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
Average Rating:
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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. ... Read More
- A touching story for dog lovers (and everyone else)