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Seabiscuit  By  cover art

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)

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What listeners say about Seabiscuit

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Fantastic!

SUCH a good book! I wish Laura Hillenbrand would write more. I’d read anything by her. This is totally engaging from beginning to end. I’m tempted just to start over at the beginning again.

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One of my absolute favorites.

This is one of my favorite books. The richness of detail and the immersion into America in the 30's is a gift. Even if you are not a horse lover you will find something to love in this meticulously researched work.

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Memorable, and Inspiring

Courage, hope, perseverance, passion, beauty and victory are all elements found in this story. No other author can seem to weave a story the way Laura can. Such a good read.

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The greatest horse

This book tells the untold story of Seabiscuit and the gentleman that made him run fast 100 times better in the movie

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inspiring story.

A very inspiring story of determination , quiet friendship, and loyalty. Well described characters. A great glimpse into the times.

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Masterful

A story & performance that will make you fall in love with horse racing & audiobooks. I have seen the movie but would highly recommend this book to everyone. Truly a great book.

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perfection

artfully written, superbly narrated.
you might find yourself, like I did, sneaking away to listen.

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Fabulous

The story is Seabiscuit is astonishing. I didn't know what was doing to happen, and I was gripped from start to finish. The performer does a very good job distinguishing characters and conveying the mood and narrative tension. I recommend this for anybody.

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LOVED

Few words to describe this experience. The movie pales in comparison. I was moved to tears...which is rare for me when listening to books.

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Amazing little horse!

What a story for the ages! We laughed, cried and sat on the edge of our seats while listening to this audiobook. One of my all time favorites for sure.

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