Horse of a Different Color

Jim Squires provides a very unique approach to writing about an industry few have had the luxury of being on the inside of. "Horse of a Different Color" is intelligently presented and cleverly written. What a refreshing way to present information on a "culture" which exists in and of itself that few will ever have an opportunity to learn of otherwise. If you are at all interested in the horse racing industry, this book is a must read.

As a lifelong devotee of the horse, and particularly the Thoroughbred, I've read more than a few horse books. Few have delighted me as much as has this treasure by Jim Squires. My only complaint is that it wasn't at least 1000 pages long (and even then I'd probably wish it was longer). What makes this book so delicious is the writer's horse-savvy coupled with his sharp wit and good writing, and obvious love for his horses. More than just telling the tale of how one particular colt brought home the roses, it's about the whole, encompassing experience through the eyes, heart and pen of a knowledgable and articulate person. "Seabiscuit" was excellent and I enjoyed every word. "My Racing Heart" was expressive and also a pleasure to read. "Horse of a Different Color" stands above these, on a par with the unforgettable Joe Palmer and "This Was Racing." It's got a permanent home in my library, as will any future book Squires might write about equines (and I certainly hope he does).

I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Squires is a good writer with a self-deprecating sense of humor. I am a reader of most thoroughbred books and find a lot of them just rehash the same old stories. Mr. Squires tells the story as he was in it and imparts the knowledge he learned along the way and also explains that "knowledge" may be mostly luck. He explains things without over simplifying and without being sentimental. He also gives some insights into the breeding industry that I found interesting, such as discussions of sales and especially two- year old sales. Since Point Given was a horse racing at this time we do have to have some of the obligatory Bob Baffert blather, but the author kept it simple. (Unlike Three Strides before the Wire and My racing heart--which had long adoring profiles of him which I skipped over. Been there, read that, bored with it, more interested in the horse.)If you want to get a feel for the thoroughbred breeding industry this is a good book for you.

The audio set (which is unabridged) contains 8 two-sided tapes that are never once dull. In fact, I often laughed out loud and almost wept during his telling of the Kentucky Derby race that the colt from his breeding farm won, even though he tells the listener in the prologue how the race ends. The author (who is also the reader)casts the story around a David (himself and all small-time breeders) vs. Goliath (the California/Arab breeding machines)theme; a former newspaper editor, he writes fluently and with grace. His baritone voice and soft Tennessee accent make for pleasant listening. Highly recommended.

I am not a horseman, but I live in horse country. After considerable urging from my horse friends, I read Jim Squires' book. The story is about horses and people in today's world, and what a fascinating story it is. I imagine after many years as a journalist, he is very adept at keeping the reader, like me, turning page after page, non-stop. This tale is for everyone, not just horse lovers. Usually, it takes me 50 pages to get into a book, not this time! You're off to a quick start, and before you realize it, a thrilling climax. I found myself laughing out loud. His humor is all at his own expense. My wife likened herself to Mr. Squires' spouse, who he refers to as the dominant female. This is a remarkable true story told firsthand by the man who lived it.