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.

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.

I absolutely loved this book! As a dog lover and a follower of the Rolex series! Enzo is an incredible voice. I had my doubts when I began the book about the validity of a story told from the point of view of the dog, but Garth Stein created an incredibly viable voice in Enzo. I hope the next readers enjoy this book too.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On its way to Ace of Hearts! Enjoy!!

received in the mail today. Thanks

Enzo is a dog like no others. He knows that when he dies he will return as a man and so hopes by watching the humans around him he will learn his lessons well. He educates himself by watching TV and listening to his master, Denny.

On the eve of his death Enzo recounts his life story. He starts off when he was picked by Denny and goes through Denny's life. The hardships Denny has faced trying to become a professional race car driver. The marriage and then loss of his wife to cancer. The ugly custody battles with his late wife's parents over his daughter Zoe. All Enzo hopes for is for Denny to have Zoe beside him when he wins the ultimate race.

Enzo draws on car racing as an analogy of life. Enzo's way of looking at life is funny, quirky and sometimes sad. One wonders if dogs really see us this way. Even though I knew Enzo was dying I cried buckets at the end. Loved, loved this story

Reading this now!

I had to tape up the first few pages because pages 1-4 were falling out.

This charming story is told from the perception of Enzo, a dog who has a human-like soul, loves watching TV to learn things, is obsessed with opposable thumbs, and most of all loves his family. When he is taken home by Denny as a pup, he quickly becomes Denny's best friend in shares in Denny's joy of race car driving. Enzo accepts Eve when Denny becomes married but doesn't love her until Eve gives birth to Zoe and asks Enzo to protect her always. Once Enzo understands his role in the family, he truly accepts and loves Eve.

Enzo notices a decaying smell coming from Eve's head but he can't communicate to her that there's a problem. This is a great quirk of the book. Enzo shows his love or displeasure in the only ways dogs can. Yet the reader learns of Enzo's thoughts and understands Enzo as a person.

Despite the fact that this book is narrated by a dog, it isn't difficult to get in to. You immediately fall in love with Enzo and understand his bond with Denny. Car racing plays a big factor in the book, including being used as a teaser for what's to come. It got to the point where I was so involved with what was going to happen in the next chapter that I almost skimmed through the racing analogies so I could see what happens. To think if dogs really did think like this!

I rarely get emotional over a book, but I shed a tear at the end of this one. It is such a sweet story and a must read for dog lovers.

mailed to my Boxing Day partner

How wonderful!!! Thank you for sending me one of my wishlist books. I have been wanting to read this books for some time now, and I remember trying to get it in the swap earlier. Now I have it thanks to the generosity of Ace.

I knew before I started this that it would be a full box (tissue) read, and I'm glad I waited for my spring allergies to peak so that I would have an excuse for my red eyes other than a book.
This was such a good story. It reminded me in some way of Marley, the dog story. Mailing off to Zosime as part of a swap of books. Enjoy.

Thank you, Lori! I have heard so many wonderful things about this book. I will have to read it very soon.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Lori! Now I understand why it made its way into the Best of 2013 swap. Enzo's voice seemed so authentic. The ending was perhaps a bit to tidy and bright to be believable, but at the same time it was exactly what I wanted from this book. I read it in just a couple of days and loved it.