The Art of Racing in the Rain

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Customer Reviews:

A touching story for dog lovers (and everyone else)

I read this book in two sittings, and it is now one of my favorite fiction books. The narrator is a dog who who hopes to one day become a man, despite bearing witness to the cruelties that people can inflict on one another. He realizes and shows the reader through the story he tells that although things can look hopeless love, determination, and loyalty can often set things right.

Clearly this book will appeal to dog lovers, but hopefully this book will find wider appeal. This book would also appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult because of a controversial subplot. Men will appreciate the descriptions of car races and references to famous drivers. This book will take you through emotional highs and lows. Any lover of engrossing fiction should be as happy to go along for the ride that Garth Stein offers as would the canine narrator Enzo in his master's race car.

2008-09-06

Surprisingly Great

I picked up this book without large hopes. I read lots of books about dogs, but while I enjoy them, they are usually just light entertainment. This book, however, still has me tearing up an hour after I finished it. It is very touching in that it takes you through every emotion, sadness to happiness, anger to laughter. It was very convincing that it was narrated by a dog, Enzo. I fell in love with the main characters and think it would make a great movie. I highly recommend this book.

2008-09-06

Great Read

This is a must read for anyhone who has ever shared their life with a dog, or rather anyone who has had a dog that let them share their life with them. Warm, funny and totally engaging. This is a book that I will read many more times.

2008-09-06

Buy this book!

I have never written a review before but I loved this book so much I just had to share how wonderful it is. I read the whole thing in one night. I couldn't put it down. You will fall in love with the characters from the very beginning. It really makes you think about how we treat our loved ones & how time can slip away so fast. I know this is cliche but I laughed, I cried. Enzo will melt your heart & make you wish you could follow him wherever he goes.

2008-09-05

Enjoyable and Inspiring

I admit it... being a dog-lover (my wife and I own a 15 year old black lab mix and an 8 year old beagle mix) I was drawn in by the cover. Since I was not familiar with Garth Stein's novels, I was not sure what to expect. But, I found that this to be one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in quite some time.

Garth Stein has a nice fluid writing style and I was impressed with how well he portrayed the story through the mind of a dog. I also found myself moved with how he used racing as a metaphor for navigating through challenges in life. This book will stick with you long after you read it. It's been a couple of months now, and I still think fondly of Enzo. The story was made more powerful for me personally knowing that our beloved lab is in the twilight of his life, but I would recommend the book even to people that don't own dogs.

After reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, I am looking forward to reading the author's other works.

2008-09-04