Author: Laura Hillenbrand
Genre: Biography
Pages (words): 453 (119,056)
Readability: 7.7
Rating (out of 5 stars): ****
Reviewed by: Ben
Description: Seabiscuit is a racing horse unlike any other, and not in a good way. He's built like a tank and runs with an odd gait. But Tom Smith sees something in him that no one else does, and decides to train him to see what he can do. Seabiscuit: An American Legend details the horse's historic rise and ultimate triumph in thoroughbred racing, during which he becomes an icon of hope for America in the Depression.
Thoughts: Seabiscuit's story is the thing that a movie studio dreams of: a runt horse beats the odds to become a champion. The fact that the story is true is just icing on the cake. And, just like everyone else, I'm a sucker for the underdog, so I really enjoyed this book. But, although I certainly enjoyed the story (and the book is very well written, I might add), I knew the basic plot already from Seabiscuit the movie. But the book had so much more detail than the movie, and that's what made it captivating. I was fascinated by the intricacies of horse racing and the back story of the men who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit. It was almost enough to make me want to watch the next Kentucky Derby. Really a great book.
Disclaimer: The jockeys and trainers tend to use some rather coarse language, but besides that this book is quite clean.
2 comments:
Ever since both Alison and I read this book we have tried to watch every Preakness, Belmont and Kentucky Derby. You should give them a go. The Derby is "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
Yay! I love reading your book list--and get ready for a book that'll change your life--East of Eden is so close to my heart. I love love love it. Don't let my opinion influence you...but I would love to know what you think! Loved Seabiscuit too!
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