The Art of Racing in the Rain
by: Garth Stein
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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.
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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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- A fun, engaging novel
I'm a dog lover who is almost always disappointed in "dog books," but all the 5 star ratings got me to give this novel a shot. It did not disappoint. The story of Denny, a struggling race car driver and his wife and young daughter is one that drew me in even without the dog element. That this was comically and touchingly narrated by Enzo, their dog, made this an even better and more original book. This novel does not strive to capture how dogs really see their world (as happens in Edgar Sawtelle), ... Read More
Rating: - The Art Of Racing In The Rain
If you liked "Old Yeller" you will love this heart warming story of a Dog and his Master, as only the Dog could tell it.I finished this book in 2 days !!a good book you will refuse to put down.
I laughed and than I cried, with a very lovable ending you will not forget soon
I highly recommend this book for everyone
Ronnie Stewart
Holland Texas
Rating: 
- Thought provoking
The author's choice of making the dog the narrator was refreshing.It takes a bit of an adjustment at the beginning of the book, but once you get into it you can identify with the dog.The dog is loyal, fair, a concrete thinker, and has wisdom to share without the ability of the spoken word.
The book was difficult to put down.It merges a dog, family, and racing.
The dog's intellect and primitive instincts were thought provoking.
Definitely a book to read for the story line and ... Read More
Rating: - A very good read!
I was in SEATAC one evening waiting on my redeye flight when I saw this book.I am a really big pet lover and a racer so I felt like this book was written for me.
This isn't a reinvention of fiction as some of the reviews may have you believe but it is a fantastic story. I usually only read funny books as I am kind of a softie and don't like sad or dramatic books, but I had to read this one.It is a quick read (I read it in 3 hours and I am a SLOW reader) but I really enjoyed it, it has ... Read More
Rating: - One of the Best Ever!
Simply put, this is the best book I have read in years!It tugs at you constantly and in every direction.You must read it, you can not, will not, be disappointed
- A fun, engaging novelI'm a dog lover who is almost always disappointed in "dog books," but all the 5 star ratings got me to give this novel a shot. It did not disappoint. The story of Denny, a struggling race car driver and his wife and young daughter is one that drew me in even without the dog element. That this was comically and touchingly narrated by Enzo, their dog, made this an even better and more original book. This novel does not strive to capture how dogs really see their world (as happens in Edgar Sawtelle), ... Read More
- The Art Of Racing In The RainIf you liked "Old Yeller" you will love this heart warming story of a Dog and his Master, as only the Dog could tell it.I finished this book in 2 days !!a good book you will refuse to put down.
I laughed and than I cried, with a very lovable ending you will not forget soon
I highly recommend this book for everyone
Ronnie Stewart
Holland Texas
- Thought provokingThe author's choice of making the dog the narrator was refreshing.It takes a bit of an adjustment at the beginning of the book, but once you get into it you can identify with the dog.The dog is loyal, fair, a concrete thinker, and has wisdom to share without the ability of the spoken word.
The book was difficult to put down.It merges a dog, family, and racing.
The dog's intellect and primitive instincts were thought provoking.
Definitely a book to read for the story line and ... Read More
- A very good read!I was in SEATAC one evening waiting on my redeye flight when I saw this book.I am a really big pet lover and a racer so I felt like this book was written for me.
This isn't a reinvention of fiction as some of the reviews may have you believe but it is a fantastic story. I usually only read funny books as I am kind of a softie and don't like sad or dramatic books, but I had to read this one.It is a quick read (I read it in 3 hours and I am a SLOW reader) but I really enjoyed it, it has ... Read More
- One of the Best Ever!Simply put, this is the best book I have read in years!It tugs at you constantly and in every direction.You must read it, you can not, will not, be disappointed
