The Art of Racing in the Rain
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.
The Art of Racing in the Rain Accessories
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Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Beach House
When You Are Engulfed in Flames
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Love the One You're With
Loving Frank: A Novel
Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale
How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets
The Art of Racing in the Rain Reviews
That this was comically and touchingly narrated by Enzo, their dog, made this an even better and more original book. At first I was bothered by this, but it ultimately worked and added to the story. The narration is done with just the right amount of heart and humor.
It's not great literature, but I really enjoyed this novel and was sad when it was done. Overall, this is a sweet, funny novel. This novel takes a major turn halfway through, suddenly becoming plot driven.
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. This novel does not strive to capture how dogs really see their world (as happens in Edgar Sawtelle), but this is how dog owners like to think of their dogs as perceiving their world. 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.
It did not disappoint.
I finished this book in 2 days. a good book you will refuse to put down. I highly recommend this book for everyone. Ronnie Stewart. 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 laughed and than I cried, with a very lovable ending you will not forget soon. Holland Texas
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 author's choice of making the dog the narrator was refreshing. Would be a great book reading group choice. 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's intellect and primitive instincts were thought provoking. Definitely a book to read for the story line and to do some reflective thinking.
It is a quick read (I read it in 3 hours and I am a SLOW reader) but I really enjoyed it, it has a great balance and the discussion of Enzo's tv fascination and encyclopedic knowledge of actors is wonderful. I gave this to my girlfriend to read who is not a racer and even she absolutely loved it. I was in SEATAC one evening waiting on my redeye flight when I saw this book.
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. I am a really big pet lover and a racer so I felt like this book was written for me.
You must read it, you can not, will not, be disappointed Simply put, this is the best book I have read in years. It tugs at you constantly and in every direction.
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