must" reading for anyone who enjoys stories about people or animals who strive to succeed.
Its one of the best reads I've ever had. The story line is excellent and hard to put down!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very good and fast read! Love learning of the history back then and what became of the people and animals involved.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
You don't have to like horses or horseracing to enjoy this book! The stories about the owners, trainers, jockeys and horses is facinating!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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