Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
SEABISCUIT by Laura Hillenbrand

  1. Why was Seabiscuit so popular in the 1930's? Why is this book so popular today

  2. Was Seabiscuit a celebrity or a hero?

  3. Was Red a typical jockey of his era? Why?

  4. Describe the life of a jockey. Why would anyone want to be a jockey under such terrible circumstances?

  5. Describe Charles Howard. Why did he stick by Seabiscuit? Why did he stick by Red?

  6. Describe Tom Smith.

  7. How did the media portray Seabiscuit? Was the media helpful to Seabiscuit's career?

  8. Although Seabiscuit is portrayed as an underdog, the horse had excellent breeding lines. What made this horse a winner?

  9. How did Seabiscuit shape the lives of those around him?

  10. The author Laura Hillenbrand weaves history and anecdotes together to humanize the story. Recall some of the anecdotes:

    • Seabiscuit eating his sleeping straw
    • Seabiscuit's stall mates
    • The bell in the race with War Admiral

  11. Was the story exciting?

  12. Did your opinion of horse racing change after reading Seabiscuit?

  13. How are Red, Smith and Howard alike? How are they different?

  14. How did Red, Smith and Howard work as a team? What did each contribute towards Seabiscuit's success?

  15. Hillenbrand talks of "character." Give some examples.

  16. How does Hillenbrand dramatize the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.