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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
Every so often an animal comes along that speaks to the nation. In the UK in the 1970s, it was Red Rum. In the 1930s it was a horse called Seabiscuit. While I don't know a huge amount about Red Rum, I suspect that that horse had a similar ungainly build, and an inspirational backstory, that Seabiscuit had.
The book, set against the 1930s US depression, traces the story of Seabiscuit, his jockey (a poor boy from the back end of nowhere), his trainer (a man front a previous era), and his owner (who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, but who has his own sorry backstory(, as they guide Seabisuit from an alsoran to a champion.
It's a good read. It doesn't assume you're stupid, but doesn't assume you'll know anything about racing either. As a consequence, you'll end up reading an enjoyable book, and feel as if you're learning about something too (if you don't know anything about horse racing).
The book, set against the 1930s US depression, traces the story of Seabiscuit, his jockey (a poor boy from the back end of nowhere), his trainer (a man front a previous era), and his owner (who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, but who has his own sorry backstory(, as they guide Seabisuit from an alsoran to a champion.
It's a good read. It doesn't assume you're stupid, but doesn't assume you'll know anything about racing either. As a consequence, you'll end up reading an enjoyable book, and feel as if you're learning about something too (if you don't know anything about horse racing).
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I actually hate the whole idea of horse racing, but I adore this book. I love the way Hillenbrand writes and what she chooses to write about. The story of Seabiscuit, Howard, Tom and Red (and George, too) is so fascinating.
karrama's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. Well written history that didn't feel stilted. I really felt for the jocky and the owner who believed in him.
evangelinemurphy's review against another edition
5.0
Larger than life. Amazing story telling. Felt like I was at the races myself. Gave me chills multiple times . Beautiful book, insane story . 10/10 . Five stars. Wah!
sandiet's review against another edition
4.0
Most people would probably think you need to be interested in horses or horseracing to enjoy this novel but you really don't. It's a book about tenacity, respect, and not judging a book (or horse) by its appearance. Seabiscuit was a horse that captured the imagination of the US at a difficult time in history (the depression). His original owner didn't see the horse's full potential and he was sold to Charles S. Howard who was an automobile entrepreneur. Under trainer Tom Smith, Seabiscuit became the top money winner in the 1940's.
I did a combination of listen and read and I really enjoyed this book. There was a bit too much about "will a race happen or will it not" and that took away some of the enjoyment. I was really impressed with the respect that jockey's had for each other in a very competitive dangerous sport which also paid very little. The trauma they put their bodies through to "make weight" and riding with injuries was unbelievable.
For me, the most heartwarming part of this book was how Seabiscuit's owner treated him in both life and death. He never ran him in dangerous track conditions just to win money and honoured him in a special way upon burial.
Great story, full of history and well researched.
I did a combination of listen and read and I really enjoyed this book. There was a bit too much about "will a race happen or will it not" and that took away some of the enjoyment. I was really impressed with the respect that jockey's had for each other in a very competitive dangerous sport which also paid very little. The trauma they put their bodies through to "make weight" and riding with injuries was unbelievable.
For me, the most heartwarming part of this book was how Seabiscuit's owner treated him in both life and death. He never ran him in dangerous track conditions just to win money and honoured him in a special way upon burial.
Great story, full of history and well researched.
midwifereading's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly moving story - even more so than the movie, I thought.
norcalchris's review against another edition
Dry writing and I felt uncomfortable with the author’s characterization of an animal’s emotions as if they were fact. Couldn’t keep track of the characters.
roseteareads's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Who knew that I'd find myself engaged by a book about horse racing but Hillenbrand's writing keeps you engaged with the underdog story of Seabiscuit and his rise to horse racing fame. Especially her descriptions of the races are so vivid and the tension is so strong that you feel like you're on the sidelines watching it unfold in real-time. This book is honestly a wonderful work of non-fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, and Animal death
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism