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)

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.

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

Always One of My Favourite Books

I've read this book probably twenty times, at least ... Laura Hillenbrand is one of the greatest writers who has ever lived, in my opinion ... and Seabiscuit, one of the greatest horses. Such an exciting, inspiring true story of just the right team coming together to bring out the best in one another. I think that, from this example, we should all look at the person next to us with "new eyes" ... of what might they be capable, if we just took the time and effort to engage them ... get to know them ... nurture them ... give them the tools and/or the venue that will help them to bloom. In so doing, we will bloom, ourselves. Thank you, Ms. Hillenbrand, for your years-long effort to fight through your own difficulty to bring this team to life for the world once again ... for this tribute to some of God's greatest gifts to us humans (our spirit, and horses, in general, whose spirits are unmatchable gifts to us) ... for immortalising them, both for your own inspiration and for the appreciation of the descendants of these people and for the rest of us.

Fascinating

I learned so much about a subject/world, I never knew. The era, true-to-life characters, and especially....the wonderful horses, full of vigor, grace, heart, stamina and beauty. I cringed at those beautiful creatures, being abused on occasion, but loved those that the loved them, treating them with the dignity that they deserve.
Narrator was great, and Laura H., you hit another grand slam. I tip my hat to you Lady!

Maybe the best book I have ever read!

This story is literally one of the best I have ever encountered. The narration is great and the way the book is written will take you back in time to the races of Seabiscuit. What a wonderful performance and book.

An Epic Story, Masterfully Narrated

For one who has never been to the track, nor had any interest in horse racing, I must admit this was one of the most thrilling stories I’ve ever read. I didn’t know that horses have personalities, or how jockeys and trainers and owners must work together as a team. There is way more to horse racing than I ever imagined, and the story of Seabiscuit tells it all from modest beginnings to triumphant endings, sparing no pain along the way!

Wow!! Amazing story! Well written and well read.

Loved it!! So much detail that it felt like I was there. A legendary story for a legendary horse.

Best story of a comeback heart!!

With all the disappointment a tremendous story of get back up every time your knocked down!!

Absolutely wonderful!

Everything about this book is excellent. The story was very well researched and includes so many interesting details about the horse racing industry, as well as the life of Seabiscuit and the jockeys that rode him. The narration is perfect for this book!! I cannot day enough good about this one. Get it, listen to it, savor it. You won’t be sorry. I am SO glad I did.

engaging and warm, you are transported in time

An amazing story that is well researched and written. you find yourself transported as you experience every struggle every loss and every win of each of the main characters including Seabiscuit.