When books are good I re-read them and two need mentioning. First is a wonderful account of the hardships of the backstretch (one of my first glimpses into what really went on there before I became part of it):
Laughing in the Hills by Bill Barich, who wrote this account while his wife was undergoing cancer treatment and he visited Golden Gate Fields. A true gem worth reading over and over. If you don't find "bits" of yourself in this book you are lying to yourself.
http://www.amazon.com/Laughing-Hills.../dp/1932910875
The second I just rediscovered by Mark Cramer (well known for his great handicapping works
Thoroughbred Cycles, The Odds are on Your Side etc) this one appears to be an autobiographical account of his trials at being a professional at the track. You will find the many psychological hurdles we all most jump mentioned here in one form or another. I purchased this years ago and just re-discovered it and it is a gem. It is called
Scared Money...look for it