Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780061537936
ISBN: 0061537934
Label: Harper
Manufacturer: Harper
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 336
Publication Date: 2008-05-01
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 2008-05-13
Studio: Harper

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 Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Comment: 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.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Not perfect, but a very good read
Comment: "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is not perfect, too many flaws in the story and the writing for get 5 stars, but well worth reading.

The dog's eye view of the world (Enzo) makes the story, even with the human (Denny) being so darn dumb off the track. As a bonus, much of the racing stuff rings true so a superb read for a sports car racing fan (cars that can turn left AND right) or dog lovers and a great read for most everyone else.

If you have never had a dog or a pet you loved, then maybe you might not "get it"?

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Love the dog, hate the story
Comment: A week after finishing this book, I feel compelled to counter much of the effusive praise with an unpopular critique based on the merits of the plot. While Enzo is a noble and wise soul whose observations and musings confirmed much of what I believe goes on in my dog's mind, I found the story itself as saccharine and implausible as a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. Characters too flatly drawn as either too virtuous or completely vile, and a resolution as ridiculous as the last-minute confessions by the 'true killer' on an old episode of Perry Mason. I get it, the art of racing in the rain is learning to maneuver smartly with whatever life throws at you. But Denny seemed totally incapable of applying that skill to his own life beyond the race track, and thus unworthy of the fortune that ultimately befalls him.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: I love that dog!
Comment: I bought this book from Starbucks, because I loved Marley & Me and apparently, I'm a sucker for a dog on a book. I bought it without reading the excerpt, and was happy to discover the book is narrated by the main character, Enzo. Enzo describes his life with the family, the funny stuff, the happy times and the extreme difficulties Denny (Enzo's master) faces later on, with such intelligence and insight only a dog could provide.

I will warn you- crying... the sobbing type of crying... will occur. It's a happy/sad ending that will make you remember why you love your own dog so much.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Dog lovers beware - tears will fall.
Comment: The opening chapter of this book tells us that this is going to be an unusual story - one told in the voice of the dog, Enzo. And Enzo is dying. However, the book is much more than that. Garth Stein, the author, has Enzo remember his puppyhood as well as most of the details of his life with Denny, a race car driver. In the process he offers a philosophy for each of their approaches to life - the fear of a driver for racing in the rain and the way he can overcome fears and go on is a major theme in the book. Because it is the life story of a dog, pet lovers, especially dog lovers, are sure to be touched, but others will surely love it too.

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