The traditional depiction of a hero is a caped figure flying through the sky. However, in Seabiscuit: An American Legend, the hero is portrayed as a gallant horse that gallops. This story is a heartwarming nonfiction novel of a racehorse, Seabiscuit, who lifts the hearts of those struggling during the Great Depression. Hillenbrand takes the readers on a mind whirling ride to learn how Seabiscuit, a horse dubbed ‘cinder block built’ for his bulky build, overcame his obstacles. As a thoroughbred trained by a cowboy, owned by a car salesman, and ridden by a jockey blind in one eye, Seabiscuit stepped up and became one of the most successful and loved racehorses in American history.
Hillenbrand dedicates the first chapters to the team who helped turn Seabiscuit into an American legend. She writes about each member’s personality and background, giving us the knowledge needed later in the book to understand why the team is so unique. Hillenbrand also describes their personal struggles, which include poverty, alcoholism, infidelity, and even blindness. In doing so we, as readers, form a sympathetic connection with Seabiscuit’s team and develop a deeper understanding of them as the story progresses. Reading and understanding the hardships and setbacks of Seabiscuit’s team also pushes the reader’s desire to cheer on this racing hero and his team even more.
With one hard-luck story after another, each including injuries and inner struggles for both Seabiscuit and the team, Hillenbrand keeps readers on your toes throughout the entirety of Seabiscuit's career. As you read, you will find yourself rooting for Seabiscuit and his underdog team, even during the hard times, just as the entire audience of America did during the Great Depression. Reading about the struggles endured by the team brings frustration and even tears, but in the end makes the success stories feel like even bigger victories.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring story that in the end makes your heart warm. While reading this you truly feel as if you are sitting in the stands at the race track cheering Seabiscuit on. Through the pain and success, Hillenbrand illustrates this incredible story which not only lifted the hearts of the people in that time, but also lifts the hearts of the readers.
Hillenbrand dedicates the first chapters to the team who helped turn Seabiscuit into an American legend. She writes about each member’s personality and background, giving us the knowledge needed later in the book to understand why the team is so unique. Hillenbrand also describes their personal struggles, which include poverty, alcoholism, infidelity, and even blindness. In doing so we, as readers, form a sympathetic connection with Seabiscuit’s team and develop a deeper understanding of them as the story progresses. Reading and understanding the hardships and setbacks of Seabiscuit’s team also pushes the reader’s desire to cheer on this racing hero and his team even more.
With one hard-luck story after another, each including injuries and inner struggles for both Seabiscuit and the team, Hillenbrand keeps readers on your toes throughout the entirety of Seabiscuit's career. As you read, you will find yourself rooting for Seabiscuit and his underdog team, even during the hard times, just as the entire audience of America did during the Great Depression. Reading about the struggles endured by the team brings frustration and even tears, but in the end makes the success stories feel like even bigger victories.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring story that in the end makes your heart warm. While reading this you truly feel as if you are sitting in the stands at the race track cheering Seabiscuit on. Through the pain and success, Hillenbrand illustrates this incredible story which not only lifted the hearts of the people in that time, but also lifts the hearts of the readers.