![The Art of Racing In the Rain](/assets/artwork/1x1-42817eea7ade52607a760cbee00d1495.gif)
![The Art of Racing In the Rain](/assets/artwork/1x1-42817eea7ade52607a760cbee00d1495.gif)
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The Art of Racing In the Rain
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4.6 • 6.5K Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher 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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Enzo, the noble canine narrator of Garth Stein’s sweet and wistful novel, is one wise dog. His owner, wannabe race car driver Denny Swift, is another story. Dog observes man as he passes through marriage, parenthood, and quite a lot of tragedy. It’s a narrative device that could easily be cutesy and cloying in the wrong hands, but Stein cleverly avoids the potential traps of mawkishness. Throughout the story, Enzo clings to the hope that his faithfulness will result in him coming back as a human in his next life. Both weepy and inspiring, The Art of Racing in the Rain had us crossing our fingers that Enzo would get his wish.
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, Zo , 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.
Customer Reviews
BEST BOOK !!!
I am not an avid reader. A Book really has to get me on the first page.. Literally!
I had a very hard time stepping away from this...
Touching and very compelling!
A "MUST BUY"
You will not be sorry and you will read more than once! I have!
I have the Hardcopy and very happy to see this on the iPhone ..
Wow
Probably one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read. Simple and yet very elegant, this is a must read for anyone that lives life.
A MUST read!!!!!
A book that took me by total surprise, I laughed, loved, and then cried. Everyone could appreciate this, especially those who love dogs.