Seabiscuit

An American Legend

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: George Newbern

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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.

“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

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF THE CENTURY

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.

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

Best ever story about the best ever horse

I loved the entire book and also the movie. Book as always is always best. More detail. Watch the movie first then fill in the blanks

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.