Hillenbrand fell ill in college and was unable to complete her degree . She shared that experience in an award-winning essay , '' A Sudden Illness , '' published in '' The New Yorker '' in 2003 . Her books were written while she was disabled by that illness . In a 2014 interview , Bob Schieffer said to Laura Hillenbrand : " To me your story – battling your disease ... is as compelling as his ( Louis Zamperini 's ) story . " Hillenbrand 's first book was the acclaimed '' Seabiscuit : An American Legend '' ( 2001 ) , a nonfiction account of the career of the great racehorse Seabiscuit , for which she won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2001 . She says she was compelled to tell the story because she " found fascinating people living a story that was improbable , breathtaking and ultimately more satisfying than any story she 'd ever come across . " She first told the story through an essay , " Four Good Legs Between Us " , that was published in '' American Heritage '' magazine , and the feedback was positive , so she decided to proceed with a full-length book . The book received positive reviews for the storytelling and research . It was made into the film '' Seabiscuit '' , nominated for Best Picture of 2003 at the 76th Academy Awards
76th Academy Awards
76th Academy Awards
Laura Hillenbrand