Barbaro: America's Horse

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.

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.

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 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.