Bill Barich

Bill Barich is an American author and journalist known primarily for his non-fiction writing about horse racing, travel, and life in California. His 1980 book "Laughing in the Hills," which chronicles his time at Golden Gate Fields racetrack, is considered a classic of horse racing literature. Barich served as a staff writer for The New Yorker from 1980 to 1995, contributing pieces on diverse subjects including travel, sports, and American culture. He has also written for numerous other publications including Sports Illustrated and The New York Times. Beyond horse racing, Barich has explored broader cultural themes in works like "Big Dreams: Into the Heart of California" and "A Pint of Plain," the latter examining pub culture in modern Ireland. His 2009 book "Long Way Home: On the Trail of Steinbeck's America" retraced John Steinbeck's journey from "Travels with Charley." In addition to his literary work, Barich served as a consultant for the HBO series "Luck," which focused on the world of horse racing. He continues to write about racing, travel, and cultural subjects from his homes in Ireland and California.

Readers consistently praise Barich's ability to capture the authentic atmosphere of racetracks and Irish pubs through detailed observations and conversations with locals. His writing style in "Laughing in the Hills" draws particular appreciation for avoiding racing industry jargon while maintaining technical accuracy. Readers highlight: - Clear, observant prose that brings scenes to life - Balance of personal narrative with factual reporting - Authentic portrayal of racing culture and characters - Humor in describing everyday moments Common criticisms: - Some find the pacing slow, especially in travel narratives - Occasional tendency toward lengthy tangents - Limited broader context in location-specific works Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Laughing in the Hills" 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) - Amazon: "A Pint of Plain" 3.8/5 (40+ reviews) - "Long Way Home" averages 3.7/5 across review sites One reader noted: "Barich notices details others miss and presents them without judgment." Another wrote: "His racing books inform without overwhelming newcomers to the sport."

Laughing in the Hills (1980) A memoir chronicling the author's year spent at Golden Gate Fields racetrack in California, detailing the lives of jockeys, trainers, and gamblers.

Big Dreams: Into the Heart of California (1994) A travel narrative exploring California's diverse landscapes and communities, from Silicon Valley to the Central Valley's agricultural regions.

Carson Valley (1997) A novel about a man who returns to Nevada to care for his injured mother and confronts his past relationships and family history.

A Pint of Plain: Tradition, Change, and the Fate of the Irish Pub (2009) An examination of Ireland's pub culture and its transformation in modern times, based on the author's travels throughout the country.

Long Way Home: On the Trail of Steinbeck's America (2010) A travelogue retracing John Steinbeck's route from "Travels with Charley," comparing modern America to Steinbeck's observations.

An Angle on the World: Dispatches and Diversions from the New Yorker and Beyond (2016) A collection of essays and articles previously published in The New Yorker and other publications, covering topics from horse racing to travel.

Jim Harrison writes about outdoor life, hunting, food and human connections to wilderness landscapes. His prose style combines earthiness with literary depth, similar to Barich's approach to writing about horses and rural culture.

John McPhee focuses on detailed portraits of places and people through immersive journalism and research. His works explore specific subjects deeply while weaving in history and character studies, matching Barich's method of delving into racing culture and Irish life.

Joan Didion chronicles California culture and American life through personal essays and reportage. Her work examines social changes and regional identity in ways that parallel Barich's observations of place and community.

Tom McGuane writes about horses, fishing, and life in the American West with attention to both sporting culture and human relationships. His mix of outdoor writing and character study aligns with Barich's interests in horses and human nature.

Tracy Kidder produces narrative nonfiction that examines specific communities and subcultures through careful observation. His immersive reporting style and focus on human stories mirrors Barich's approach to documenting racing communities and Irish pub culture.