Customer Reviews

Barbaro: America's Horse

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It wasn't supposed to end that way. I was at Pimlico - in the Turfside Terrace - on May 20, 2006, for a Preakness Stakes that was going to be a second stage in a brilliant three-part coronation ceremony. But we were reminded that perfection and tragedy walk together in mysterious ways.

It wasn't supposed to end that way. Barbaro was supposed to defy the odds, wasn't he? He was supposed to be euthanized soon after the devastating injury on the track, wasn't he? He was going to survive, right? We were again reminded about the perilous path between life and death.

Author Shelley Mickle has penned a story for young people, explaining to them the life and death of a champion who touched the hearts of a nation with courage rarely found in today's society.

The trust Barbaro showed throughout his brief life with human handlers is oftentimes very rare with Thoroughbreds. How else did Barbaro place faith with jockey Edgar Prado to virtually save his life on the track and then battle the injuries with the doctors until laminitis abruptly ended the race.

You may purchase the book for a young person, but take some time and read it yourself. There will be other books published that will center on the history, the facts and the details from media coverage - and those are all important themes - but I will be shocked if another book brings you truly as close to Barbaro as this one.

I was fortunate to get a copy of the manuscript to read. While the book is targeted to kids, I think everyone will enjoy this tale. You get a sense of Barbaro's personality while learning about his life. It is a well written narrative. There were a couple of factual errors (distance of the preakness is shorter than the derby; edgar prado's first ride on barbaro was one race earlier than noted) but these errors take nothing away from a great read, from which children will learn.

This is a wonderful book full of some great insights and pictures. It made my heart feel full and helped ease my grief after gallant Barbaro's passing. I admit I shed a few tears while reading, but on the whole, it's joyous insight into a wonderful character.

Shelley Mickle says up front that she tried "to get inside the head and heart of Barbaro to help the reader understand fully his remarkable spirit and his inspiring story."

Barbaro trusted his people and she understands that. She tells wonderful stories about him and the people who cared for him as a foal, and those who trained him as a yearling and a two-year-old. She builds on each of these life experiences to explain to the reader how Barbaro was able to tolerate being in a stall for eight months after his injury in the Preakness.

The author interviewed Gretchen Jackson. She includes new insights from her, as well as a charming picture of a 6-week-old Barbaro.

Shelley Mickle's respect and affection for Barbaro are apparent on every page. This book has heart and humor. It is a delight. Highly recommended.

I loved this book and read it in a few hours because I didn't want to put it down. A few things that are special about the book (written for children by the way) is that Mrs. Jackson authorized the writing of the book and was interviewed by the author to get some very personal thoughts about the Champ. In other words the book had 'heart'. The pictures were wonderful, especially the one of Barbaro as a foal and the one of his 'best friend 'Last Best Place' according to Mrs Jackson. This becomes a thread throughout the book. The writer uses the technique of 'writing' what Barbaro might be thinking at different times during his experiences. After reading the book, I decided since it is meant for children, I would give it to the school where my sister teaches for their library in the hopes that as more and more children come to read the book or have it read to them, the love for and the memory of Barbaro will contiue to grow for many years. The poster, although small, is wonderful to add to the library atmosphere as well.
All in all, it brought many smiles to my face and chuckles to my heart even though it also had its share of tears as I still miss this magnificant, gorgeous and inspirational horse so very much.
Thanks again to Shelly Mickle for writing the book and to Mrs. Jackson for once again sharing her love for Barbaro to the world with such graciousness.

This is THE book to read about Barbaro; Ms. Mickle provides insights into his early development and handling that are probably not available anywhere else. (It is interesting that although this is listed as a children's book, ALL the reviews here on Amazon seem to be from adults: I am no exception.) Get it for your children or your grandchildren, but be sure to read it yourself first!

What a sweet and loving tribute to the magnificent horse, Barbaro. She wrote the book for young readers, but I am in my fifties and I enjoyed every drop of this book. Definitely one to buy and treasure...great photo of baby Barbaro too!

This book touched me in a special way! I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read it. Ms Mickle's presentation of Barbaro's life, much of it from the horse's-eye-view, endeared me even more to Barbaro. I hope his full brothers are being nurtured and brought along in identical fashion. Great reading! NOTE: The Preakness Stakes is 1 3/16 miles long; it was not the longest race he was being asked to complete at the time. The Kentucky Derby was longer--at 1 1/4 miles (1/16th of a mile further than the Preakness). Long live the memory and legacy of Barbaro! My compliments and respect go out to those who helped make him a champion.

Shelley Mickle wrote the story of Barbaro, weaving into it a fairytale-like quality. It reads easily and smoothly, like a classic novel. It is factual but also intermingled with Barbaro's thoughts, making it also fantasy. Children of all ages, as well as adults of any age will absolutely LOVE this book.

It is such a sweet offering to the owners of our dear Barbaro. The Jackson's were involved with this book from the beginning,and gave interviews along with other integral players in Barbaro's life. This is the only book that has been released that has also donated a portion of it's proceeds to charity. That, in itself, is very exciting and honorable.

This book has pictures that have never been released to the public before. They are gorgeous, on slick high gloss paper, in color and each gives the photog credit, right on the page. This book has such an endearing quality to it.

It also contains an excellent glossary in the back for the children (and adults) who need a little extra help with some of the terms in the book. It also contains a reading list for adults, and children. In the back of the book is a pullout full-color poster of Barbaro. A MUST READ BOOK!

is depicted in this book, from his early beginnings (there is a wonderful picture of 6-week old Barbaro) to the sadness of his losing battle with
a terrible disease. His life is celebrated here, and his courage and
determination is something to be admired. The love and dedication of his
owners and his vet, Dr. Richardson, is depicted as what it was...above and
beyond. There is a wonderful poster included. Aimed at younger readers,
it is an inspirational story and hits its mark.