The Art of Racing in the Rain

Product Description

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.



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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #51 in Books
Published on: 2008-05-01
Released on: 2008-05-13
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
336 pages

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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama. (May)
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About the Author


The author of two novels, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets and Raven Stole the Moon, and a play, Brother Jones, Garth Stein has also worked as a documentary filmmaker. He lives in Seattle with his family.



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Customer Reviews
Unforgettable narratorial voice
Yes, there are some weak points in the plot, and yes, some of the characters are less well drawn than others... and it doesn't matter. Enzo is one of the great first-person narrators of fiction, full of wisdom and self-doubt, love and confusion. The daring choice to write a dog's voice as a highly intelligent, even slightly intellectual, human -- which shouldn't have worked -- works totally, due to Stein's sensitivity to dog-details of scent and movement, relationships and motivations. This book will appeal especially to dog lovers, but it's a tender, forthright must for anyone who cares about the relationships between humans and animals, and humans and each other.

This is a must Read
this book kept me up all night, could not put it down!!!! If you read anything this summer choose this. You will fall in love with Enzo the minute you meet him. I cried for at least an hour...

The best book of the year so far
I lost a lot of sleep over this book. I read in a weekend. Staying up for till the early morning hours lost in narration. It is at times laugh out loud funny and alternately tearfully touching. When I finished it I sat on the floor with my dog and thanked him for all the times he quietly supported me. A great read, period. But a must read for dog lovers.