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May 4, 2007

Horsing Around

Saturday is the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby, the brightest jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. One way to get ready for the Run for the Roses is to check out a racing-related novel. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley (herself a breeder of thoroughbreds) gently satirized the complex world of the track with Horse Heaven, a funny story packed with human and equine characters. For a sweeping Bluegrass State-based saga, try Fern Michael’s Kentucky Rich, Kentucky Heat and Kentucky Sunrise. The trilogy chronicles the ups and downs of the Coleman clan, a wealthy family overseeing a prestigious horse farm. Readers who enjoy mysteries might like to take a gallop with Dick Francis, whose numerous equestrian whodunits have made him a household name in his native England.

For more information on the Kentucky Derby, trot on over to our Reference News blog.

Posted by hplreadingcorner at 3:59 PM