Quick Take

Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestselling adult novel, this inspiring true story of a man and horse duo who rose to the top of the competitive equestrian world is one of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all, perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike.On a bleak winter afternoon, Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman between the slats of a rickety truck bound for the slaughterhouse. Noting a spark in the horse's eye, the Dutch immigrant bought the beaten-up animal for only eighty dollars and took him to the family's modest farm on Long Island.Though Snowman thrived in his new home, Harry needed money. Reluctantly, he sold Snowman to another farm a few miles down the road. But the shaggy horse had other ideas.When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a broken fence board, Harry knew that he had misjudged the horse. Snowman then began his extraordinary path to stardom as Harry trained him to show jump, taking Snowman all the way to the very top of the sport.This dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo is based on the insight and recollections of the Flying Dutchman himself. Snowman and Harry's story captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. Elizabeth Letts's message is simple: Never give up, even when the obstacles seem sky-high. There is something extraordinary in all of us.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Eighty-Dollar Champion: A Man, a Horse, and an Unstoppable Dream

Introduction

"The Eighty-Dollar Champion: A Man, a Horse, and an Unstoppable Dream" by Elizabeth Letts is a heartwarming true story that captivates readers with its inspiring tale of hope, dreams, and the power of perseverance. Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestselling adult novel, this book offers a glimpse into the life of Harry de Leyer, a Dutch immigrant who rescued a beaten-up horse named Snowman from the brink of slaughter. Against all odds, Snowman and Harry embark on an extraordinary journey that takes them to the top of the competitive equestrian world. This captivating book is perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike, providing a reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.

About Elizabeth Letts

Elizabeth Letts, the author of "The Eighty-Dollar Champion," is an award-winning and bestselling author of both fiction and non-fiction. Her previous work includes "The Perfect Horse," which won the 2017 PEN USA Award for Research Non-fiction and became a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. With her ability to craft compelling stories, Letts brings to life the inspiring journey of Harry de Leyer and Snowman, showcasing the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the human-animal bond.

Analysis of Views

Uplifting Underdog Story: Readers are drawn to the underdog story of Snowman, the Cinderella Horse. The book's portrayal of Harry de Leyer's journey from a humble immigrant to a successful show jumper resonates with readers who appreciate stories of determination and triumph over adversity.
True Cinderella Tale: Many readers appreciate the true nature of the story. The tale of Snowman's rescue and his rise to stardom as a champion horse is seen as a Cinderella story that captures the hearts of readers. It serves as a reminder that kindness and perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Engaging Narrative: Letts' writing style captivates readers, making them feel as if they are part of the journey alongside Snowman and Harry. The author's ability to bring the world of equestrian sports to life, with just enough tension and suspense to keep readers engaged, is widely praised.
Humility and Hard Work: The book highlights the importance of humility and hard work in achieving success. It serves as a reminder that even underestimated individuals can achieve greatness with dedication and perseverance. This message resonates with readers who value these qualities in their own lives.
Wide Appeal: "The Eighty-Dollar Champion" appeals to a wide range of readers, including those who are not familiar with the equestrian world. Letts' ability to provide just enough background information to create an engaging narrative without overwhelming readers with technical details is highly appreciated.

Reasons for Recommendation

Inspirational Story: The book's message of never giving up on dreams, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, resonates with readers. It serves as an inspiration for those who need a reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
Engaging Narrative: Letts' writing style keeps readers engaged throughout the book, making it difficult to put down. The author's ability to create vivid characters and immerse readers in their journey makes it a highly recommended read for those seeking an uplifting and captivating story.
Wide Appeal: With its wide appeal to both animal lovers and history buffs, "The Eighty-Dollar Champion" offers something for everyone. Its combination of true events, engaging narrative, and inspiring message makes it a highly recommended read for readers of all ages and interests.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetition: Some readers find that the book repeats itself frequently, which can become tedious and detract from the overall reading experience. While this may not be a deal-breaker for all readers, it may be a factor to consider when deciding whether to recommend this book.
Technical Information Overload: While Letts provides enough background information to make the story accessible to readers without prior knowledge of equestrian sports, some find that the inclusion of technical details can be overwhelming for those not familiar with the subject matter. This may limit the book's appeal to certain readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative.

Conclusion

"The Eighty-Dollar Champion: A Man, a Horse, and an Unstoppable Dream" by Elizabeth Letts is a heartwarming true story that captivates readers with its inspiring tale of hope, dreams, and perseverance. Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestselling adult novel, this book offers a glimpse into the life of Harry de Leyer and Snowman, a horse who rose from obscurity to become a champion show jumper. With its uplifting underdog story, true Cinderella tale, engaging narrative, and message of humility and hard work, "The Eighty-Dollar Champion" is highly recommended for readers who appreciate inspiring stories of determination and triumph over adversity. While some readers may find repetition or technical information overwhelming, overall, this book is widely praised for its ability to captivate readers and leave them with a sense of hope and inspiration.