Seabiscuit

An American Legend

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

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)

The best nonfiction book I've ever come across

Forget the movie - it can't hold a candle to this incredible book. The story is even the more amazing in that it's not fiction, but it reads that way. The narrator did a tremendous job in pacing and building suspense when necessary. If you don't find yourself tearing up at the last line of the book, you've got nothing where your heart should be. The premier listening experience for a long drive, or a series of long drives. Everything an audiobook should be!

So much more than a book about a horse!

I loved this book and the depth of the characters. Learned so much about the world of horse racing. Couldn't stop listening. Finished 13 hours in two days - didn't sleep much!

Reeled me in

Hillenbrand and Newbern both pulled me in from the beginning. All the backstories were integral to Seabiscuit’s story. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Loved the way Hillenbrand handled the material with integrity. Her writing style is masterful.

A great listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this listen. The narrator is excellent and the story is engaging. I knew nothing of horse racing but wanted to gain a bit of knowledge before my trip to Churchill Downs. It was well worth my time.

Here Comes Seabiscuit!!

Maybe it’s just me but I am a total sucker for the story of an underdog. I find it inspiring and exciting. This was no exception. George Newbern’s narration was excellent. The story had great pace, character development, and it gave me a great empathy for those characters. It was a wonderful read that allowed me to get lost in the times and excitement of what they were trying to do with their little broken down horse. I’m sure this is one that I will go back to time and times again.....

I Recommend this book highly!

This is top 3 of all audio books I have ever listened to. The story is very inspiring and gives you a deep appreciation for horses and horse racing.

A beautiful and captivating story

This book is a must read. It is a beautifully told and remarkable story which includes the right amount of history and informative facts about horse racing, trainers, owners and jockeys, and the political climate of the country at the time.

Great story!

Every moment of this read was rewarding. Thanks first to the author and then to the narrator for bringing the history and lives of owners, trainers, horses and riders to life during a time of great historical significance in this nation and the world. Especially for the character and personality of Seabiscuit.

A great story!

Some very interesting characters make this horse story well worth listening to. Now I need to watch the movie.

Seabiscuit - 10 Stars: Best Story I Ever Heard

Words cannot express the beauty and grace woven throughout this book. Howard, Pollard, Smith, Wolf.... and Seabiscuit, magnificent. Even today this story gives light to darkness, hope where there is despair. Thank you Laura, George (and Seabiscuit), you have lifted our hearts and made us personally appreciate how lucky we are to have horses in our lives.