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book_concierge's review
2.0
Gary Stevens is a Hall-of-Fame jockey and this is his autobiography. He openly and honestly relates his childhood, early training, and path to being one of the top jockeys in the world.
He’s not a great writer though, never finished high school, and never kept a journal or diary, so writing this book, even with the help of a professional was difficult. But who could forget the thrill of winning, or even the first time riding in a major race? He manages to include much about the significant races in his career, as well as the major injuries or personal setbacks that derailed and nearly ended his career. Still, I got bored at times with this work, and it seemed to just peter out, as if he’d pulled up mid race and just walked his horse back to the barn.
I’m a fan of horseracing but Stevens failed to convey the thrill and excitement of the sport in this book. Perhaps I should stick to books that are more about the horses than the jockeys who ride them.
He’s not a great writer though, never finished high school, and never kept a journal or diary, so writing this book, even with the help of a professional was difficult. But who could forget the thrill of winning, or even the first time riding in a major race? He manages to include much about the significant races in his career, as well as the major injuries or personal setbacks that derailed and nearly ended his career. Still, I got bored at times with this work, and it seemed to just peter out, as if he’d pulled up mid race and just walked his horse back to the barn.
I’m a fan of horseracing but Stevens failed to convey the thrill and excitement of the sport in this book. Perhaps I should stick to books that are more about the horses than the jockeys who ride them.
efcraig's review
5.0
Gary may not be a superb writer, but he's an amazing conversationalist. He's very candid and honest in this autobiography, and gives you a very in-depth and invaluable look at many of the highs and lows of his career that we all only witnessed on tv. Famous racing celebrities can be difficult to get to know because their every move isn't plastered all over In Touch or Us Weekly, but Gary holds nothing back about the mistakes he's made and his relationships (good and bad) with famous trainers and other famous jockeys. Gary makes no excuses and owns up to every decision made in his life, right or wrong, and it makes for a fantastically compelling read.
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