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Interviews | June 19, 2009

Dave: IMG Jim Lynch Makes Landscape Art... Out of Text



jimlynchIf Carl Hiaasen set one of his novels on a residential stretch of boundary line between British Columbia and Washington, or if Richard Russo's characters had relatives in the Pacific Northwest, the result might be something like Jim Lynch's Border Songs. Continue »
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    Border Songs

    Jim Lynch

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1 Beaverton Literature- A to Z


The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain Cover

ISBN13: 9780061537936
ISBN10: 0061537934
Condition: Standard
Dustjacket: Standard
All Product Details

Only 1 left in stock at $14.95!

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

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, Zoe, 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 Zoe 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.

Review:

"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." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"Stein...creates a patient, wise, and doggish narrator that is more than just fluff and collar....[S]hould appeal to fans of both dogs and car racing." Library Journal

Review:

"Pointedly inspirational." Kirkus Reviews

Synopsis:

Meet Enzo, the unforgettable canine narrator of this bittersweet and transformative story of family, love, loyalty, and hope. Enzo is a philosopher with a nearly human soul, and he's gained a wealth of knowledge from hours spent in front of the TV.

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About the Author

The author of two novels, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets and Raven Stole the Moon, and a play, Brother Jones. Garth Stein has also worked as a documentary filmmaker. He lives in Seattle with his family.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 7 comments:
reaganjt, July 1, 2009 (view all comments by reaganjt)
fun read especially for dog lovers....enter the mind of your lovable family dog, who knows the family secrets.
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Sandra Lippert, June 30, 2009 (view all comments by Sandra Lippert)
To enter the mind of a dog for a time--- to see the intricacies of the human plight through his eyes--
This book offers this opportunity, and with it a whole new perspective on a story of human struggle and best intended endeavors.

A must read for all who wish to have a glimpse life from a new viewpoint, as well as those who simply wonder -- 'what could that dog be thinking?'
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michaelsean, May 7, 2009 (view all comments by michaelsean)
I recently picked up the latest book by Garth Stein and was rewarded with a wonderful read. Apparently Mr. Stein is a resident of the Pacific Northwest where I currently reside. His book has had been on the NY Times bestsellers list for ever and somehow I had never managed to grab a copy. What a mistake that was. Initially I was skeptical as the book touches on car racing... but while part of the plot, it is mostly a background subject as the author deftly intertwines the story of Enzo, Denny, Eve, and Zoe and how relationships change and evolve during grief, sadness, and ultimately, the loss of a loved one. For me, the story gave the same general feel as The River Why by David James Duncan and to a lesser extent, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.


The story is told from the perspective of Enzo who happens to be one highly enlighted pooch. I was hesitant at first as I was not sold on using the dog to tell the story but Mr. Stein pulls it off wonderfully. If you are looked for a great spring read, love dogs, enjoy racing, or any number of eastern philosophies, I would highly recommend this book.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780061537936
Author:
Stein, Garth
Publisher:
Harper
Author:
by Garth Stein
Subject:
Dogs
Subject:
Automobile racing drivers
Subject:
General
Subject:
General Fiction
Subject:
Experimental fiction
Publication Date:
May 2008
Binding:
Hardcover
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
321
Dimensions:
8.46x5.82x1.23 in. 1.11 lbs.

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