The Eighty-Dollar Champion is a New York Times Bestseller.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is a Los Angeles Times Bestseller.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is a Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller.
Thank you independent booksellers! The Eighty Dollar Champion is an ABA Indie Bestseller!
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is an Indie Next Great Reads Pick for September, 2011
Read About The Eighty-Dollar Champion in USA TODAY
“[A] classic American dream story, with a down-on-its-luck horse galloping in for a good measure” —USA Today
If you loved the story of Seabiscuit, the surprise champion racehorse, make a date to check out the true story of Snowman. San Jose Mercury-News
Letts, a horsewoman herself, details the intricacies of the show world beautifully, so that even a non-fan will comprehend the ins and out of the competition. But it’s the nature of the relationship between the people in his life and this remarkable, humble horse that will captivate the reader. It’s a must for any horse lover’s library. Newark Star-Ledger
Letts’ tale, set mostly in the ’50s, is written in evocative, skilled prose that rings true to the tenor of postwar America, when new social structures were evolving as America was shifting from an agrarian, small-town society to one more mechanized and suburban. This backdrop of social evolution would play an important role in Snowman and Harry’s story….Letts deftly calibrates the emotion and suspense that are an indelible part of this tale, which, at its end, may bring a tear or two.–Bookpage
This book is sure to appeal to fans of Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit (2001) and William
Nack’s Big Red of Meadow Stable (1975), about Secretariat, but should exert appeal beyond that of its equine theme… A fascinating, extremely well-told story.–Booklist
An experienced equestrienne, Letts perfectly understands the high-society horse world, the politics and the intricacies of the high-jump competitions and the challenges facing a low-budget arriviste. At its core, though, this is the story of de Leyer and Snowman, about the elusive qualities that make a champion jumper and the special gifts required to read a horse’s signals. Readers skittish around sentiment may balk, but Letts’ gentle touch proves entirely suitable to this genuinely sweet tale.
A heartwarming story begging for the Disney treatment.–Kirkus
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book as uplifting, emotional and inspirational as “The Eighty Dollar Champion.”….What sets this book apart is its ability to capture the magic bond between a very special horse and his wise and capable rider. Neither had a pedigree. They didn’t need it. They had something much more important – they had hearts with wings.”–Sulfur Springs News-Telegraph
“Not only a heartwarming tale of the bond between human and horse, but also a fascinating look at the Eisenhower years, when faulty memory tells us that America was placid and conformist.”
Maria Doria Russell
New York Times bestselling author of The Sparrow and Doc
A real live fairy tale about an unlikely rider and an even unlikelier horse who soared over obstacles to capture the hearts of a nation. An eloquent story about near misses and impossible odds and what can happen with a little luck and a lot of determination. I fell in love with Snowman and Harry and so will you.”
Susan Richards
author of the New York Times bestseller, Chosen By a Horse
There is something magical about stories where humans and animals team up to combine their courage, intelligence, determination, physical prowess and instincts to scale the heights, touch our hearts deeply and inspire us in the most profound ways. Those are the best stories there are, I think, and The Eighty-Dollar Champion joins their ranks. There is a lot of wonderful emotion in this book, and it left me awestruck once more at the wondrous things animals and people can do when they join together to make some great and beautiful noise in the world.”
Jon Katz
New York Times bestselling author of Soul of a Dog
The perfect book at the perfect time, Snowman will lift you up and over.”
Rita Mae Brown
New York Times bestselling author of the “Sister” Jane foxhunting mysteries
The moving story of an indomitable immigrant farmer, his equally spirited horse, and their against-the-odds journey all the way to the winner’s circle, The Eighty-Dollar Champion fascinates from the first page to the last. Elizabeth Letts has uncovered a forgotten slice of American history and brought it to magical life.”
Karen Abbott Bestselling Author of American Rose
This is a wonderful book–joyous, heartfelt, and an eloquent reminder that hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Most of all, it’s a moving testament to the incredible things that can grow from the bond between animals and humans. If you love a great animal tale, you’ll love this book!”
Gwen Cooper, bestselling author of Homer’s Odyssey
A fun and wonderfully detailed story about a most remarkable bond between a man and his horse. You will fall in love with the eighty-dollar champion.”
W. Bruce Cameron, bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose
