#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. 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. BONUS: This edition contains a Seabiscuit discussion guide and an excerpt from Unbroken. Praise for Seabiscuit “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
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About the author
Laura Hillenbrand
Author
Laura Hillenbrand is an American author. Her two bestselling nonfiction books, Seabiscuit: An American Legend (2001) and Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (2010), have sold over 13 million copies, and each was adapted for film. Her writing style is distinct from New Journalism, dropping "verbal pyrotechnics" in favor of a stronger focus on the story itself.
Seabiscuit
by Laura Hillenbrand
Books Like Seabiscuit
If you're looking for books similar to Seabiscuit, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Unbroken
Laura Hillenbrand
Another extraordinary true story of resilience and triumph by the same author. Follows Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned World War II airman who survives a plane crash and brutal Japanese prisoner of war camps. Demonstrates incredible human endurance against overwhelming odds. Shares Seabiscuit's themes of unexpected heroism and overcoming adversity.
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown
A powerful narrative about the American rowing team that stunned the world at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and unlikely success against formidable challenges. Focuses on working-class athletes who overcome tremendous personal and societal obstacles. Captures the same spirit of underdog triumph found in Seabiscuit.
Endurance
Alfred Lansing
The incredible true story of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition and survival. Chronicles an extraordinary journey of human resilience in the face of extreme conditions. Demonstrates unparalleled teamwork and determination in surviving impossible circumstances. Echoes Seabiscuit's narrative of triumph against overwhelming odds.
Secretariat
William Nack
A legendary biography of another remarkable racehorse who defied expectations. Chronicles the extraordinary life of Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in record-breaking fashion. Provides deep insights into horse racing culture and the extraordinary bond between horses, trainers, and owners. Shares Seabiscuit's narrative of an unlikely champion.
Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer
A gripping true account of a disastrous Mount Everest expedition. Explores human endurance, survival, and the thin line between triumph and tragedy. Provides intense, detailed narrative of extreme challenge and personal resilience. Shares the same compelling storytelling and exploration of human spirit found in Seabiscuit.
The Right Stuff
Tom Wolfe
A narrative about test pilots and the early days of the American space program. Explores themes of courage, competition, and pushing human boundaries. Provides insights into extraordinary individuals who challenge conventional expectations. Shares Seabiscuit's spirit of unexpected heroism and breaking barriers.
Rocket Men
Robert Kurson
The extraordinary story of Apollo 8's groundbreaking moon mission. Chronicles human courage and technological achievement in space exploration. Demonstrates remarkable teamwork and individual excellence. Shares Seabiscuit's narrative of unexpected triumph and pushing beyond perceived limitations.
Wild
Cheryl Strayed
A memoir of personal transformation and resilience through an arduous journey. Follows a woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a way of healing from personal tragedy. Demonstrates extraordinary determination and self-discovery in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Echoes Seabiscuit's themes of overcoming adversity and personal redemption.
Born to Run
Christopher McDougall
An exploration of ultra-running and the extraordinary capabilities of the human body. Focuses on the Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe known for incredible long-distance running abilities. Reveals stories of remarkable athletic achievement and human potential. Shares Seabiscuit's themes of unexpected excellence and pushing beyond perceived limitations.
Lone Survivor
Marcus Luttrell
A true account of a Navy SEAL mission in Afghanistan and one soldier's incredible survival. Demonstrates extraordinary human resilience and determination in extreme combat conditions. Explores themes of teamwork, courage, and overcoming seemingly impossible challenges. Captures the same spirit of perseverance found in Seabiscuit.
The Martian
Andy Weir
A science fiction novel about survival and human ingenuity on Mars. Follows an astronaut's incredible journey of problem-solving and resilience. Demonstrates extraordinary human determination in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. Captures the same spirit of unexpected triumph found in Seabiscuit.
The Perfect Storm
Sebastian Junger
A dramatic non-fiction account of a fishing boat's struggle against a massive Atlantic storm. Explores themes of human courage and survival against overwhelming natural forces. Provides a gripping narrative of extraordinary human endurance. Captures the same sense of intense struggle and unexpected heroism as Seabiscuit.
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls
A memoir of survival and triumph over extraordinary childhood challenges. Follows a family's unconventional and often difficult journey of survival and self-discovery. Demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Shares Seabiscuit's themes of overcoming obstacles and unexpected success.
Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer
A true story of a young man's journey of self-discovery and ultimate survival challenge. Explores themes of individual freedom, personal transformation, and the human spirit. Provides a compelling narrative of pushing personal boundaries. Echoes Seabiscuit's exploration of unexpected journeys and personal resilience.
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