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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I think I was expecting more... story and less facts. The story that was there was still fascinating but that is probably only because I love horses and the KY Derby.
I definitely wouldn't have appreciated this book so much if I wasn't an avid horse racing fan. Even being one, some parts were dry. However, nothing made me want to live in a different decade more than this novel. To see Secretariat in person...I would have given a lot. He was the super horse of the century...perhaps of all time. Racing hasn't seen a thoroughbred even come close to him, unless you count the ill-fated Barbaro, who very may have gone on to shatter records if he hadn't broken down in the Preakness. The amount of detail and history Nack put into this book is stunning; it was an inside look at the prestigious racing world and I'm thrilled I got to be a part of it for so many pages.
I preface this with the statement that I'm not a horse-racing fan so, as such, perhaps this was a book that I shouldn't have taken on but sometimes it's good to branch out.
I think if you find horse racing fascinating or enjoyable that you would enjoy this book, but for someone without even a passing interest it didn't hold my attention or make me eager to try and find out more. The lack of real development in a human sense didn't really captivate me and, as weird as it sounds, the lack of an 'under-dog' edge didn't really give me something to cheer on. Maybe it's my Scottish nature, but I have more affection for the plucky under-dog or gallant loser than the firm favourite.
If you enjoy that sort of sport then I'm sure it would be interesting, for me though? Just not my sort of thing.
I think if you find horse racing fascinating or enjoyable that you would enjoy this book, but for someone without even a passing interest it didn't hold my attention or make me eager to try and find out more. The lack of real development in a human sense didn't really captivate me and, as weird as it sounds, the lack of an 'under-dog' edge didn't really give me something to cheer on. Maybe it's my Scottish nature, but I have more affection for the plucky under-dog or gallant loser than the firm favourite.
If you enjoy that sort of sport then I'm sure it would be interesting, for me though? Just not my sort of thing.
I hope I can pick this up again someday, This wasn't very entraining like Seabiscuit was. The plot was full of facts and very little story. I love the movie and the story surrounding Secretariat but I don't feel this book did his story justice.
Once I got through the first few chapters of the horse 'begats', I was able to settle in to the actual story. As someone fairly ignorant of racing lore I both appreciated the detail, but sometimes got bogged down by it. Sometimes the race descriptions were long and hard to follow and I ended up watching Youtube video of a few which helped.
In general, I found most of the book enjoyable, but parts did drag. I think if you have more of a racing background, or memories of the events it may read better.
In general, I found most of the book enjoyable, but parts did drag. I think if you have more of a racing background, or memories of the events it may read better.
Secretariat is my absolute favorite racehorse, I even share a birthday with him. However it would be 21 years older than me if he were still alive. I could have done without the first ten chapters or so, but it was necessary back-story nonetheless. I enjoyed Nack's writing enough that I was tearing up by the end. I love books like that. Can't wait for the movie of Secretariat that is coming to theaters October 8 where Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery, Secretariat's owner and John Malkovich plays Lucien Laurin, his trainer.
I couldn't make it through. I understand that horse racing is about making money but it seemed like it was all stats and no story. Then I got confused about which horse came from the other and who was older. It kept going back and forth trying to give perspective. I just couldn't keep up.
Beautifully written. This author really makes you feel like you're right there watching things happen. I really cared by the end of the book. (And I cried.)
Except there is a very graphic horse sex scene. This is something I never thought I'd type. Once you're past it, though, you're good to go for the rest of the book.
Except there is a very graphic horse sex scene. This is something I never thought I'd type. Once you're past it, though, you're good to go for the rest of the book.
This was a good book, I love Secretariat. I listened to this one on audio and I am glad I did, as much as I love non-fiction if it reads too much like a text book I tune out then have to reread cause I wasn't paying attention. Audio lets me enjoy what I'm learning. This book is very 'clinical' and full of numbers and statistics.
I also read Seabiscuit which I did like better. Laura Hillenbrand is a more emotional writer which I connected with more.
Seabiscuit was the better book but Secretariat was the better movie.
I also read Seabiscuit which I did like better. Laura Hillenbrand is a more emotional writer which I connected with more.
Seabiscuit was the better book but Secretariat was the better movie.