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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)

What listeners say about Seabiscuit

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

How does she do it?

Laura Hillenbrand writes the most amazing non-fiction. I found myself glued to my iPod during the races. I didn't want to stop listening. I feel like she is simply one of the most talented writers around. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book in every regard.

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20 people found this helpful

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

Great story!

What did you love best about Seabiscuit?

Hard to say - the beginning was a little slow and wandered a bit. Seemed like more of an education for the reader of horse racing life. Once past that part it got pretty good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Seabiscuit?

When the trainer makes the connection to the horse and completely turns him around.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!

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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

Great horse racing story

The book gives you a taste of the world of horse racing. A look into the people and the horses. Very entertaining.

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

one of my all time favorite stories!

The research that Laura Hillenbrand did for this book is just astounding! excellent writing, excellent book!

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

A great book

The book is great. It is very intriguing. Very good. What a great, wonderful book!

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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

I cheered for Seabiscuit through every race!

What a wonderfully told story of an American legend. It is a slow start becuase of the race lessons that have to be given for the novice to the racing world. But stick with it and soon you will be cheering for The Biscuit thru every word written as he wins, loses and makes magnificent come backs...time and time again.
Loved It!!!!

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

Amazing book

A real attention grabber from chapter one! I was mesmerized the entire read and felt so passionate about horse racing from it I started watching old videos.

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

A classic

Not only does she do a great job highlighting the amazing life of Seabiscuit, the details about everyone involved in his life and the side stories about what was happening at that time in history, make this an amazing piece of literature. And a book not made solely for horse/racing fans.

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

Unexpectedly captivating

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

I would definitely recommend this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Seabiscuit was my favorite. The horse had the qualities I most admire...courage, heart,and tenacity.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene that revealed that Seabiscuit was more than horseflesh and the winning spirit had to be nurtured not demanded.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Although the end was no secret, the tale of Seabiscuit was more than a story of an unlikely horse winning a big race. It was the story you never hear about. The sabotage, the ruthlessness, the passion, and the politics in the horse racing world.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Seabiscuit is a 10 star book!!!

In a time when people felt hopeless this horse gave hope! He was the people's horse! This is the best book I've ever read! Didn't want it it end. Laura Hillenbrand great job !!!!
Daretha Dallas Tx

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