I read this book when I was quite young. There was nothing I wanted more than a horse when I was a little girl so this was a book I definitely had to read. It is the story of Velvet Brown and how she wins the Grand National Horse race pretending to be a boy. I don't want to give too many details away for those who haven't read the book, but it is a very touching story about the love between Velvet and her horse, Piebald. I would recommend this for all horse lovers, young or old.

Pros: enjoyable book

Cons: none

This is the book that spawned the Elizabeth Taylor movie, that spawned the Lori Martin tv series, that spawned the wonderfully-illustrated comic books of my youth. National Velvet in all its forms inspired me to tie ropes between chairs in my parents' basement and jump them like Velvet on King. The writing style and some themes might be a tad unrelatable for some, but the story of the meeting of a great horse and a strong girl in the 1920s can still work magic in young people today.

Pros: Still memorable after 40+ years

Cons: Writing style might be a bit dated

I love this book! After I read it the first time I couldn't wait to get on and jump everything in sight!

Pros: Great characters and relationships.

Cons: Can be slow at times.