Book Review - The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Synopsis:  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.

First Line:  "Gestures are all that I have; sometimes they must be grand in nature."

Random Quote:  "So much of language is unspoken.  So much of language is comprised of looks and gestures and sounds that are not words.  People are ignorant of the vast complexity of their own communication."

Review:  I honestly didn't expect to like this book.  For one thing, I'm pretty solidly a cat person and this is pretty solidly a dog book.  Car racing makes me think of NASCAR and although I'm Southern I'm not NASCAR Southern.  I also suspected it might be heart-warming in a Hallmark Hall of Fame/Lifetime movie kinda way and to be honest I really hate that.  But I loved the other book by Stein that I read, Raven Stole the Moon so I thought I'd give it a try.  Plus it has an incredibly cute cover.  Seriously, don't you want to pet that dog's head?
Image by joiseyshowaa via Flickr
It turns out that I really liked this book.  Yes, the narrator is a dog and yes, there are places where it strays into the dreaded heart-warming territory, but overall it's pretty great.  I love Enzo - he's a great character with a wonderful voice.  Ennis' storytelling skills carry this book through and there are some surprising bits of wisdom that I thought a lot about.  Great story, well told.
FTC Disclosure:  Review copy compliments of Terra Communications
Rating:  Purple

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