"The Art of Racing in the Rain" By Garth Stein

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Published Year: 2008
Pages: 321
Description: 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, Zoë, 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.

My Take:

If you are going to read this, make sure you have enough time to sit and read the whole thing in one sitting. This book pulls you in and demands your attention. You do not need to be a racing fan as the title may suggest to enjoy this book. I of course am a racing fan, but I have had many friends who are not read this and fall in love with it. Be ready to go through all the emotions that a human is capable or, from anger, to sadness, joy and happiness, Stein manages to bring out all of these feelings.

A dog sees so much more is what I have felt, they just cannot speak and explain what they see in their everyday life. This book brings to light the idea that dogs do know what is going on and have their own emotions as well. In addition to the enlightenment of a dogs thoughts, reincarnation also is featured in this book. All in all I could not stop reading this book and loved every minute of it, despite some of the unhappier emotions I felt at times while reading it.