Product Details
- Reading level: Ages
- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; First Edition edition (2 Jun 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0061537969
- ISBN-13: 978-0061537967
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. 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.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. 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.
Never heard of a book written from the point of view of a dog? Well, Garth Smith wrote one.
I savored this book because of its concept: "When a dog is finished living his lifetimes as a dog, his next incarnation will be as a man." Not all dogs. Only those who are ready. Enzo, a shepherd-poodle-terrier mix, is ready.
Enzo is a dog bought by Denny when he was only a dozen weeks old. He then spent his whole life living with Denny and his family. Denny gives Enzo everything until Eve appears. Denny eventually marries Eve, but Enzo is hesitant of her. Then, Eve gives birth to Zoë. Later on, Enzo knows that there is something wrong with Eve. He can smell the cancer in her. Eve was so scared that she won’t see a doctor. When she is finally diagnosed, it is too late. Eve’s death is devastating to the Swift family and sparks a custody battle between Denny and Eve’s parents. This cause Denny to his knees financially and may destroy his racing career. Enzo sees and processes it all. He did all his effort to put the family back together. It's amazing what a dog can do.
As he nears the end of his life as a dog and looks forward to the next, he longs for a voice and thumbs so that he can help the ones that he loves. Enzo always thinks that dog was related close to human. He wish his incarnation will be as a man. And he knows that he is ready.
"The Art of Racing In The Rain" is a great book! I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It contains many insight of racing. The scene with Denny test driving a car with Enzo with him was among my favorite. This book is highly recommended for animal lover and race lover.
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Garth Stein is the author of the New York Times best selling literary novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008). The book is now published in 23 languages. Garth also worked as a documentary film maker for several years, and directed, produced, or co-produced several award winning films. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle, Garth's ancestry is diverse: his mother, a native of Alaska, is of Tlingit Indian and Irish descent; his father, a Brooklyn native, is the child of Jewish emigrants from Austria. After spending his childhood in Seattle and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle, where he currently lives with his wife, three sons, and their dog, Comet. Read more about Garth Stein on his website.
3 creative remarks:
I love Raven Who Stole The Moon by Garth Stein, and since then have wanted to read this book too. So glad it didn't disappoint!
Fantastic review!
Love your review! Thanks for recommending this book!
Emperor's New Clothes. This book a quick mindless (not necessarily a bad thing) read. I'm astounded at the hyperbolic reviews of it. The plot is beyond contrived and the use of Enzo as the narrator is also contrived. There is nothing interesting about a dog's perspective if the dog is just a human (as Enzo clearly is).
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