Races Books

I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!

I have recently read Seabiscuit and watched the film and found both to be very compelling. We dont think much anymore about the dark days of the Depression but Laura Hillenbrand puts us right back in the middle of it. The important lesson was to look to the future as Charles Howard implored, the sun will come up tomorrow.

Three incredible characters intersect with this horse of unknown promise. Howard is the wealthy owner, despondent over the death of his son and unsure how to live the life of leisure; Red Pollard is a jockey not able to break into the big-time, due to his attitude, blindness, and injuries; Tom Smith is a taciturn man who belongs in the 19th century of his youth, not the modern world. Together they develop and promote Seabiscuit, a horse of incredible bloodlines, yet given up on by better trainers due to his work habits, attitude, injuries, and size.

Eventually the Biscuit wins all the stakes in the state of California and gets a shot at a match race with the great Eastern horse and Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Both horses are descendants of the great Man'o'war, but the eastern elites dont want to give the western upstart his chance. After a few cancellations due to injuries and prickly owners, the match race goes off in Baltimore and the smaller horse brings it home.

The book is more enlighting with respect to the fuller stories of the characters, especially the relationship between the jockeys and Pollard's romance and marriage to a Boston nurse. The movie brings the times to life. Howard and Pollard were the raconteurs who made Seabiscuit the hero of the little guys during those lean years. Dont forget, tough times dont last but tough guys do.

Ms. Hillenbrand is an equally interesting story. She suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is only able to work at a fraction of the typical writer. Here she focused her energy on this story and these times. Seabiscuit has been the story many times in film and books but Ms. Hillenbrand brings it to life for us.

This book is a true American legend at its best. "Seabiscuit" was written by Laura Hillenbrand based on a true story of one horse and jockey's incredible life. This biography is set in the 1930's and 1940's and takes you on a journey with someone and something that no one believed in until they were given a chance to prove themselves. The perseverance of these two characters is admirable; they never give up, no matter what. The jockey, John Pollard, was struggling in life until given the shot to show he was more than just an average jockey. Seabiscuit, on the other hand, is my favorite character; he never accepts the possibility of losing. Pollard and Seabiscuit's relationship started when trainer Tom Smith paired them together out on the racetrack. I love that they were given a chance to prove everyone wrong by winning race after race with odds stacked against them; both had been injured numerous times. Read about how they smashed people's disbelief and made history, performing one of the greatest comebacks in all of sports. The theme of "never giving up no matter what" would most likely interest people who enjoy sports novels. "Seabiscuit" is truly the greatest sports story of all time.

This narrative leaps out of the first paragraph in the same way Seabiscuit learns to bolt from the starting gate. From the start, Laura Hillenbrand draws the reader into the story with colorful, taut writing. There are no meaningless side stories in this book - each detail weaves itself back into the tale of a horse who beat the odds to become one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
This story is gripping even if you have no interest in horseracing.

Seabiscuit is a great story, book, and movie. If you have not read it, buy it today and start reading. You will not be disappointed.

I read this book a few years ago, and it practically had me rolling on the floor laughing at times. Finally got it for myself to own, and it's still every bit as good. Gary Paulsen has a wonderful way with words, and is an excellent storyteller. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone.

One of the most entertaining books I have ever read. After reading one of the other reviews where the criticism was the authors lack of writing skills, for-gedda-bout-it. This book wasn't meant for your English Lit class. It's about one crazy dude's journey. It's funny, it's gritty, it's real, and if you're a dog lover, it's both happy and sad. I give it 10 thumbs up (ok, so I'm "all thumbs").

Very disappointing book. Boring, lots of padding. Poor and repetative story line. Not well written. Couldn't even read it to the end which I'm sad about as I love books and don't give up easily.

This book is outstanding.

Some of it is written in the manner of a tall tale, so I had moments when I doubted the narrator's credibility. But then I thought about it. Who cares! It's funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting. "Fine madness" is the point, after all.

Some people may think this is a stretch, but I see this book as a healthy mixture of Hemingway's prose, Faulkner's yarns, and an enthusiasm for animals

This book is going to stay with me for a long time, and for that reason, I recommend it to a broad range of readers.

You will enjoy this book.

Very interesting account of Gary Paulsen's experience preparing for and running the Iditarod. Although it identifies some of the colder sides of nature, it is a warm wonderful book with an excellent sense of humor...one that makes you laugh out loud as you read. This hard to put down book will leave you looking at life in a different way.

Simply put, this is one of the finest books about horse racing and especially the gigantic black filly who broke the heart of a nation. Jane Schwartz has written a classic about one of the most famous thoroughbreds of all time. She has researched this story so that one feels a part of what actually happened in the life of Ruffian.

This is an amazing book! I loved every second of it from start to finish... I wish there were more to follow. One of the greatest throroughbreds of all times finally gets a great book. I learned so much about her life that just added to her brilliance. Everyone should know about this horse- most don't or say once she saw real speed she couldn't handle it and broke down. This is not the case and whether or not you are a horse lover, know a lot about racing or not, this story will get you hooked. I definately recommend this book, it will not disappoint you! You may shed a tear or two at the end, but it is WELL worth it.

A beautifully told story of a true champion whose heart and will remained strong even when her body failed her. Ruffian was a special horse who mananged to capture the hearts of racing fans and average citizens alike. Her tragic end was truly heartbreaking (get out the Kleenex for the last few chapters). Unfortunately I am not old enough or lucky enough to have seen Ruffian race, but now that I have read about her, I will certainly never forget her!

This book will make you cry, laugh, sigh and then start all over again. It has the imagery in it to put you right there with the people who loved Ruffian. You can see her, and all connected to her. I love this book because it made me feel as if I were there, seeing what was going on. I could almost smell the horses, feel the electricity of the track, and hear the people cheering Ruffian on.

Ruffian: Burning From The Start has the best descriptive narration I have ever read in a book. I have never felt so much joy, happiness, pain, and anger from reading one account of any animal or person. You must read this book to experience it for yourself. There is no comparison to other volumes about Ruffian.

Ms Schwartz has all the heart and the writing skills to rival any other prize winning author. I love this book, had it for a long time and was afraid to read it knowing the obvious horrific outcome. Once I picked it up, I could not stop reading, nor did I want the story to end. You will scream for the real life characters to stop and realize, please do not let her run in that match race!

I have read it many times, and recommend it to others as the Bible of Ruffian.

Anyone who ever watched this filly race knew what a special sight it was, to see her pulling away from the others, compelled to race. She had an excellent trainer but I happen to believe she also had an instinctive drive to use every bit of power and heart she had. This book chronicles it all, from start to finish and it'll capture the heart of both horse lovers and anyone who simply likes to read a good book. Ruffian

This is a fantastic book, I really enjoyed reading it. One of the best books i've read in a long time.
K.B.

I love this book! I was really surprised that it turned out to be such a page turner! The story was new to me and I found myself likeing the characters as each chapter past. I would read it again!

The reviews are on target. Trice Hickman has really written a novel to make a person evaluate the choices they make, and the reasons they make them. It will inspire relationships and the people in them to not simply follow their heart, but to be true to themselves.

Unexpected Interruptions will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book.

Hooray for Ms. Trice Hickman. Keep em comming Lady.

Go Master The Day,

Dr. B.
autor of, "Go Master The Day."
[..]

I absolutely loved this book! It was refreshing and very funny at times. I found myself cheering for both Parker and Ted. I couldn't decide which one I really wanted Victoria to end up with! I couldn't put this book down until I was finished. I didn't want the story to end. It was very well written. It didn't have any boring spots in it! So far, it tops my list of best summer books to read. Trice Hickman did a great job with this story and I can't wait for her next book. I can tell she is going to be one of my favorite authors. What a great debut book. Please hurry and release the next book.

I haven't written a review in a very long time but after reading this wonderfully written story I had to write a review. Ms. Hickman wrote a fantastic story and I can't believe that this was her first novel. The story flowed well and I couldn't put it down. Since others have done a through summary of the story I will just share what I love about this book. I liked Victoria. She was smart, beautiful and realistic. She wasn't perfect she was human and her character felt real and relatable. She had been hurt in the past but she wasn't bitter or angry. She still hoped to find her ebony knight. Ted was fantastic! I loved that he was attracted to Victoria before he even saw how she looked. He was determined that she would be with him and he never let anything or anyone not even Victoria stop him from pursuing the love of his life. No matter what was thrown his way he never gave up on his quest to win Victoria. He never doubted that she was the one. I liked Parker's character too. He was a dream man. What sista wouldn't want a man like Parker? Sucessful, handsome, a professional who loved Black women? I'd take him! The secondary characters were great too. Especially Victoria's best friend Tyler. Both men were appealing but one had it going on more than the other.

This was a great first novel and I love every minute of it. This book would make a great movie. I highly recommend this book.

All I could think after reading this book was HOW DARE YOU!

How dare you make me laugh, cry, and and get so involved in the story that I had to read it all in one sitting.

I couldn't put the book down once I started it and my kids kept asking what was so funny every time I would break out into laughter. I'm glad that nobody was paying much attention, they would have seen tears between the smiles and thought I was going crazy. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster.

Peggy, Mister, and Missus were all very real from the beginning and it was as if I was watching their lives unfold in person.

CONGRATULATIONS! It's a wonderful book....
Now may I please have control of my emotions again?

I could write so much about this wonderful book but to sum it up, it's one of the best novels I have read in at least the last ten years. Everything is neatly intertwined, and the author makes the characters loveable but still fawed. This book shows how race differences should really be handled--with love. Congratulations to the auhor for doing such a magnificent job. I loved the book!

I was caught up in this book the second I read the back cover. How many novels do you know that actually make you feel like you're right in the story with them, that what's going on is real and true to life? Well, this one does, and I can tell you that after reading it, I had a whole new apprecaitation for racial differences. DeVincent-Hayes make this story real, and she made me look at what it might be like on the "the other side." I just love this story. I wish [...]would pick it up for her book club and her Harpo would make it into a movie, I cried and broke into laughter in so many places in this story. Peggy is such a likeable character, even with all her flaws. Mr. Ellen is just like James Earl Jones, and Mrs. Ellen is so cool. This is a wonderful family story.

Why is it that good books like this "22 Friar Street" aren't bestsellers? Is it because such a book isn't vulgar, profane, violent? Our society should want books like this that reflect on human relationships and show us not only in the good light, but also with all our flaws and shortcomings. The author of this book should win a Nobel for her superb writing skills and exceptional insight into humanity; more importantly, Oprah ought to celebrate it on her bookclub, and Ron Howard ought to make a movie out of it. It's a story that shows humanity in a clear light--what our expectations of each other are, what are stereotypes and preconceived notions consist of and how damanging they can be. Never have I ever run across a book that has gapped so many chasms as this book, such as blacks and whites, young and old, wealthy and poor, cultured and uncouth. This story just blew me away. In some places, I laughed so hard that people in the doctor's waiting room stared at me; in other places, tears rolled down my eyes. You have got to read this story! Great work, DeVincent-Hayes!

Whooowee! What a ride this story takes you on...unbelievable! Not only is it a roller coaster of a ride, but it has characters that you just fall in love with, even ol' meany Aunt Audrey who really doesn't hate Peggy after all. This book is like a wide beacon on dark seas because it shows how we can brighten up our beliefs and change society and fix all the inhumanity we often put on others. I loved Peggy and Mr/Mrs Ellen. This book sucks you in and keeps you glued to it without your even knowing it. Buy a copy for yourself; you won't be sorry. It's a true, wholesome family story and a quiet lesson in what it means to love each other despite cultural, racial, educational differences.

Jackie and Me is a book about a kid named Joe Stashack. He has the power to touch baseball cards and go back in time to when that card was printed. Joe is supposed to write an essay on African-American Heroes. He loves baseball so much he does his report on Jackie Robinson. There is also a contest where the best essay wins a trip to Kentucky Kingdom. Joe really wants to win. Joe goes to his favorite baseball card shop but they don't have a Jackie Robinson 1947 card. Jackie will break the color barrier which is not an actual barrier but it is the law, yet in 1947 he hasn't broken it yet. So they don't have the card, but they do have a Jackie Robinson 1947 signature. Joe is able to travel back through time and he learns something from Jackie. You must stay cool and do not use violence. This is a great book. -Andromeda Grade 5

The book I am reading is Jackie and Me. It is written by Dan Gutman. I think this book deserves five stars because it has real events but at the same time its fiction. It's about a kid who travels back in time to meet Jackie Robinson. But the next thing he knows he gets stuck back in time. So the next thing he tricked ant a bat boy to give his Ken Griffin Jr. Card back the key to get back to his time. He also wrote Babe and Me Honus and Me.

Jackie andme is the best baseball book ive ever read but the thing i hate about it isthere is a kid namedant whosi very negative and hecalls african americans bad names thatwe cant speak of but i would recomend the book if you like baseball.

This book was very powerful in climaxs and the segregation.As I read this I was mad at the terms and the abuse the african american people had to stand up to and in doing so were at risk of being killed.But at the same time I enjoyed hearing about the early 1900's ball players so i rate this book a 4 star book.

I purchased the book as a gift for my children. They love the series and have all of them. I highly recommend the series. It engages the minds of the readers in a fictional, imaginative way for those avid baseball lovers.

I bought this book prior to attending the Skip Barber Racing School, and it was the perfect preparation. The book goes into far more detail than the actual school has time for, so by internalizing it before attending the school, you are well prepared to put the theories into practice.

If the book has any flaw at all, it is that it treats race car driving like something that can be approached completely mathematically. When you're in a real car, instinct, courage, and judgment still count for a lot.

Going Faster is the recognized authority on the subject, and it might never be surpassed. It gets quite technical at times, and bears re-reading as one gains race experience. It is a bit too much for spectators, but for an ambitious racer, this book and seat time can take you to the winner's circle.

If I had one book about driving to recommend this would certainly be it. Skip Barber managed to cover pretty much every aspect of how to drive fast around a track in step-by-step, clear and easy to understand fashion. The book is well ilustrated and well structured.
I personaly haven't taken classes at his school, but I'm pretty shure that all the knowledge he tries to pass and his method are put down in words in this masterpiece. It's the closest from a racing driving class you can get without actually driving around a track with an instructor at your side.

From what I've read so far, it is a great book which covers the aspects of "Going Faster" (whad'ya know?) More theory, rather than dealing with the hands-on-at-the-track-i-need-to-make-sure-the-car-is-running-before-i-go-out, part. Great for people (like the book says) "who want to get into racing or want to appreciate more of what the pro's do when they're spectating from the stands. I haven't read Speed Secrets yet, but from what I read from the reviews, it should be similar.
Compared to Secrets of Solo Racing (which I have read), there's much more useful information for me, because it has more material covering driving rather than covering the entire autocrossing experience (volunteering, clean up, what to take to the track...you can get this from your close autocrossing friends. So focus on driving well with what you have).
All in all, main point is, great book if you want to learn how to drive fast.

My wife and I just completed our first high performance driver training event sponsored by our local Porsche Club of America chapter. The book was recommended by my driving instructor. It seems to be a very detailed version of the Skip Barber Racing School classroom material. Lots of photos and diagrams that make the concepts easy to understand. Reading the information is like listening to my driving instructor all over again. I've purchased two other books on the subject. One was so technical it was difficult to understand and the other was 98% the author telling how great he was during his racing career. This book is spot on. It is a must have for anyone who is about to attend a driving school or is a spirited driver.

Following right where they left off, Wonder is flying through her training once she gets the right handling. I think alot of horse people out there can relate with ashleigh about the frustration of watching someone push a horse to far but we can also relate with her never giving up. Good read, reccomend for any horse lover.

"Townsend Prince and Mercy Man are running nose and nose, straining to catch her. What a finish! Can the filly do it? Can this courageous little filly hold them off? They're coming down to the wire..."

In book three Ashleigh, Wonder, and Charlie are headed for the biggest race of their lives. The Kentucky Derby. This book is one of my favorites because of the way that it is written. We learn so much about Brad Townsend, and I can't help but glare when I think about him. Campbell does an amazing job creating a "villain" that has depth and character. You really grow to hate Brad! We also get glimpses of characters that will play a major role in the future of Thoroughbred, like Mike Reese.

Probably the best asset of this book is the race scenes. Each race that is written seems to come alive to me as I read. I can picture Wonder and Jilly struggling down the stretch in the Blue Grass trying valiantly to hang on to the lead under the onslaught of Townsend Prince and Silverghost. The climax of this book is the Kentucky Derby where Wonder is pitted against the greatest colts in the country and her own half brother Prince (who is Brad's colt). This race is one of my most favorite in the whole series. I was on the edge on my seat as I read. I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough! Every time I read this book I get excited all over again.

Wonder's First Race is one of the finest books in the series. When I think of how great this series is, I'm terribly saddened at the fact that Harper Collins is planning to end the series after #72. Unfortunately the faithful readers will not get the chance to experience another race as gripping as Wonder's Derby if the books will no longer be printed...Please reconsider Harper! If you want to HELP SAVE THE THOROUGHBRED SERIES, go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out more. Please help keep the spirit of Ashleigh and Wonder alive! PLEASE SAVE THOROUGHBRED!!

In this book Wonder is injured by Brad Townsend during an icy workout.Her Derby chances go downhill when she is injured. Ashleigh meets Mike Reese and he asks her on a date.Wonder and Prince make it to the Derby. Wonder makes it to the wire first with Jilly Gordon up. Unfortunately this most remarkable series is coming to an end at #72 Legacy's Gift.Please go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out how you can help to try to save this beloved series.

Wonder's First Race is one of my favorite TB books. I'm 20 and I still get a kick out of reading them.
This is where things start to get exciting. We see Wonder race for the first time, Ashliegh start to show an interest in boys and much much more!
Please, please don't end this series! The new books are not as good as this one was, but I still read them.

This was the first Thoroughbred book I ever read and still holds a special place in my heart. This is a truly well-written book that I have enjoyed upon many re-readings. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

This is an unusual book, strange in so many ways I'm going to have trouble listing them all. I'll try, though. I will say that at some level I enjoyed this book, and if you can overcome the shortcomings that I'll list below, you may enjoy it more than I did.

For one thing, there's the issue of the author's name. This *isn't* the Michael Collins who was the first president of Ireland (of course not, he's been dead for 80 years) though the author was born over there. He's also not the astronaut who stayed on Apollo 11 while Armstrong and Aldrin wandered around on the moon. And he's also not Dennis Lynds, who has a series of detective novels featuring a one-armed private eye named Dan Fortune, and who writes novels under the pen name Michael Collins. This is the other other other Michael Collins. Very weird.

The plot of the book is pretty complex. All of the plot takes place in the late 1970s, a strange choice for the author. It works at some levels, though. Frank Cassidy is a small-time next-to-nothing, working at a burger joint, married to a woman who is at first a dispatcher for a trucking company. They have two kids, though the older one is from her previous marriage. Frank gets word that his uncle has died, and he decides to return to his hometown for the funeral. However his cousin and the cousin's wife are very angry at this.

This is where things begin to get strange. It turns out that Frank's wife, Honey, was married before, and her husband killed two people and is now on Death Row. She beats the son she had with the first husband. Frank, meanwhile, steals cars and money in order to finance their trip back home. As the novel progresses, there's not a single solitary character in the whole plot who's truly honest, good-hearted, and/or selfless. Everyone's out for themselves, dishonest, and nasty. It's sort of a cross between American Beauty and The Grapes of Wrath.

One point I think worth making is that the author isn't an American. You've got to wonder what these guys are thinking (I'm thinking of the guy who wrote American Beauty) when they move here in order to write stuff and tell us what jerks we are. I wonder if an American could move to Britain or Ireland and write a novel like this, and get it published, let alone receive awards. Needless to say, all the gushing blurbs on the back of the book are from British and Irish newspapers, which all insist (of course) that it reveals "America's long malaise".

The author *can* write, though. There's not that much of a plot, unfortunately. Instead, we get a bleak, desolate account of Middle America a quarter century ago. While the author isn't positive about anything, it's interesting to watch the characters wander through the plot. The mystery angle isn't (as is traditional) important to the book, and the solution, when revealed, seems rather forced and quick. Luckily, as I said, it's not that significant.

I enjoyed this book within these parameters. I might recommend it, but you've got to be aware of how annoying it can be at times.

This is where things get weird, however.

This book is a pleasure to read. The writing style is effortless - Mr Collins is a skillful and inventive writer.

The story follows a 1970s family who return to the Frank Cassidy's hometown for his dad's funeral. As the mystery around the death unfolds, other themes are also addressed. In a couple of generations Frank's family has moved from primary industry, mining and farming, into the service econony (flipping burgers). The novel shows the impact on families, on men and women and their ideas of their place in the world. Some people can survive in the modern world of corporate farming, of colleges which free people from their tie to the soil. It is not an easy journey but the ability of people to survive shines through, especially when the benefits of education are used to change for the better. In the background the impact of a war fought overseas is also in the air.

Ultimately, a novel about hope. Perhaps even an update of the American dream? Great book, deserves more recognition.

The hero is a pragmatist in a Godless world. The protagonist, Frank Cassidy, had not had a day off in two years when he quits his job in New Jersey to go the the Upper Peninsula, Michigan for reason of a death in the family. He steals a car and later robs a man named Melvin. Frank's brother-cousin and his wife, Norman and Martha, dread the arrival of Frank and Honey and Robert Lee and Ernie, the children.

In the boarding house where they stay there is a hint of opulence. It is learned that the body of the deceased uncle, Ward, is being held by the authorities. Honey feels they should try to get jobs in the town. Frank works as a security guard and Honey in the business office of a college undergoing a transition from a community college to a four years residential college with a Great Books curriculum.

For Thanksgiving it is decided to eat at Cedar Lodge and stay there through the long weekend. Listed winter activities are ice skating and ice fishing. In a telephone call Frank learns that his cousin Norman is collapsing. Norman upended the sheriff's car when served with papers of foreclosure. Frank and his family go to Norman's place where it is discovered the dairy herd has been killed. In the end Frank uncovers and clarifies mysteries that have always surrounded his boyhood. The atmosphere created by the author matches the subject of the search for meaning by being indeterminate, foggy, bewildering. The children are presented in interesting realistic detail.

~ Frank Cassidy learns in a newspaper of the death - possibly, murder - of his uncle, and goes back to North America to investigate any possibility of inheritance; to find out why his uncle died; and to sort out loose ends left in his head from a fire at his family farm in his childhood...

This book starts off quite promisingly. The writer evidently knows the mechanics of how to write well. But the book lacks sufficient plot after about the first hundred pages (of a 360-page book) to keep the reader very interested in continuing with it. The journey to the end of the book becomes boring, too unstimulating, too slow, too drawn out, with too much description and detail just for the sake of giving description and detail, too much describing of humdrum life, with the reader wondering if the book is going to go anywhere sufficiently interesting to be worth going on turning the pages. The characters in the book aren't made particularly interesting in themselves. The story ceases to be interesting. The reader is left in the dark for too long as to where the book is heading to, or why all the details are supposed to be interesting, or what the point of the book is supposed to be. Whilst what really happened many years before, in Frank's childhood, is revealed to us in the last fifteen pages of the book, by the time the reader gets there, he will probably have lost interest in the tale anyway.

A few specifics in the plot that didn't really seem to fit together well:
1. It seemed odd for Frank just to dump Juniper, the family pet, in someone else's car, and for that action then just to be accepted by the rest of the family.
2. It seemed odd for Frank to go back home with specific personal missions in his mind, but yet then never actually to get round to meeting up with Norman and Martha face to face for the whole time he was up there.
3. It seemed odd for Norman and Martha just to run away without saying more to anyone, after their herd was slaughtered.
4. Why Chester Green was suddenly being referred to as 'the Sleeper' didn't seem to be explained.
5. It seemed odd for Frank, not rich, not to want to salvage any possessions from either house before they were bulldozed.
6. It seemed odd and too convenient for Frank suddenly to be interrogating Baxter, his new co-worker, for information, which was forthcoming, as soon as he met him.
7. It seemed odd for Frank just to be allowed to be left alone with Chester Green in a hospital unsupervised, particularly in later visits after he had already been suspected of trying to harm or interfere with Chester Green earlier on.
8. Why Baxter suddenly ended up in the sanatorium following the window-smashing incident and ended up getting ECT treatment wasn't very clear.
9. Frank suddenly realising his mother had died in a fall many years ago, by listening to tapes, didn't really ring very true.
10. The detail at the end of the book (page 357), of Frank killing the paralysed 'Chester Green' in the sanatorium, seemed to be a detail borrowed straight out of 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest', where the huge red indian suffocates the comitose Jack Nicholson at the end of that film. That conclusion seems to be borne out by a reference to 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' in this book, just a page later (page 358).

All in all, this was not a very satisfying book, for a variety of reasons - mainly lack of interesting plot and lack of interesting characters.

Frank Cassidy lives on the fringes of society in a succession of demeaning jobs, a wife with an ex-husband on death row in Georgia, an angst-riddled stepson waiting for his father to be executed and an innocent pre-schooler, obsessed with his toy dinosaurs. Frank's edge-of-desperation lifestyle can be traced back to his childhood, his father and mother killed in a fire that erupted on the family farm when Frank was five-years old. His memories of that time are dim, shaped by the overwhelming presence of his uncle, who raised him as one of his own, and the psychological evaluations the doctor hoped would unlock Frank's fragmented memory of the night of the conflagration.

As soon as he is old enough, Frank leaves the farm behind, along with all family connections, to make his way in a hostile world with no patience for an emotionally damaged survivor. His life since then has been a series of misdemeanors, an anti-social approach to the rest of mankind. Frank views his occasional petty crimes as the natural evolution of a careful society, like car theft, his deeds "preordained statistical probability", but refuses to believe that "stupidity and desperation equate to evil". When he reads of his uncle's murder, Frank gathers his family and heads for the past, a dark trek from New Jersey to the vast, empty cold of the far north in Michigan.

Along the way, Frank telephones his cousin at the farm, arguing about the purpose of the trip and the resolution of a shattered history. For Frank, this journey is like poking a stick at a bad tooth, as painful memories surge, taunting and confusing his every action, his haunted youth returning with savage intensity. He makes his way back to the kind of town nobody would willingly return to unless called by tragedy or loss. People here live in despair, inhabiting days frozen in minimal needs and obligations, waiting to thaw. At each phase of his odyssey, Frank is beset by images and memories, the flickering light of a television screen in a starless night, black and white reruns the backdrop for a tragedy buried in his subconscious that fills him with a vague sense of guilt, a mistrust of his own motivations.

Thirty years after the traumatic events that stole his childhood, Frank is called back into the chaos of his youth, the self-destruction that has defined every rebellious action since. Both distressed and comforted by a suffering family he can barely provide for, Frank plunges into what remains of his world, forced to redefine time and place, to make a stand in this frozen wilderness, drawing courage from his own need for resolution and the love of his dysfunctional family. He does so with consummate grace, a tragic character cart-wheeling through free-associative hell on a collision course with the truth. The prose is shadowed and disturbing, a painful view of the underbelly of American life, where the have-nots gather around a burning trash can in hopes of warmth in an indifferent landscape. Luan Gaines/2005.

This book was EXCELLENT!! I love it!

The excitement of the book kept me reading!! Even thought there was fictional parts in the book, like how Man O' War's Dam was not gentle and sweet but nervous and A LOT like her Sire. And other fictional things like how the new owner did not see Man O' War until after he bought him. Even though these things were false in the story, I think it is great and helps people learn the life of one of the greatest horses in history!! When I read the book I felt like I was there, And I love when books help you do that! I really hope they can mke more books like this on othr famous horses!

I was able to enjoy this book immensely! The details Walter Farley gave were incredible. You didn't miss a thing! You always knew everything that was going on with Man O' War. There wasn't too much detail either. It wasn't 350 pages of blah. In this book you were able to live through all of the races, dissapointment, and momentous occasions of Man O' War and his stable hand Danny. Danny was a loyal young man who more than anything wanted to be with his horse Man O' War. Any horse lover who has a special horse close to their heart or just loves horses in general will be able to relate to Danny's love for Man O' War!
I definitely recommend Man O' War as a must read for any horse lover!
I hope this was of some help for you! Happy Reading!!

This is one of my favorite books ever. I read it a few years ago (in 8th grade), and am still looking for another racehorse book like it. Farley throws you into the story of a colt and his groom. Although in real life, Danny didn't exist, "Red" did and the information on the horse and his races is true. It gives all of the history without getting boring and sounding like a History book. I think everyone who even just likes horses should read it.

It is really goood
the beginning is a little slow but then it grips you and you can hardly put the book down!
it is one of the best books that he has ever written!
If you love horses, or horse racing then this is the book for you!!

I adore this book, though it is not completely factual. Of course, Walter Farley never says it was:) It is extremely well written and I strongly recommend it to everyone who enjoys Walter Farley's books, horse racing, Man O'War, or just plain horses!

However, there are a few little facts that are incorrect. In the book it is mentioned that Mahubah, Man O'War's dam, is a gentle, good-natured mare that they bred to "tame the hot blood of Hastings". But in real life, Mahubah was noted to be a nervous, rather high-strung mare, much like her father Rock Sand. Rock Sand was very alert and nervous and had to literally have a padded stall because he would pace and kick so much they worried he would injure himself!

Second, Mr. Riddle did not see Man O'War until after he was purchased. He had an agent buy him at the Saratoga Sale.

Also, I think Walter Farley should have given some credit to Preston M. Burch and his book "Training Thoroughbred Horses" because Man O'War's entire training process was copied step-by-step from that book (which I also own).

Overall though, a great book and one of my favorites by the author. Very much recommended and enjoyed!