Author's LifeBorn on the 15th of May 1967, Hillenbrand was born in Fairfax, Virginia. Daughter and the youngest of four, Hillenbrand spent her child hood horse back riding. Her favorite book growing up was "come on sea biscuit". Hillenbrand's talent was found in her early days in high school, when she wrote a copious amount of short stories. Growing up to an adult, she studied at Kenyon College in Gamber, Ohio. Hillenbrand was force to leave due to being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Isolated back at home she began writing articles in the context of horse racing safety to magazine companies like Turf Flash, and Equus Magazine. She then began to work on an article about her favorite child hood book, "come on sea biscuit". After strenuous amounts of research that lasted about 4 years, Hillenbrand gathered enough information. Not only to make an article but was able to make a book out of her prestigious research.
I would like to think that as sea biscuit was introduced to the story he was struggling at what he was doing. But through time and heartfelt dedication he was able to pull through. Hillenbrand's life changes around her just as how Howard's life changes when the great depression hits. Going from an owner to a motor company and pursuing his life time goals. He was forced to start from scratch and returned to the business in horse racing. Hillenbrand was able to relate her problems such as the impact made on her life when she was introduced to her syndrome. The same impact made on Howard, and using the challenging times he went through to become a successful man in a different career path. |
Writing this book has been a four-year lesson in how history hides in curious places.....
The story wasn't lost. It was scattered all over North America, tucked in back pockets and bottom drawers. A remarkable quantity of information came from an odd assortment of memorabilia... My greatest source was living memory. (Hillenbrand, 342) |