Author: Garth Stein
Published: 2008
Publisher: Harper Collins
Number of Pages: 321
My Rating: 5
Summary from GoodReads.com:
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. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes
stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.
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.
If you like dogs, you will love this book. If you are looking
for something that will touch your heart, you will love this book. If you are
just looking for a novel so excellent and amazing that you won't be able to put
it down, you will love this book. There really is no other way to start this
review except by saying that I absolutely loved this book. (did I get that
point across yet?)
The Art of
Racing in the Rain begins off unique in its own right as it is told
from the point of view of a dog. Yes, the narrator is a dog named Enzo. If that
isn't original and thought-provoking right there then I don't know what
is. Enzo knows that he is different from other dogs as he is philosophical,
smart, and has the exact personality that I would hope a wonderful animal
would have.
From the
beginning we are aware that Enzo is recalling his life's story on the eve of his
death. Need tissues within the first 5 pages? This could be trouble. But he
even though you know what will eventually happen, this book provides all the
peaks and valleys of real life and ends with a sense of hope. So, wipe the
tears away and keep reading!
He spends the
story talking about his family, race car driver Denny, his wife Eve, and
their daughter Zoe, and reflects on their lives and what is happening with all
of them. He loves his master Denny and is infatuated with racing and watching
race videos with him. He talks a lot about different racers and their
techniques, which could be really boring for someone who is not a NASCAR, etc.
fan at all, but Enzo is that awesome that it's not boring at all. He
explains different racing terms and procedures in extreme detail, but it relates
to whatever the family is dealing with or going through at that time, which
gets you thinking deeply and philosophically. The lessons of racing become the
lessons of life.
Throughout the
family's ups and downs, Enzo teaches us about the nature of humans, family,
love, loyalty, and togetherness. He sees things in a dog-way and his innocence
helps hard life topics seem somewhat straightforward and simple. I especially
loved his complaints of being a dog- his lack of thumbs, stuffed animals taunting
him, not wanting to be an overly obnoxious beggar while the family is eating
dinner. Dog stuff. (He is a dog, after all.)
Overall, this
book will get you thinking and will make you fall in love with Enzo. If you
have your own dog, I'm sure you will begin to look at it a little
differently and wonder if it thinks the same as Enzo. If you don't have
one, you will want one when you are done reading. Because it has so many, I
will end my review with a quote from the book:
"There is no dishonor in losing
the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to
lose."
-Busy Brunette
Labels: Fiction, Rating 5
