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.
What Others Say
You MUST read this book ---TWICE!
The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Art of Racing in the Rain, is such a wonderful feel-good book that you will want to reread. Buy a copy to keep for yourself, and one or two to give away. Hint: keep the tissue box close by!
Defies expectations
Any attempt that I make to describe The Art of Racing in the Rain merely makes it sound like the kind of book that I would normally avoid. "It's written from the dog's point of view? The dog longs to be human and is a car racing fanatic?" Well, yes - but somehow this fails to capture its charm.
The plot of this novel is a conventional boy meets girl/boy loses girl/boy fights for custody of his child storyline. What sets it apart is that the book is narrated by a third part observer: Enzo the dog. While I am not a dog person, I found Enzo to be both amusing and moving in turn. There are limitations to this narrative device: at times Enzo had to "imagine" conversations that beinga dog he was not privy to. However for the most part, it works. ... Read More
Interesting concept
A friend who knows how much I love dogs told me about The Art of Racing in the Rain. Most of the book is "narrated" by a dog. I found it to be an interesting concept. It was pretty light reading until about 3/4 of the way through. In all honesty, that part (I skimmed most of it) was just too much of an emotional bummer for me to go through. I picked it up again for the ending, and loved it. I think the author could have entirely skipped that agonizing part and come out with a better read.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
This riveting story kept me reading nonstop. Imaginatively told with astonishing clarity from the point of view of a dog, the insight into the topics covered lent authenticity and depth. Although I'm not really a fan of auto racing, I was drawn to the subject in a way that I would not have known possible. I will most definitely look for more to read from this author. My husband relished it as much as I, and I bought two copies to give as Christmas gifts to family members.
Not just for dog lovers
Even though the concept of a dog writing a novel about his family is unbelievable, I found myself believing every word. Even if you are not a dog lover, the dog's point of view will give insight into human behavior. Afterall, Enzo the dog believes that he will become a human in his next lifetime - that's how advanced he is. Enzo is loyal to Denny, his master, throughout his life and even tries not to be in pain when Denny has to take him to the vet because Denny already is in huge debt. I love that Enzo calls Denny's inlaws the Twins, and sometimes the Evil Twins, because they dress and act alike. A very rewarding read!
