The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - Review

The Art of Racing in the Rain (Audio Book)
by Garth Stein
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: May 2008
ISBN: 978-0061537936
6 Hours and 56 Minutes
Fiction


Summary (from author's website):

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. 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.


My Opinion:

It was very easy to fall in love with Enzo the dog. He cares for his people and watches over them in all situations. He shares his frustration of not being able to communicate with his owners beyond barking or the movements of his body.

I was skeptical at first of how interesting a book narrated by a dog would be. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Enzo was human-like in his philosophies, and yet dog-like in his actions. Even though he strived to be as human as he could be, he was still a dog and his canine nature would sometimes take over.

There were parts of this book that were hard for me to listen to, such as Denny's trial. I almost stopped listening to the book because I was so upset. Then I realized that I wouldn't have been that upset had I not been so attached to the characters. I truly cared about Enzo and Denny.

This book is filled with moments that are hilariously funny and heart-breakingly sad. In between those two polar opposites are Enzo's philosophies and racing lessons from Denny, all of which were a joy to listen to.

If you are a dog lover, a racing fan, or if you liked the book Marley & Me, then I am sure that you will enjoy this book.

As a side note, I have to say that my dog is more of a Marley (hyper, crazy, and loveable) and less of an Enzo (loveable, dutiful, fun-loving but deep-thinking).

Rating: 4.5/5


Author Information:


Garth Stein is the author of three novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008); How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (Soho Press, 2005), which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback; and Raven Stole the Moon (Pocket, 1998). He has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones, which received its first production in Los Angeles, in February, 2005, and was described as "brimming with intensity," by the L.A. Weekly.

For more information about Garth Stein please visit his website.