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Seabiscuit

By: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: George Newbern
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Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best seller

From the author of the runaway phenomenon Unbroken comes a universal underdog story about the horse who came out of nowhere to become a legend.

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 changed Seabiscuit’s fortunes:

Charles Howard was a onetime bicycle repairman who introduced the automobile to the western United States and became an overnight millionaire. When he needed a trainer for his new racehorses, he hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from the Colorado plains. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain-basement price, then hired as his jockey Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye, half-crippled, and prone to quoting passages from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Over four years, these unlikely partners survived a phenomenal run of bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to transform Seabiscuit from a neurotic, pathologically indolent also-ran into an American sports icon.

“Fascinating.... Vivid.... A first-rate piece of storytelling, leaving us not only with a vivid portrait of a horse but a fascinating slice of American history as well.” (The New York Times)

“Engrossing.... Fast-moving.... More than just a horse’s tale, because the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating.... [Laura Hillenbrand] shows an extraordinary talent for describing a horse race so vividly that the reader feels like the rider.” (Sports Illustrated)

“Remarkable.... Memorable.... Just as compelling today as it was in 1938.” (The Washington Post)

©2010 Laura Hillenbrand (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Fascinating... Vivid... A first-rate piece of storytelling, leaving us not only with a vivid portrait of a horse but a fascinating slice of American history as well.” (The New York Times)

“Engrossing... Fast-moving... More than just a horse’s tale, because the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating.... [Hillenbrand] shows an extraordinary talent for describing a horse race so vividly that the reader feels like the rider.” (Sports Illustrated)

"Remarkable... Memorable... Just as compelling today as it was in 1938.” (The Washington Post)

What listeners say about Seabiscuit

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun, filled with facts, good performance.

This was just a great story. I love the periodical facts that go along with the story. I love this author and the performance keeps the book intact.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It's an Okay book

it was hard to start reading it but it became easier after a couple chapters :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well done

It actually felt like we were at the races!
Moving stories about the jockey's as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Extraordinary!

I thought this was an incredible story and well written. It's become one of my favorites and I'm sure I'll listen to it again. I thought the narration was perfect for this type of story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Pretty Good Historical Account

What did you love best about Seabiscuit?

The tricks the trainer played on the press.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The trainer...he was so clever!

What does George Newbern bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not sure. He seemed to be an average reader. He did a good job, but wasn't hugely expressive.

Any additional comments?

This is more of a historical account of what occured than a novel - in my humble opinion.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best story ever

Well written I felt like I was there.
I learned a lot about horse racing.


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Highly Recommended!

Great narration of another amazing book by Laura Hillenbrand! She brings books to life with fascinating detail.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

LOVE that Biscuit!

Own the movie and can say that it's great, But pales in comparison to this Audible story with fabulous narration. Feels like you are there.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding book and performance!

Well done! Historical accuracy and animated text was exceptional. Thank you for a wonderful listening experience. Totally engaging from start to finish.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

One of the greatest works of non-fiction ever. Great literary writhing. You should read or listen to this book.

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