Seabisuit--An American Legend

Seabiscuit--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary-- No one saw any promise in him. He was gawky, had ugly knees and spent most of his time sleeping. He was not made of racehorse material despite his Man O' War pedigree. Then Tom Smith found him and Seabiscuit's life changed. First, he burned up the track...but only when he wanted to. Then, with patient care from his trainer, Tom, and jockey, Red Pollard, one of America's greatest racehorses began running in earnest. Beating better and better horses Seabiscuit eventually warms up to the "race of the century" between himself and his uncle War Admiral. Pollard, who had been badly injured is not able to ride so his good friend and fellow jockey, George Woolfe takes the reigns (spoiler warning!) and to the astonishment of many, wins. Then, Seabiscuit's racing career was smashed--he broke his leg. Pollard and Seabiscuit remove to Charles Howard's, the horses owner, ranch to recover together. Over a year later horse and jockey shook the racing world. They are back on the course and make Howard's final goal, the Santa Anita Handicap. Seven year old Sebicuit, who was told he would never race again, and Red Pollard who was told he would never ride again make a smashing win. The horse's course is run.

Con's-- As with any Laura Hillenbrand book, there is a lot of language and plentiful off-color comments. I have to give her credit though--she only write the language if she is quoting.

Pro's-- I love horses, yes, but that is not the sole reason for me loving this book. It was masterfully written to capture an amazing story. I loved the history, seeing the background of those who were instrumental in Seabiscuit's life, and feeling the serge of joy as the old horse made track records. Seabiscuit is a perfect rags-to-riches story for those out there who think they have no talent. Everyone has a wonderful talent it just might be deeply hidden and take some coaxing to convince it to come out!

Ages 17 and up. Five stars.

Unbroken

  Unbroken--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary--Louise Zamperini, had a childhood that though he was unaware of it at the time, would prepare him for his horrific future.Living as an extremely successful thief, as well as an accomplished nuisance he speeds through his childhood with the police always on his heels. His frantic parents couldn't keep him in line until one day he discovered he had an amazing talent--running. He began burning up the track and even made the Olympics where, though he didn't place, he was personally greeted by Hitler as "the boy with the fast finish." Running hard to prepare for the next Olympics and to be the first man to make the four minute mile, Zamperini has to put his dream on the back burner as World War II strikes and he is summoned to the Air Force. On one bombing mission in Japan Louise comes back to base amazingly unhurt, but in a plane that will never fly again. When another air crew is reported Missing at Sea he and his crew are sent up in the Green Hornet, a plane that is unsafe. It never sees land again and only three crew members survive on life rafts. One is Zamperini. With shark attacks, starvation, dehydration and over a month of nothing but water and sky one man breaths his last and is buried at sea. Zamperini and the other float on, into Japanese territory. They are captured and taken to a POW where they learn they are in (to put it mildly) the most disgustingly inhumane place they have ever been. "The Bird", a brutal and bitter enemy soldier takes Louise into his "special care" and by the time the war is over and he is release he is an emotional wreck, ready to fall apart. After coming home and eventually marrying, he comes undone. Turning to drinking, smoking, anything to numb his feelings he becomes dangerous and his wife, with their new born child flee. Eventually she is forced to return but both are only waiting for their divorce to come through. Then Zamperini's wife attends a revival hosted by the new phenomenon, Billy Graham and her life turns a 180. Louise can hardly help but be affected.

Con's--This book had much more language and off color comments than I ever care to read. I can stomach them better than some however because they were mostly direct quotes. Also, the POW camps are horrifically, and graphically accurate.This last fact is not necessarily a con, just a warning. This is certainly not a bedtime book! The other con to the book was the author's perspective. She is obviously not a Christian so at times she can be a bit irreverent. She presents Christianity as Louise's way (spoiler warning!!) to find peace but not as the only way. Simply another option. I did appreciate that she quoted nearly a whole chapter of John though!

Pro's--Laura Hillenbrand is a wonderful author! This book was so fascinating that I stayed up last night in an effort to finish it. I loved the history most of all. Another thing that I appreciated was that Louise Zamperini finally found peace--exactly where he needed to in the only real place, Jesus Christ. (Spoiler warning again!!) I was also very encouraged and challenged at his forgiveness to those who had done "unforgivable" things to him. He fully forgave, loved and witnessed to them.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a strong stomach, love for history, and a mind not too sensitive to language.

A mature 17 and up book! 5 stars.