The Art of Racing in the Rain

 Garth Stein

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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

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Description

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life. Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans.With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.

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Muffy rated this book  
 

This is a poignant story of an extraordinary loyal dog who if were human would definitely be into motorsports and be a shoulder to cry on.This is a must read pageturner for any kind of reader.

boowiebrown rated this book  
 

I have read this book a few times, and every time it leaves me wanting to read it again. It is beautifully written, and I love the fact that Enzo is the narrator. It provides a perspective that people don't see. I often found myself wondering if my pup thought the same way, or if she is perhaps smarter than I give her credit for. It made me laugh, it certainly made me cry - and I found it gave me a new respect for dogs. I am excited for the movie, but also a bit nervous. I am excited to see how they make the dog the narrator, and how they put the movie from the perspective of Enzo; but I am nervous that it will become just another Hollywood film and the book will be butchered. Either way, I have given this book to several friends and they all come to same the conclusion - it is a beautiful book, and Enzo is a terrific narrator!

For some reason it won't let me rate the book.. but it gets 5 stars!

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boowiebrown commented:

Thank you for the suggestion! I have seen A Dog's Purpose around and I have been very interested in reading it! I have never heard of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, but I will definitely be picking that up now! Thank you so much for your suggestions! :)

annaTRR commented:

My pleasure, there is hardy anything more fun that suggesting books that one loved to others, I guess the only thing more fun is finding out that they also liked it and suggested it to more people :-) Story for Edgar Sawtelle is a really special novel.

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LaurenBDavis rated this book  
 

If I were in a worse mood, I might have given the book 2 stars, and were I in a truly generous mood (a mood wherein I was felt inclined to praise a book because I like the subject matter), I might have gone to 3.5 stars. As it is, feeling objective and calm -- 3 stars it is. I suspect I might be in the minority here. Friends have raved about this book -- albeit friends whose lives revolve around dogs in one way or another. Still, I adore my dog in a way some people find irritating (I post photos, for example, on FB, hire a very price dog sitter to stay with my dog should I be gone for more than 4 hours at a time, and have been known to burst into tears at the mere thought of his passing), so I count myself among the canine-crazy.

I wish that had been enough to make me love this book, and it's not that I truly disliked it, but I did feel it was sentimental, maudlin and quite sloppily written. I simply couldn't suspend disbelief enough to buy into the dog-educated-by-television premise. Documentaries on the Tibetan Book of the Dying apparently persuaded our hero he shall one day be reincarnated as a man. Really? Gag. And that, of course, broadcasts the sappy ending from nearly the first pages.

I think, quite frankly, the dog deserved better. Having said that, it earns 3 stars rather than two because I think the author tried awfully hard and seemed sincere, and that deserves a pat on the head.

ladydi rated this book  
 

I loved this book, I came out of the room tears streaming and my partner said," what's wrong?'

I said, "I just finished the book". I want everyone to read this book.

kath626 rated this book  
 

This is one of the most moving,sensitive & well-written books I've ever had the pleasure to read. As voiced through Enzo, the lab mix dog, it is thought provoking & tear provoking. What a great concept. I also loved the tie in with Formula 1 racing. I have been a Formula 1 fan for decades & it was fun to see names & race courses I haven't heard mentioned in years. But this dog is a wonder. The BEST book I have read in many months. If you love animals, read this book!

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kiarah11 commented:

Omg, This was an awesome book,i read about 2 yrs ago!:D

puppys99 commented:

the dog is so cute

knereads rated this book  
 

Anyone who has loved a dog in their lifetime and was with them when they died will relate to this beautifully written book. It stretches the mind and confirms that dogs are, just as I always thought, really people in fuzzy clothing!

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shumpjad commented:

I LOVED IT!!! IT WAS AMAZING...♥

Amelia68 commented:

I totally agree. This is one of my favourite books ever - I bought it for everyone last Xmas and they all loved it. Seeing the world through the eyes of this wise dog is priceless & thought provoking. A great read!

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wincsmile rated this book  
 

Loved this book, especially as it is from the Dogs point of view. Very cleverly written, with a good storyline also.

Great book, happy ending etc

Kailie

What a wonderful rollercoaster of a novel! I laughed, I cried, I got angry and overly emotional. This novel is told from the eyes of a dog, a dog who wants very much to be a man. The many metaphores were so spot on and engaging. I did not want to put this one down from the very start. There WERE some parts that were a little hard to read, simply due to the gut wrenching emotional detail, but really, read this. It is really worth it.

Book Crazy commented:

sounds pretty good thanx for the review

Bec rated this book  
 

The narrator of this story is delightful. I was slow about listening to the audiobook and got frustrated with the complications but loved the resolutions. It's the character and observations of Enzo that make this book worth reading.

spyder rated this book  
 

Fantastic book, everyone should read it.


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If I were in a worse mood, I might have given the book 2 stars, and were I in a truly generous mood (a mood wherein I was felt inclined to praise a book because I like the subject matter), I might have gone to 3.5 stars. As it is, feeling objective... more

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