The Art of Racing in the Rain

I saw this at Cosco the other day. I read it in hardback, but I guess now the Art of Racing in the Rain is out in paperback. For more information on the author Garth Stein and his other books, visit his website.

I smile as I remember Enzo. This book was an unexpected treasure. The book is set in the Greater Seattle area. The protagonist and narrator is a dog. He observes the life of his master through triumphs and tribulations. I read the store copy at a Starbucks. I would stay after my shift ended curled up reading it until I had to dash off to class. It captured me from the very beginning. While the dog as the narrator, it was edgier than your average dog story.

Summary:

Enzo, looks back over his life and tells the reader about life as he best understood it. We journey back in time and follow Enzo the dog as he attempted to sort out changes around him. His owner Denny was a race car driver and watched races on TV with him. Denny’s life altering events including marriage and parenthood were all witnessed through the eyes of Enzo. The reader is drawn into the confusion and mystery Enzo experienced as he from his four-pawed perspective tried to sort out how to help the people he cared about. We also learn about Enzo’s perspective of life as his philosophical commentary adds an additional layer to the plotline.

4.5 out of 5 stars.