The Art of Racing in the Rain-Garth Stein

[suzi]

Has anyone here read this? It truely is a fabulous book...
For all of us that have loved and lost through a death,,,,I found this read to be quite good.......Rescue folks,,,,I do think you will enjoy as well. It's from a dogs perspective.

[MikeInTacoma]

I used to see this for sale at Starbucks, and I was wondering about it. Wasn't a high enough priority for me to buy it though.

[sueb]

This was recommended to me today, but I was told it wasn't sad. From your description, it sounds sad. Is it going to make me cry?

[GusBus]

Here's a summary:

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.

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.

I'm reading it right now - only about 20 pages in, but I have the feeling it will definitly make you cry. I've really enjoyed the portion i have read though!

[suzi]

GusBus,,,,Hope you enjoy it.

I did not cry.

It is one book that I tell people about instead of passing the book along as I normally do.
It is a book that I want handy to re-read again.

It is a story about life through a dog's eyes. Enzo shares what he sees through his "window".

[Adrianne]

I own it but haven't read it yet, it will be a tear jerker I am sure...

[BabyReba]

i think i might be a book snob. i hated it. i thought it was very contrived and annoying and poorly paced. i finished it and gave it away to the first person who would take it out of my sight.

[MikeInTacoma]

i think i might be a book snob. i hated it. i thought it was very contrived and annoying and poorly paced. i finished it and gave it away to the first person who would take it out of my sight.

Why'd you finish it? Masochism?

I kind of figured that if Starbux was selling it, it had to be extra schmaltzy. Still haven't read it though.