Horse of a Different Color

After losing his job as the editor of the Chicago Tribune, Jim Squires turns his successful sideline of raising horses into a full-time enterprise. At first, the reading reminds us that author/editor Squires is not a professional audiobook performer. He sounds uneasy; the way a nonactor does when confronted with lines. Yet, as he relaxes into this fascinating, entertaining look at thoroughbreds and the singular folk involved in horse breeding and racing, his natural enthusiasm connects. With great good humor, Squires describes disappointing horse auctions, careful breeding practices, those afflicted with "the dreaded social disease, Derby Fever,'" and the business of raising Monarchos, a Kentucky Derby hopeful. Finally, we experience with Squires his unbridled delight when the gray colt wins "the most exciting two minutes in sports." S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

June 3, 2002
This is the true tale of how Squires, former editor of the Chicago Tribune, moved to Kentucky and tried his hand at breeding racehorses. Though of modest parentage, the exceptionally fast Monarchos (or More Nachos, as his fans call him) went on to win the 2001 Kentucky Derby. Squires's use of self-deprecating humor (he refers to himself as the Breeding Genius and calls his wife, Mary Anne, the Dominant Female) and his slow, southern drawl are endearing to a point. But his delivery is somewhat rote and, since much of the book involves lists of breeding lineages, this can grow trying. And the lack of editing is obvious (e.g., Squires incorrectly reads "bought" as "brought" and corrects himself, something easily forgiven in a live reading, but as easily edited out of audiobook presentation). Overall, however, Squires's portrayal of himself as a wily character for whom luck plays as important a role as any other quality meshes with his awkward delivery just enough to make the audiobook enjoyable.

October 15, 2002
On Saturday, May 5, 2001, the steel-gray colt Monarchos won the Kentucky Derby for owner John Oxley, trainer John Ward, and jockey Jorge Chavez. It was a life-altering moment for breeder Squires, who narrates his five years or so of adventures at Two Bucks Farms prior to the 2001 Derby and his growing obsession with his first real Derby chance, the offspring of his mare Regal Band. Though the winner is known from the outset, Squires weaves a spellbinding tale of millionaire owners, trainers, and auction houses. He looks critically at all involved, including himself, with a good eye, a broad sense of humor, and sharp wit. It is a journey of great frustration, doubt, hope, and, more than anything, enormous good luck when a Derby prospect can be noticed, trained appropriately, and prevented from career-ending injury. Horse folks will love this, but they may need patience getting used to Squires's voice. The content from both producers looks and sounds identical. Recommended.-Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.