My Racing Heart: The Passionate World of Thoroughbreds and the Track

by Nan Mooney

Book Overview

When Nan Mooney was seven years old, she sat down in her grandmother May-May's living room to watch her first ever horse race. In that single afternoon, she launched what would become a turbulent romance between a woman and a sport. My Racing Heart is part memoir, part journey into the compelling world of Thoroughbred horse racing. At its heart is Nan's relationship with her grandmother, an adventurer, racing connoisseur, and woman of courage and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060198532
• ISBN13: 9780060198534
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

If you're new to thoroughbreds - this is where you start!!!

I won't go on a long diatribe. I think the previous reviewers have said what I would have said. In a word - this book is excellent. It's well researched and Nan Mooney clearly has a passion for the topic which means everything when you're writing. There are no dull filler chapters at all. The intertwined story of Mae Mae is a hoot - she is the kind of grandmother we all would like to have as our own.In sum - if you are new to the world of thoroughbreds and racing this is the book to start with. By the time you are through, you will appreciate the history and understand the passion and love of thoroughbreds.

One of the Best

I recently purchased the above book, and I thought it was one of the best books I've ever read about the thoroughbred industry. It is written by a young woman who was introduced to horse racing by her grandmother. The book tells the story of the author's love for horse racing, and her grandmother. It is a sensitive and well written tribute to both. Ms. Mooney entwines her experiences with racing history, and delivers an extremely enjoyable narrative that is at once educational and inspiring. There are probably few facts contained in the book that are not already known to most "track rats"; but she tells them in such an engaging manner, that even the most seasoned and hard bitten horse player should enjoy the retelling. Her account of her love affair with the thoroughbreds is so personal, you feel you really know the author, and understand why she feels the way she does. It is a sentimental and loving account of the maturation of a young woman, and how she has come to where she is today - a devoted fan of the sport. Her grandmother would be proud. I highly recommend it to the readers on the board!

I knew nothing about horses but just love to read

I never rode a horse and probably never will. But I love a good story and I love beautiful language. My Racing Heart is both. The author's story is compelling not only because the horse information was previously unknown to me, but because we all have someone in our lives that was an inspiration--like the author's grandmother. Also, the verbage of the book itself was exceptional--gorgeous, interesting sentences that leapt off the page. The author has a flowing, vivid, picturesque writing style that keeps you reading.

Amorous and Intriguing

Nan Mooney's "My Racing Heart" provides a box seat view into the world of horse racing. It is an amorous tale of a woman and her grandmother's passions for Thoroughbred horses. It is an intriguing story, full of history and honesty. After reading the book I have developed a respect and an understanding for the Thoroughbred horse racing world that I had never had before!

Great Read- Buying for every young woman I know

I read "Seabiscuit" last summer, and I have never been on a horse. I heard an interview with the author, and I picked it up. I also took a gamble on Nan Mooney's "My Racing Heart", and was not disappointed. Her voice jumps off the page- fierce and wounded and powerful. She brought me back to a time that I had forgotten, when we choose to change, and give up a part of oursleves. I found so much honesty in these pages, about how girls grow up, and who we pretend to be. The wild child in Miss Mooney's book, is so loveable, difficult, and frustratingly stuck. Her portrait of her grandmother conjured so many fantasies of these old Pioneer women.. I wanted to have this woman show me how to ride a horse, and live a life. I want to buy this book for every girl going through these years ( 14- 40??) of reclaiming that sense of danger and adventure, and LIFE. Such a great read- perfect for a summer of reflection and adventure.