Staff Pick
Denny has dreams of becoming the world's best race car driver, but life seems to get in the way. When Denny's life careens out of control, his adorable mutt Enzo tries to be supportive. Enzo is quite ready to be human, so he deeply feels, and is frustrated by, his absence of thumbs and speech. This is a sweet, poignant, and unique book. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM FOX 2000 STARRING MILO VENTIMIGLIA, AMANDA SEYFRIED, AND KEVIN COSTNER
MEET THE DOG
WHO WILL SHOW THE WORLD
HOW TO BE HUMAN
The New York Times bestselling novel from Garth Stein--a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope--a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
"Splendid." --People
"The perfect book for anyone who knows that compassion isn't only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them." --Jodi Picoult
"It's impossible not to love Enzo." --Minneapolis Star Tribune
"This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book." --Sara Gruen
Synopsis
Meet Enzo, the unforgettable narrator of this bittersweet and transformative story of family, love, loyalty, and hope.
On the eve of his death, the wise canine takes stock of his life, recalling the sacrifices, the unexpected losses, the battles fought by his master, Denny Swift, to keep custody of his daughter Zo . In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through to heroically preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a race-car driving champion with Zo at his side.
A heart-wrenching love story and a moving tale of redemption, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.
Freshman Common Read: Medaille College
--Sara Gruen, Author of
Water for ElephantsSynopsis
The New York Times bestselling novel from Garth Stein--a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope--a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
"Splendid." --People
"The perfect book for anyone who knows that compassion isn't only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them." --Jodi Picoult
"It's impossible not to love Enzo." --Minneapolis Star Tribune
"This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book." --Sara Gruen
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, Zo , 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 Zo 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.