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Seabiscuit: An American Legend

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 48,180 ratings · 2,088 reviews

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Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest newsmaker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail. Three men...more

Paperback, 448 pages

Published March 26th 2002 by Ballantine Books (first published 2001)

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Sep 09, 2011 Stephanie "Jedigal" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Nonfiction haters, Everyone!

Shelves: nonfiction, with-em

Prior to November 2003, non-fiction only entered my reading choices on sporadic occasions. In November 2003, a pioneering member of my book club was the first to choose a non-fiction book instead of a novel. That book was Seabiscuit.

Even though I have always loved horses, I had avoided reading Seabiscuit. I just couldn't believe that all the hype was real. So many times I had picked up a non-fiction book on a topic that I was really curious about, and either put it down unfinished or forced mys...more Prior to November 2003, non-fiction only entered my reading choices on sporadic occasions. In November 2003, a pioneering member of my book club was the first to choose a non-fiction book instead of a novel. That book was Seabiscuit.

Even though I have always loved horses, I had avoided reading Seabiscuit. I just couldn't believe that all the hype was real. So many times I had picked up a non-fiction book on a topic that I was really curious about, and either put it down unfinished or forced myself to slog through it. Despite my interest in the subject matter, the writing would drive me crazy - too technical, too boring, too text-book like. In fact, as one of those over-achieving students who always completed college reading assignments, I would have to say that many textbooks were actually better reads than the average non-fiction offering on store shelves.

Seabiscuit, I was happy to find, was a complete surprise. The hype was real. No wonder it had sold so many copies. It really does read like a novel, and yet it is so deep - Ms. Hillenbrand has really explored her topic thoroughly and passes on all the details to us. There is a section where she describes the jockeys' experience of riding in a race that is one of the best pieces of prose I have ever, and will ever, read. I read it over and over. It's so visceral, she really puts you in the saddle, plus the prose is beautiful in and of itself. Another reason for the success of this novel is her success at placing the events in their historical context. She not only puts you in the saddle, she takes you back in time.

This was one of the universally best-received choices we've read in book club. Everyone loved it, whether or not they cared at all about horses or sports. And ever since then, I've given non-fiction more chances, and with better luck, than ever before. Sometimes I still put one down unfinished, but now that I know how they can be, I try more often.

I highly recommend Seabiscuit to any of the following people:
anyone who has the slightest interest in horses or sports,
anyone who thinks jockeys have an easy job,
anyone interested in American history,
anyone with no interest in horses who just loves good writing,
anyone who thinks non-fiction is dull and would welcome a surprise,
and EVERYONE ELSE! :o)

==========================
Update, 2011
Just finished reading for the second time, this time aloud. Still LOVE this book. And while reading aloud (which really makes you take your time!) I was powerfully struck again by the Ms. Hillenbrand's facility with language - to say she has "a way with words" is entirely inadequate to express the beauty and expressiveness of her writing. But although beautiful, please don't think her writing might be too "prosy" - it is NOT unnecessarily flowery or overbearing. Seabiscuit is simply a fabulous read. (less)

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Dec 10, 2008 Atishay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A true inspirational story about broken hearts and lost souls, the golden thread that holds them together and yes.. belief. Belief in oneself.
A horse, trained to lose right from its birth. Lose so that others can look good when they win. Lose, so that when they win, they can look back and see others way behind. A horse, which has learned to live with pain and humiliation. A horse, which is angry. It is this horse that catches the eye of Tom Smith, a veteran horse trainer employed under Charles...more

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Nov 25, 2007 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone interested in horses

This was, truly, "fast-paced non-fiction." This book galloped along with all the speed of the horse it followed, which I find rare for books that simply relate a true story. Hillenbrand did a fantastic job giving a straightforward account of the history and background of Seabiscuit and the people around him, yet not once did she stoop to sounding like a pedantic authority on the subject. This book had all the tone and pace of great novels I've read, but it was so interesting to keep reminding my...more

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Aug 08, 2007 Silvercharmer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone. You don't have to know anything about horse racing.

Shelves: horse-racing

I'm jealous of this woman, because she writes better than I do. I've always been a little snobby towards Seabiscuit, as I'm a devoted War Admiral fan, but this is probably the best book out there that really captures the essence of horse racing, and she picked the right horse to do it with.

This story is not just about Seabiscuit. It's also about humanity, and most importantly (to me), racing itself, as it was in the 1930s. You will be astonished at what you learn from this book, from the incredi...more

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Jan 14, 2008 Christie Hall rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-pleasure-reading, history

okay, so can I admit that I was weeping at the open of this book? I know, it is stupid. I love animals, and horses in particular, way too much. However, this book was opened so powerfully, I don't know if I can blame my love of animals for my tears this time around. Very well written for pleasure reading and captures the fanfare that was really a part of this horse.

I let my grandmother tell me the whole story of how the world was divided as much by the rivalries between fans of Seabiscuit and fa...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Devlin Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is not to revere SeaBiscuit, he doesn’t need me to expound upon his virtues, he’s already won the honors of the greatest racehorse in history and you would be a fool not to read this book and enjoy the ride; this review is to honor the author Laura Hillenbrand. Never have I seen such passion go into the description of a horse race. But, you decide for yourself…here’s an excerpt from the book:

SPOILER BELOW

(view spoiler)...more This review is not to revere SeaBiscuit, he doesn’t need me to expound upon his virtues, he’s already won the honors of the greatest racehorse in history and you would be a fool not to read this book and enjoy the ride; this review is to honor the author Laura Hillenbrand. Never have I seen such passion go into the description of a horse race. But, you decide for yourself…here’s an excerpt from the book:

SPOILER BELOW

(view spoiler)

Need to see who won…read the book!

After reading that account can you honestly lie to yourself and not race to your local book store to read this history…the history of the most loved and worshiped horse in all the world? I promise you will find your heart thoroughly invested in this horse and his family’s lives.

Laura did an excellent job!

Devlin
(less)

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Mar 26, 2012 Charlotte rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was a step outside of what I would normally expect to read. While I grew up with horses, horse racing has never particularly appealed to me. However, I had read a review of this book some time ago, and it was highly recommended, so I decided to give it a try. Its setting in the 1930's, a time my parents have often spoke of, appealed to me and I enjoyed learning more of this era from a different perspective. While I could have done with a less thorough account about the life of jockeys,...more

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Jun 27, 2011 JG (The Introverted Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to JG (The Introverted Reader) by: Pat

Shelves: own, non-fiction, 4_stars, animals, author_american, on_the_screen, read_in_2011, setting_us, loaned

Seabiscuit. An American Legend. I think the only reason I even know the horse's name is because of the movie they filmed a few years ago. I'm obviously not a horse-racing fan, right?

I don't even remember why I grabbed this at a library book sale. A friend here on GR must have given it a good review. But I am so glad I read this.

I've gotten much better about reading non-fiction over the past six months, but I was amazed at what a page-turner this was for me. I've been reading non-fiction before...more Seabiscuit. An American Legend. I think the only reason I even know the horse's name is because of the movie they filmed a few years ago. I'm obviously not a horse-racing fan, right?

I don't even remember why I grabbed this at a library book sale. A friend here on GR must have given it a good review. But I am so glad I read this.

I've gotten much better about reading non-fiction over the past six months, but I was amazed at what a page-turner this was for me. I've been reading non-fiction before bed, thinking that would be a good time to squeeze it in because I wouldn't have to worry too much about getting caught up in the story and staying up all night. Bad move with this book. I was doing the "one more chapter" thing quite a bit.

It was just a perfect mix of an underdog story and excellent writing. Hillenbrand has a gift for putting you right into the action. Not knowing if Seabiscuit was going to win or lose any given race, my stomach would knot up and I would start reading faster as he came out of the gates. I was worried about injuries. I was furious with jockeys whom I thought were cheating. My heart pounded as Seabiscuit came down the home stretch and I read ahead to find out if he pulled it off this time. What the heck has happened to me?!? Where did the woman who thought "Non-fiction is boring" go?

This horse and his team are truly all-American legends. It seems that we love underdog stories and Seabiscuit, owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard were all underdogs at some point. Reading about their struggles and triumphs and, yes, even failures, was inspiring. If they can pull off something like this, why can't you or I?

I loved reading about Tom Smith's unending feud with the press. I worried over Pollard, the injury-prone, Shakespeare-quoting jockey. Seabiscuit's quirks amused me to no end--unless he was messing around with another horse as the finish line approached. Then I just wanted to yell at him, "Stop horsing around! Just finish the race!" (Sorry. I couldn't resist.)

Now that I've finished it, I've caught myself spouting off some random Seabiscuit trivia to my husband. "Oh, did you know that Seabiscuit hated to run on mud?" The Belmont Stakes was on tv. The track looked muddy. It seemed relevant. There was more, but I'll keep my own quirks to myself.

The whole match race thing with War Admiral had me a nervous wreck! I just watched the real race on YouTube and, wow! It gave me goosebumps! It was funny to see Seabiscuit's awkward stride after reading so much about it and to know about all the prep work and psychology that went into that race.

I just loved this book, and I can't say enough about it. So before I end up giving you a page-by-page summary and my reactions, just do us both a favor and go read it.(less)

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Sep 19, 2008 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Book Clubs, great discussion book

What an amazing story! I only regret that I didn't live in the time of Seabiscuit's glory! I fell in love with this horse! I have recently taken riding lessons (English)and this story was more meaningful because of the little experience I have had with horses. I have always loved this animal since my youth so reading a "horse" book sounded like fun. Being a true story made it a remarkable read! I liked the way it was written (by someone who knows horses inside and out). Very beautiful and descri...more

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Sep 05, 2008 Panther rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Dell

Shelves: top-5-2008

I just started this book. On page one of the prologue, I had the chilling and paranoid feeling that I had better not read it yet because it was going to be one of the best horse books I could ever read (and now that I've read Horse Heaven, after this book, all horse books must only be downhill, it seems to me right now), and about the very best horse who has ever lived. So I should save it, HOARD it, like a hamster, put off the pleasure and savour its expectation.

However, I am still reading it.

A...more I just started this book. On page one of the prologue, I had the chilling and paranoid feeling that I had better not read it yet because it was going to be one of the best horse books I could ever read (and now that I've read Horse Heaven, after this book, all horse books must only be downhill, it seems to me right now), and about the very best horse who has ever lived. So I should save it, HOARD it, like a hamster, put off the pleasure and savour its expectation.

However, I am still reading it.

Also, a full-fledged fantasy came into being for me around page ten, when I was reading about the brilliant young automobile magnate who would one day own Seabiscuit. This fantasy was actually conceived, I think, while reading one of these new reader-book-club-guide-author-P.S-things that are so in vogue now, at the end of the book I finished yesterday, The All True Travels and Adventures of Lydie Newton. TATTAAOLN, by the same author as Horse Heaven, was written before it, but has a couple horses in it, so it was like one could see how Jane Smiley must have loved writing those few little horse scenes, and even a page-long horse race, in the earlier book and then that launched her into Horse Heaven, which I imagine to have been written in a state of horsey ecstasy. Anyway, in the PS, she talks about how important it is to her to live in the present as much as possible - appreciate the joy in writing, in her children and in her horses. And she talks about how being around horses necessitates being absolutely in the present moment because they are physically dangerous animals.

I guess that all sat in my mind and then while sitting on this shaded, flowery veranda today, reading about this businessman who was buying himself a ranch and who was soon going to care about horses and horse-racing, I suddenly thought, "I want to own horses!" That's all. That's my fantasy. I have never ever had it before. I am not a horsewoman but maybe inside I am, and I just don't know it yet. Also, in this fantasy, I have a pet crow.(less)

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Aug 10, 2007 JZ Temple rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone who wants an interesting read about a less than familar subject

Shelves: history

Seabiscuit is an excellent example of how interesting non-fiction can be. For those who braved to the end of the book and checked out the notes section, there are references to all sorts of items that one might suspect the author created out of thin air. I remember at one point the author mentions one character, on a particular day, wearing a certain hat and waving it, but a quick check to the notes revealed a magazine article where a writer had described the character in question's habit of wea...more

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Jun 23, 2008 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of my favorite non-fiction books. I read it after I saw the movie, which I also really like, but the book is so much better. Like with every book adapted for a movie, so much is left out.
Seabiscuit is about one of the most famous American racehorses, who ran during the 1930's. He was a symbol of hope for many. In addition, it tells the amazing stories of his jockey, his trainer, and his owner, all of whom represent a type of person who has essentially died out in our times. Hillenbra...more

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Jan 21, 2008 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

I wouldn't give away this book for love nor money.
Seabiscuit became a hero of mine through Ms. Hildebrand's eyes.

Seabiscuit was a race horse down on his luck until a group of men, also going through hard times saw his potential and made him and star--and themselves in the process. And not only for them is Seabiscuit an icon but for a generation of Americans who were also hard on their luck because of the depression. Each man who had an interest in Seabiscuit from owner, Charles Howard, Trainer...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Ray Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012

Really nice surprise. I'm not a betting person nor interested in horses. I was also under the impression this was a novel on which the movie was based. I was wrong. This is a straight history. It begins at the turn of the century and paints a vivid picture of the world at the time. From the San Fransisco Earthquake to the Great Depression, Hillenbrand draws a line and tells not merely the story of a great racing horse, but expresses the meaning of him life in the context of his times. Not at all...more

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May 20, 2008 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loved-it

So....I'm one of those people that doesn't like "hype" around books and I wait to read it after all the hype dies down.

I wish I would have read this when it was "hot". What a passionate entertaining non-fictional book. It gives a glimpse into the world of racing in the 1930's, and tells the story of how this horse came from no where to be one of the greatest racers of all times.

The author is brilliantly gifted in being able to place you back in time into the world of horseracing, and jockeys, an...more

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Sep 13, 2008 Kellie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2006-reads, non-fiction

Wow Wow Wow Wow. What a book. This is a great story of Seabiscuit and the men that played the role in making him one of the best racers in history. Charles Howard, the owner, Tom Smith, the trainer and Red Pollard the jockey and Henry Woolf, the other jockey who filled in for Pollard when he was hurt. The story was very well told. It starts out with the history of the each of the 3 men. And then the story begins. Sometimes, when there are so many characters mentioned in a book, it is hard to kee...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Lorraine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

I am looking forward to listening to another Hillenbrand book because she has the knack of incorporating a mammoth amount of research into a context-rich, fascinating and easy to follow yarn.

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Apr 07, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bookmooch, mtbr-challenge-2012, non-fiction, memoir-biography, america, history, read-2012, 3ms, animals

Just arrived from USA through BM.

Since I absolutely loved Unbroken, I decided to read LH's famous book after have watched the movie based on this book a long time ago.

The main characters, Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are entwined into Seabiscuit's career and the book shows how his life changed their own lives forever.

Even if it's a non-fiction book, Hillenbrand knows how to give a true fictional character to the narrative itself, putting her own heart on it.

I am looking forward for...more

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Feb 13, 2009 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2003, audio_books, driving_to_work_books, non-fiction

I checked this out just after the movie came out. I didn't really want to see the movie (and still haven't seen the movie) because I thought it would be too weepy. And yet the story intrigued me enough that I wanted to hear it so I checked out the audio book and gave it a listen. It's a great story. It has all the components a person could want - the underdog, crappy economy, a hero, injury, hope....

And I am actually glad I listened to it on Audio book rather than reading it. It was story hour...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Prowisorio rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Louie vond het heerlijk om grenzen te overschrijden; hij was niet te temmen. En naarmate hij slimmer en geraffineerder werd, nam hij al snel geen genoegen meer met waaghalzerij. De schrik van Torrance was een feit."

In sommige opzichten doet De Zamperini legende van Laura Hillenbrand denken aan De 100-jarige man die uit het raam klom en verdween van Jonas Jonasson. Het grootste verschil is dat Louie Zamperini in tegenstelling tot Allan Karlsson, de 100-jarige hoofdpersoon van Jonas Jonasson, ech...more "Louie vond het heerlijk om grenzen te overschrijden; hij was niet te temmen. En naarmate hij slimmer en geraffineerder werd, nam hij al snel geen genoegen meer met waaghalzerij. De schrik van Torrance was een feit."

In sommige opzichten doet De Zamperini legende van Laura Hillenbrand denken aan De 100-jarige man die uit het raam klom en verdween van Jonas Jonasson. Het grootste verschil is dat Louie Zamperini in tegenstelling tot Allan Karlsson, de 100-jarige hoofdpersoon van Jonas Jonasson, echt bestaat en dat niets van de gebeurtenissen waarover verteld wordt, verzonnen is. Bovendien heeft Louie niet gewacht tot hij 100 werd alvorens allerlei avonturen te beleven. Hij ontsnapte al door een raam toen hij twee was! Om een tijdje later, toen het hele gezin op weg was naar hun nieuwe huis in Torrance, uit een rijdende trein te springen... Louie was vijf toen hij begon te roken, acht toen hij begon te drinken en stal alles wat los en vast zat:" Het is tekenend voor Louie's kinderjaren dat zijn verhalen erover meestal eindigden met: "? en toen rende ik als een gek.' Hij werd vaak achtervolgd door mensen die hij had beroofd en minstens twee mensen dreigden hem neer te schieten."

Louie's leven verandert als hij door zijn broer Pete wordt overgehaald zijn snelheid positief te gebruiken: op de atletiekbaan. Louie is zo goed dat hij zelfs kan deelnemen aan de Olympische Spelen in Berlijn (1932). Hij schudt na afloop van zijn race dan wel niet de handen van Mao Zetung, zoals Allan Karlsson dat deed, maar wel de handen van Hitler. Hij richt zich daarna op de Spelen van 1936. Hij wil daar zijn droomafstand, de 1500 meter, lopen. Maar dat doel zal Louie niet halen. In plaats daarvan vliegt hij in bommenwerpers, stort neer in de Stille Oceaan, overleeft daar 46 dagen op een vlot omgeven door haaien om vervolgens gevangen te worden genomen door de Japanners. Hij overleeft zelfs de krijgsgevangenkampen, ondanks de stelselmatige mishandelingen van 'tuchtofficier' Mutsuhiro Watanabe, bijgenaamd ?de Vogel?.
Als de oorlog is afgelopen en Louie eenmaal terug is in Amerika blijven die gebeurtenissen hem achtervolgen. Hij heeft nachtmerries, raakt aan de drank en is alleen nog maar bezig met allerlei plannen om 'de Vogel' te vermoorden. Hij wordt overgehaald om naar Billy Graham te gaan luisteren en dan herinnert hij zich het volgende: Het was een belofte aan God, een belofte die hij niet had gehouden, een belofte die hij had verdrongen tot op dit moment: Als U mij redt, dan zal ik U altijd dienen.

Voorzien van allerlei relevante en mede daardoor interessante achtergrondinformatie heeft Laura Hillenbrand na Seabiscuit weer een waargebeurde avonturenroman afgeleverd. Net zo vlot verteld, net zo heerlijk leesbaar. Maar, zoals de nog steeds in leven zijnde Louie Zamperini terecht stelde: Dit keer is het makkelijker. Ik kan praten.(less)

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Aug 07, 2011 Andrew Rosner added it · review of another edition

If this story hadn't happened, surely some enterprising screenwriter would have concocted it. But happen it did. There really was a Seabiscuit, a short, stocky tank of a horse with an odd gait that could run like the wind. But virtually every character in this tale is larger than life: Red Pollard, a jockey who suffered countless injuries (including being blinded in one eye) engaging in the sport he loved, even though he enjoyed only middling success (with the exception of his Seabiscuit years);...more

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May 16, 2013 spoko rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of my guilty pleasures: one of those story-behind-the-story books(though actually, like many of them, this was the inspiration for the "front" story—the movie, that is). But it's an interesting enough story, so who really cares if they made a movie out of it, or even if that's how I discovered it?

Anyway, it turns out the movie is actually remarkably accurate. They cut some key characters (including a couple of horses) and changed a few things, but for the most part they were pretty t...more

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May 09, 2013 Danielle Valois rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book I read was an outstanding novel about how a little horse with a big heart can go all the way and capture the hearts of many fans.
The Authors purpose in this book is to tell the story of how a little horse during the great depression lifted so many people up and everyone believed that the little man could act as a big man and go out on any racetrack and conquer every opponent.
The theme of the book is to show how a little horse and a man bonded together through tough times and through a...more

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May 09, 2013 Chuck rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I cannot rave about this book enough (at least in my own mind). Not wanting to waste your time with my unskilled rants, suffice it to say that this is a well-written account of the historic run of Seabiscuit the racehorse. Seabiscuit is an underdog story about a beloved animal and the jockeys who rode him, and the man who owned and had faith him. I know little about horses or horse racing, but this book was easy to read and it kept my attention like few books do. A fine first effort by Laura Hil...more

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May 08, 2013 Trevor Smeeton rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book Seabiscuit written by Laura Hillenbrand is a non fiction story taken place in 1930's of The Great Depression. This book was #1 Los Angeles Times best seller in hardcover and paperback, and was the winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. During the 1930's, it was a horific time for American's. Everyone was hopeless and had nothing to believe in. That was until a small fifteen and a half hands tall horse turned the eye of the American culuture. After winning several smal...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Natalie C. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand is a powerful story about the relationship of a horse and his owners. Seabiscuit, a wily young colt with an attitude, had the heart for running. He started at the bottom of the pack, but when everyone learned the horse could race, Seabiscuit became the talk of the world. The spirited horse ran in races all over the United States, and a few in Tijuana, Mexico. Charles Howard was the prideful, wealthy owner of Seabiscuit. He saw a great promise in the horse’s abilit...more Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand is a powerful story about the relationship of a horse and his owners. Seabiscuit, a wily young colt with an attitude, had the heart for running. He started at the bottom of the pack, but when everyone learned the horse could race, Seabiscuit became the talk of the world. The spirited horse ran in races all over the United States, and a few in Tijuana, Mexico. Charles Howard was the prideful, wealthy owner of Seabiscuit. He saw a great promise in the horse’s abilities, and even when Seabiscuit was showing no signs of being able to race, Howard believed. Red Pollard, the incredibly lucky jockey of Seabiscuit, was simply born to race that horse. He understood each of Seabiscuit’s quirks while no one else could. Though hitting many rough patches along the way, Pollard always pulled out on top. Horseracing was his life, and there was no getting around that. Tom Smith was the animal’s trainer. He had lived with horses all of his life, and he used precise measures to keep Seabiscuit fit to race. The man could simply sense when his horse was not sound. Seabiscuit and these different men came together in various points of their lives to form one of the greatest horseracing teams of all time. The life of Seabiscuit truly demonstrates how you should never count out the underdog, because they may just shock the world. It’s an excellent story because of all the fascinating characters and deep connections the readers can make throughout the book.

Red Pollard had to be my favorite character in the story. The jockey had an uncanny ability to never get down or depressed about his life. Though he endured many injuries and financial problems, Pollard always kept a positive attitude. He was selfless man who always put the needs of his horse and friends ahead of his own. Red tried to make the best out of any situation he was currently dealing with. “In the final sixteenth of a mile Pollard seemed as if he was about to pass out again, but he hung on for the win” (139). Red had been on the brink of blacking out from starving himself to make weight. The jockey still raced his horse and hung on for the win, putting the team ahead of him. Another quote from the book reads, “His engagement had brought his optimism back, and he was sure he would be able to ride again. A glance at his emaciated body, jutting out at harsh angles from under the sheets, testified to the contrary” (260). At this point in Pollard’s life, his chest caved in when a horse fell him on, and he fractured his leg so badly, it almost needed to be amputated. Red still found peace in the simplistic ways of life. He had proposed to his nurse in the hospital after breaking his leg, and she agreed to get married to this shell of a man. This small thing turned the former jockey’s life around. He regained his optimism, and began working toward being able to do what he loved so dearly: riding horses. It showed how Pollard wouldn’t let himself get down about anything.

I made many connections to this text, but one of the most prominent was with Pollard’s fractured leg. “They found Pollard lying on the ground, writhing spastically. The flesh of his leg had been ripped away, exposing the bone” (218). As soon as I read this excerpt, I immediately remembered the recent tragedy on the Louisville college basketball team. Kevin Ware had landed awkwardly on his leg and compound fractured it on impact. The injuries between the two are very similar. Another connection I made was when Red Pollard ran his last race on Seabiscuit. There was a feeling he had that I have experienced while running track. “The world narrowed to a man and his horse, running” (323). This feeling is surreal; it seems as if you are the only runner in the world. With the burst of energy this sensation provides, it feels like you could fly right off the track. This is what the jockey was felt as he ran his final race with his horse.

My rating for Seabiscuit is a five out of five. This book could be wordy while giving an initial description of the characters, but as soon as you delve deeper into the story, you will find yourself lost in the tension-filled races that Hillenbrand illustrates beautifully. The tedious preparation involved in readying the team for these races is intriguing as well. You are immersed in the lives of owner, jockey, trainer, and horse, experiencing everything they are. It was simple to connect to the events taking place and interesting to learn about each of the characters. These aspects are what make the book such a gripping read. I would recommend this book to mature readers who enjoy an action-packed story.
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Feb 18, 2013 Darlene Matule rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Seabiscuit” is a non-fiction book written about an almost fictional racehorse.

I began loving the sport of horse racing when I was a teenager going to the races at the Valley County Fair.

In my four-year sojourn in Kentucky, I went to races at Churchill Downs many times. My all time favorite event was the year I had finish-line, front row seats at the Oakes (the day before the Kentucky Derby annual race for thoroughbred 3 year old fillies). I mingled with over 100,000 people, went to the paddock...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Zach Ross added it · review of another edition

Seabiscuit is an inspirational story to all audiences. He was a racehorse that, against all odds, experienced the feeling of success. Seabiscuit was too small, his sprinting style could not win, his work ethic was lazy, and he was inconsistent, but he quieted his criticisms and became one of racing's all time money leaders of his time. The author's purpose in writing the novel is to inspire people everywhere to accomplish their goals, even if they seem insurmountable. Seabiscuit was an inspirati...more Seabiscuit is an inspirational story to all audiences. He was a racehorse that, against all odds, experienced the feeling of success. Seabiscuit was too small, his sprinting style could not win, his work ethic was lazy, and he was inconsistent, but he quieted his criticisms and became one of racing's all time money leaders of his time. The author's purpose in writing the novel is to inspire people everywhere to accomplish their goals, even if they seem insurmountable. Seabiscuit was an inspiration to people of his time and can be an inspiration to people now too. He proved that anything is possible and this is what the author tries to capture in her story. She was probably inspired by Seabiscuit and wanted her audience to be, too.

The theme, as is in many books, is perseverence. Seabiscuit had most of his career behind him before he saw great success as he did. Even though his situation did not look promising, he and his owners persevered through the good and the bad of Seabiscuit's career before they reached the top. The author wanted to prove that this does not only happen in stories, but can happen in real life too. Things may not look good, but perseverance can get through rough times and into successful times as it did with Seabiscuit.

This story was a narration because the author explained the entire life of Seabiscuit in chronological order. A narration is the most effective type of novel in my opinion. They explain things exactly how it happened, right down to the order and detail. Even though the story is nonfiction, a narration in chronological order makes the story seem more realistic because it feels like the author leaves nothing out. When I read a narration, I think it is also easier to read knowing that the events I am reading about happened in the order that I am reading them in.

This book was inspirational, just as I think the author was trying to make it. The way that the author describes Seabiscuit throughout the story really portrays how he was truly an "underdog" to begin with. She also shows how he improved and matured throughout his career as a racehorse. One thing I disliked about the story was that the author talked about some events that were not really linked to Seabiscuit at all. Some parts could have been left out and the audience would not have been able to tell at all. I would recommend this book to anyone because it is a classic story of overcoming odds. I usually do not enjoy reading nonfiction books because they seem like all facts, but this story had details and a plot that almost made it feel fictional.(less)

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Aug 28, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This beautiful, treasured book sits proudly on my bookshelf with its striking hardback cover (2001 edition) adorned with photographs of this remarkable horse and his jockey. This is a heartwarming tale about the determination and courage of three very distinct men who put their belief in a small crooked-legged racehorse, who ended up exceeding all expectations by becoming one of the most memorable horses within history. In 1938 Seabiscuit became one of the most talked about horses of the age, go...more This beautiful, treasured book sits proudly on my bookshelf with its striking hardback cover (2001 edition) adorned with photographs of this remarkable horse and his jockey. This is a heartwarming tale about the determination and courage of three very distinct men who put their belief in a small crooked-legged racehorse, who ended up exceeding all expectations by becoming one of the most memorable horses within history. In 1938 Seabiscuit became one of the most talked about horses of the age, going straight to the hearts of the public thanks to the most improbable meeting of three very dissimilar men. Charles Howard who had introduced the automobile to the American West and repaired bicycles decided on impulse to by this little horse and in doing so met Tom Smith; a mysterious and virtually mute Mustang horse breaker from Colorado who thus became Seabiscuit’s trainer. These two men then found Seabiscuit’s jockey Red Pollard who was a most intriguing man; a failed boxer and blind in one eye who was crippled and recited Emerson. This unusual and quite odd trio ended up living the dream of every racing enthusiast by creating a champion, that would go down in the history books as one of the greatest racehorses that ever lived. Surviving a four-year run of ill fortune, conspiracy and a severe injury Charles Howard’s horse journeyed from the lowest levels of the sport to becoming an icon at the very top. This inspiring and honest narrative of three individuals that betted and won against the odds, overcoming depression to captivate the world is heartwarming and moving; that speaks to your very soul with its poignancy and truth.
Having seen the film adaptation of the book I was intrigued more than ever by this horse, that was not striking in appearance or tall, or from a classy pedigree but which showed how an animal (or in the case of even a human or sports professional) can come from nothing and still end up succeeding at the very top. Crushing all doubts and exceeding expectations this small horse with a big heart formed a partnership with its rider that helped it to soar cloud high and win some of the most prestigious races of the time including the Brooklyn Handicap in 1937. The exciting match race between him and War Admiral made Seabiscuit a symbol of hope to many Americans in the time of the Great Depression, by also then winning at Santa Anita in 1940. He was awarded U.S champion handicap male in 1937 and 1938 and also U.S horse of the year in 1938. The unorthodox training methods of Tom Smith seemed to work as they not only brought the horse out of his lethargy, but helped him to focus and become the athlete that they required him to be. The film I personally feel is an accurate representation of this horse and his remarkable career, but it is not until one reads the book do you then feel a real part of his story and begin to understand how unique this horse actually was. This special tale will make you laugh and cry and which many an equestrian will be enchanted by, and gripped by the close relationship between horse and rider that is so magical. One of my top ten favorite horses within the racing industry who shall certainly never be forgotten, and a captivating story that is most enjoyable being a delight to behold.
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Jul 19, 2012 Linda Edwards rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My favorite book! I stayed up all night reading this immensely entertaining and informative tale! Laura Hillenbrand writes with a sportswriter's sensibility of the most celebrated horse of the 30s and 40s, the underdog who was never supposed to win who gave hope to the downtrodden after the Depression. This book's detailed account of the Depression should be required reading for every high school student, and her description of the hard life of jockeys is nothing less than mind-boggling. Seabisc...more

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About Laura Hillenbrand

Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) is the author of the acclaimed Seabiscuit: An American Legend, a non-fiction account of the career of the great racehorse Seabiscuit, for which she won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2001. The book later became the basis of the 2003 movie Seabiscuit. Her essays have appeared in The New Yorker, Equus magazine, American Heritage, The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbr...more

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