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Harper C.: Five Book Friday: Uncanny Graphic Novels (0 comment)
We are in the thick of winter here in the Pacific Northwest, which means it's dark, damp, and chilly. Rather than escaping to stories with warmer, brighter climates, I personally want nothing more than to dive deep into gothic and uncanny fiction as the wind rattles my windows at night...
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  • Powell's Staff: New Literature in Translation: December 2022 and January 2023 (0 comment)
  • Kelsey Ford: From the Stacks: J. M. Ledgard's Submergence (0 comment)

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The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein
The Art of Racing in the Rain

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  • Synopses & Reviews

ISBN13: 9780061537967
ISBN10: 0061537969
Condition: Standard


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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

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

"One of those stories that may earn its place next to Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, and Yann Martel's Life of Pi." Portland Oregonian

Review

"I savored Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and — best of all — the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair." Wally Lamb, Author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True

Review

"The perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn't only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls...meant for each other never really comes to an end." Jodi Picoult

Review

"The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and — most especially — the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human." Sara Gruen, Author of Water for Elephants

Review

"Fans of Marley & Me, rejoice." Entertainment Weekly

Synopsis

The New York Times bestseller, now available in paperback. A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of a dog s efforts to hold together his family in the face of a divisive custody battle.

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 Rainis a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

"

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.

About the Author

Garth Stein is the author of three novels, including the New York Times bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain and How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, and a play, Brother Jones. He has worked as a documentary filmmaker, and he lives in Seattle with his family.

4.8 81

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating 4.8 (81 comments)

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Bill Houghton , February 08, 2014 (view all comments by Bill Houghton)
I found this book first, and loved it. Then I went and found his other two (so far) books, "Raven Stole the Moon" and "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets," and was equally knocked out. I sent him an e-mail commenting that no one of his books could predict either of the other two: each one's different in subject matter, tone, everything but his simple and readable style. He tells me he's got another book coming out in October - I'll be watching for it. No business relationship with him - just a very satisfied reader!

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FricNotFrac , January 30, 2013
A fresh perspective on the life of a family. Touching, insightful and a haunting read.

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Marcia Ray , January 30, 2013
I laughed - I cried - I thought about it for a week after I finished it. I shared it with my friends!

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Kathy McIntosh , January 01, 2013
I generally gravitate to mysteries, but this book, not a mystery, is totally captivating. Told from the point of view of a dog, it is neither cutesy or absurd. Simply wonderful.

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Mark Jones , January 01, 2013
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a remarkable study of human nature from an unexpected point of view. Racing in the rain is a metaphors for living life effectively and fully. I was moved to tears, laughed out loud and reflected on the story long time after I finished the book. This is a book worth rereading in order to fully appreciate the wisdom and insight found in this engaging novel. This is truly a must read.

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Marjorie Flathers , January 01, 2013
This book touched me as no other has in a very long time. I read and enjoy lots of different books, and I didn't think I'd like this one because it is told from the point of view of a dog. But I read it for my book club, and I was wonderfully surprised. I can't say enough good things about it. The writing is terrific, the ideas are great, and the story is interesting. But beyond that, the thoughts and philosophy behind it affected me and have stayed with me for a long time. So many truths are revealed in a unique way. I've recommended it to many others. LOVE THIS BOOK!

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Tomabob , November 05, 2012 (view all comments by Tomabob)
The insight a dog can add to the world is amazing. I loved seeing how much a dog may be able to see and how they are unable to communicate so much of what they observe. Enzo had a knowledgeable view of the world and wanted so badly to share it with others. I fell in love with Enzo and I cried when the book was finished. I had felt I lost a good counselor in how to see life.

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The Loopy Librarian , August 19, 2012 (view all comments by The Loopy Librarian)
Besides the great reviews, I bought this book because I am a dog lover. I was not disappointed. I have always felt that dogs have much to tell us about living, and Enzo, the dog in this story, is wise and philosophical. His observations are amusing, heartbreaking, and very accurate. Limited as he is in a dog’s body, he finds ways to express himself that are downright hysterical at times. He is an observant and entertaining narrator to a story that encompasses terminal illness and an ugly custody battle. He is strong for his master, Denny, and finds ways to encourage him and keep him fighting when he otherwise would’ve given up. The book was well-written, and Enzo was impossible not to love. Discussion ideas: Reincarnation, thoughts of dogs, and auto-racing. Favorite words: Lugubrious and implacable. Overall philosophy: Your car goes where your eyes go or that which you manifest is before you. An engaging read!

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KL , August 05, 2012 (view all comments by KL)
I hate this book. I love this book. I cried and swore at this book. I feel the frustrations that Enzo feels when he can't say what he wants. He can't communicate except by actions or "gestures" as he states. The storyline is well done and eventhough the "Stephen Hawking" piece seems far-fetched (no pun intended), I didn't care. I wanted this book to have a hero and Enzo does but in a subdued way.

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Tennessean , August 04, 2012
A thoroughly enjoyable book.

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Steph from NY , July 16, 2012
I bought this book based on the recommendations of Powell's staff, book reviewers and Powell readers. While I love my dog, I don't consider myself a "dog lover," so I was at first, a bit apprehensive; but the other reviewers are right - you don't need to be an animal lover to love this book! The life lessons, told with simple yet insightful sophistication, really hit home. I don't know if it's the point of my life at which I am right now, but I could absolutely relate; especially to the notion that we should enjoy the present, and not DWELL on the future or the past. This book made me think, laugh & cry. I finished it too quickly, not wanting it to end! I am passing it on to my teenage daughters in the hope that they will find it just as heartwarming as I did. I definitely recommend it!

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islander12 , May 23, 2012 (view all comments by islander12)
Maybe I'm not enough of a dog lover, I didn't fall in love with this book. I thought the main character made a series of bad choices, and couldn't really empathize with him, even though his wife was dying of cancer. My book club agreed that the writing was average, not high calibre. And, the "happy ending" seemed a little forced, and predictable. The characters didn't really have depth, and there were a few fun moments, but overall, so-so.

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Kari Strong , May 05, 2012 (view all comments by Kari Strong)
It's a story. A well told story that makes just about everyone cry. Art of Racing in the Rain came highly recommended by several people so I thought why not? After the first couple chapters I begged them to tell me why they recommended this book. Just finish they would say. They were right. It is a very good book. Just read it. Though you don't have to be a dog lover to love this book if you are a pet owner, you will never look at your pet the same again.

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celiacla , March 07, 2012 (view all comments by celiacla)
As a dog owner I was brought to tears in the first few pages, but this is an inspiring story of unconditional love and where it takes you. Everyone, dog lover or not, will be moved by this book.

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slave2books , January 30, 2012
This book is told with wry wisdom, humor and compassion by the family dog. Garth Stein has written this story with everything I enjoy in a book: love, friendship, drama, humor, emotion and, then there is the very smart dog to roll it all together.

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Kid Seahawk , January 29, 2012
A life story, as seen and told by Enzo the dog. Get a box of tissues, and prepare never to look at your pups in the same way again. A must-read for dog-lovers AND book-lovers.

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Michael Hagenbuch , January 28, 2012 (view all comments by Michael Hagenbuch)
If there was a 5 + I would rank it that and more. This is one of those "page turners" in the same category as the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, or The Davinci Code, or The Help, etc. that draws you in and won't let go of your undivided attention. The story Stein weaves is very well crafted, keeps interest flowing, and runs the gamut of emotions. It allows pure absorption into the make up of the characters, the setting, and their personalities on so many levels. One of the best books I have ever read for the pure fun and enjoyment of it. A classic of an ending! This is a book you'll want to keep and share at the same time.

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ritabita , January 19, 2012
This book is well written. By the end of it, I couldn't wait to pass it along to a friend! Enzo, the family dog, tells the story from his perspective. The ups and downs of life, as witnessed by a dog, is a heart-warming way the author tells this story. I recommend this book to anyone. You don't have to be a dog lover, or a fan of racecar driving. But by the end, you just might be.

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tragicsoprano , January 19, 2012
This book was recommended by so many acquaintances that I knew it must be something special. However, because I knew it was about a dog, I expected a story that was going to make me love the dog for being so remarkable or smart, etc., then sad in the end because it inevitably grows old and dies. I couldn't have been more wrong about the premise of the plot. This story is about such an ordinary dog and such ordinary people, and it's their very ordinary ability to connect with each other and to misunderstand each other because of the limitations and sensibilities of their respective species that the author weaves into a compelling and unforgettable tale. I couldn't put the book down and truly didn't want it to end.

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Allison Judge , January 12, 2012
I purchased this book for myself, then four more copies to give as Christmas gifts after I finished reading it. It's the best book I've read in years!

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gbs , January 12, 2012
fantastic book

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andwhyknotme , January 05, 2012
I recommend this book to everyone who I know. It was wonderfully written and extremely touching.

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Lori M , January 05, 2012 (view all comments by Lori M)
Books about dogs will almost always make you cry...books 'told' by a dog will have you bawling - but I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, wonderful book.

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Sherry CAMPBELL , January 03, 2012 (view all comments by Sherry CAMPBELL)
I loved this book. It is warm, loving, sad, courageous, and an overall feel good book. It may help that I like dogs and racing but it worth the read for anyone.

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zeebee , January 02, 2012 (view all comments by zeebee)
Not only will this book make you feel good, it will change the way you interact with dogs. This is a fantastic read - funny, sad, and warm, and angry in one sitting. You will not regret this read.

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judithlh , January 01, 2012
Looking forward to a warm hearted read.

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bordercolliez , January 01, 2012
Fabulous outlook on life through the eyes of a car racing fan who happens to be a very wise and loyal dog.

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azuresunshower13 , January 01, 2012
This was, overall, what I feel is a very well done story. Parts of it are hard, but the sweetness of the last quarter of the book is redeeming. In the first chapter, enzo talks about evolving enough as a dog that he hopes to come back (reincarnate) as a human... shouldn't it be the humans evolving enough to become as loving dogs? That was my main 'raised eyebrow' while reading this one. Heartwarming & enjoyable!

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jrtsparky , January 01, 2012
A wonderful, heart-warming book. It grabbed my heart in the first chapter. Now I look at my dog in a whole new way. She's so smart to begin with,and I wonder just how much she really understands. Probably more than anyone knows. With the story being set in the Pacific northwest, it made the read even more enjoyable. Garth Stein definately knows dogs.

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Rochelle Martin , January 01, 2012
This is my favorite book of 2011.

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itmightcouldbe , January 01, 2012
This is actually in our middle school library as a young adult book, but I wouldn't let that stop any adults from reading it. Have you ever thought about what our most loyal, adoring friends think of us? Stein's novel is told from the stance of a dog, who accompanies his master through a series of both hopeful and traumatic events. I laughed and cried my way through this.

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Nicholis , January 01, 2012
One of the best stories I have read in a long time. First book to ever make me cry while reading it, and it left me wanting more.

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Renee S , January 01, 2012
A unique look at life and lessons/truths to learn and live by.

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Jmitzel , January 01, 2012 (view all comments by Jmitzel)
I read at least one book weekly. I enjoy most of what I read, but this one will always reside in my heart. Part of it is due to the pitch perfect Seattle descriptions, mostly it is the raw humanity (or perhaps caninanity?). Just read it.

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NewMoon , September 02, 2011
Watch the movie "Senna", an extraordinary documentary about the Brazilian Formula One driver, to learn why Garth Stein's novel was given its name. Great movie; great book.

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Michele Burrer , September 01, 2011
This is an amazing book! Written another life from the perspective of Enzo, a dog with a Buddhist heart and a desire to be human. This story has so many beautiful lessons another love, life and friendship all wrapped in a very engaging story. I read it in 1 day, couldn't put it down.

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lemarten , February 02, 2011
I cannot recommend this book enough. It managed to be tender without become maudlin. It is ultimately about love and loyalty.

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JESSICA INMAN , January 28, 2011
I can't help but give my old ailing dog a little more love and patience after reading this heartwarming story.

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Julie Wheat , January 18, 2011 (view all comments by Julie Wheat)
Heartfelt view through the eyes of a dog of life & family. Enzo teaches us to be in the moment through his love of his master, and his master's love, racing. Loss & gain of life are dealt with graciousness and love. A great read throughout the book, the end ties up all loose ends. You do not have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book.

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Kathleen Walsh , January 18, 2011 (view all comments by Kathleen Walsh)
Every Christmas my mother likes to buy my siblings and I a book whose content relates to where we are in our lives. The joke is that we always try to figure out the connection she has made between the book and us because sometimes we just don't see it. This Christmas I received The Art of Racing in the Rain which was appropriate because I had just gotten my first dog back in September. I wasn't thrilled when I got it, thinking it was just another dog book about owner/dog bonding and let's face it, all the dogs die in the end. I was done reading in a day. I just couldn't put it down and was happy my first impression was wrong. This book is much deeper then the relationship between dog and owner. It's life through the dog's eyes but a very philosophical outlook. As dog's cannot speak, they observe, and this dog's observation of the events of his owner's life is worth reading.

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ladysnowfall , January 04, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! To see the world, tragedy, F1 racing, custody battles and death through a dog's eyes really gives you a different perspective on life and how we live it. This is a must read!

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Lyn Stallard , January 04, 2011
An incredible book that reveals the mind of a dog. A must read for everyone.

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micqua , January 04, 2011
Wonderful book by a Seattle author. Told from the dog's point of view. Touching and memorable. A warm-hearted story about life, love and death.

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Deanna Nelson , January 03, 2011
A poignant joy from start to finish.

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animal lover 39 , January 03, 2011 (view all comments by animal lover 39)
This is a very special book written from a dog's perspective. I laughed, cried and learned. A must read.

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Emily Wallace , January 03, 2011
This book was impossible to put down. I read it in one day. It is very unique. Essential for any dog lover.

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kathyhill , January 03, 2011
not a book I would have picked up to read, but it was highly recommended by more than one friend. I just loved it and have recommended it to many. A must read for anyone who has ever loved an animal.

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jitterbugandthebeet , January 02, 2011 (view all comments by jitterbugandthebeet)
Who would have thought that one special dog could give us so much insight? This is a wonderful story. Get a box of tissue, and prepare to be uplifted.

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BeckyH , January 02, 2011
Wonderful book - a great story, full of nuances. The ending was both sad and wonderful. You'll especially like it if you love dogs and/or cars.

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hummingbird1 , January 02, 2011
I loved this book, it's not my normal read ( Huge Stephen King fan) but a friend suggested it and I loved it. I have been suggesting it to all my family and friends.At my house we enjoy reading, like everything worth while we make time for it. I have started a book on many occasion and wound up reading to wee hours in the morning.Dog lovers will enjoy this book as the dog in the book is the narrator. Don't want to give anything away so all I can say is this book is well worth the read.

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smartchick.nina , January 02, 2011 (view all comments by smartchick.nina)
This book was amazing! It told through the eyes of Enzo, a very introspective dog who believes that at death, dogs are reincarnated as humans. He struggles to aid and protect his owner, Denny, an up-and-coming racecar driver and Denny's daughter. Yet Enzo is hindered by his helplessness as a dog. Through the eyes of a dog, Enzo tells of very profound and witty truths about humans. The metaphor of racing is constantly woven throughout the book. Despite the fact that the book is told through the ideas of a thinking dog, it is far from fantasy. It is a story about life... about love, protection, family and hope.

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ownedbymylab , January 02, 2011
Of all the books I read in 2010 none were as poignant, imaginative or as well written as The Art of Racing in the Rain. Enzo is a steadfast friend who details his life with his struggling master Denny, and their many years as companions amidst family, health disasters and financial crisis. The most amazing scenes that stuck with me were Enzo's dream of surpassing the monkeys and achieving a thumb. :) This is something I usually would pass over, but based on all of the glowing recommendations I had to try it. A big reason this book was so touching was I have a lab as well, and I can't help but wonder know if my dog has dreams of becoming more.

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MIke_Schaeffer , January 01, 2011
Great character development and very interesting point of view!

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realtegan , January 01, 2011
An excellent and touching book about relationships and racing. Enzo is a dog, but he has a philosophy of life and understands his owner well. The two battle against misfortune and pain while life grinds on. If you live in Seattle or know it well, you may recognize the settings of some of the scenes, adding to the story. In any case, a lovely tale worthy of a read.

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reads for fun , January 01, 2011
Just a good fun read that makes you think.

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asalzman , January 01, 2011 (view all comments by asalzman)
First, the positive: This book was beautifully written, with a unique perspective that grips the reader and pulls him or her in. Without being cheesy, the narrator guides the reader through the story, adding a bit of humor (and a lot of heartwrenching moments) and makes the reader look at the world differently for weeks after reading. Now, the negative: This book was so emotionally draining it was exhausting to read. Every possible negative thing happens, and I found my self reduced to a quivering ball of Jell-o while reading it. Some people may enjoy a good sob story and want a big cry, and they should by all means read it. Just make sure you're not in public and have LOTS of tissues by your side. For me, it was a bit too much of an emotional rollercoaster and I found myself powering through the book just to get off the ride.

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richbham , January 01, 2011
This is a very enjoyable book despite the sad threads that run through it. Enzo (narrator, dog) keeps you above it with his wisdom and dog-like enthusiasm.

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Brent Richards , January 01, 2011
This book was a real surprise, really gripped me from the very beginning. It's a bit 'unusual', because the story is told by the dog. There is lots of interesting stuff beneath the humorous surface...AND the book has been on the NY Times Best Seller Paperback list for more than 90 weeks!

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ofmyhands , January 01, 2011 (view all comments by ofmyhands)
The first few lines made me a bit nervous (because it could have gone so terribly wrong, you see), but I was laughing and crying within the first three pages.Stein and his unconventional narrator make the requisite suspension of disbelief effortless; I was swept away and I suspect you will be, too.

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dickens , January 01, 2011
great book!

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kjohnson , January 01, 2011
Loved this book and recommended it to my family and my bookclub!

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Hyla , January 01, 2011
I bought this book right after I read an email from my daughter that she had just put her beloved dog Jack to sleep. Having this story told from the dog's point of view was both a catharsis (I cried a lot - but that's a good thing) and a reward. The book is wonderful in all aspects. I have bought many copies for friends and hear nothing but good comments.

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jrehubbard , January 01, 2011 (view all comments by jrehubbard)
LOVED this book. Good enough to read more than once. The story is written though the eyes of Enzo, the dog, who is wiser than one expects from man's best friend. He loves racing, which is good since his owner is a race car driver. This book could sound like a guy book, full of racing, car stuff, but it has layers. and levels that are worth exploring. If you are a dog lover, you will love this book. But it is much more than a dog lover book. It gives you a lot to think about, how to live in the moment and let the future take care of itself. A perfect book for the New Year.

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starfishfisher , January 01, 2011
There are always great books to recommend and choosing between them can be hard, but this book is a winner whether you are enchanted by our four-legged, furry brethren or not. The story is not typical in any sense. You might think, at first glance, you know what this book will be about, but chances are you'd be wrong. From the title, to the the opening sentences, this story simultaneously grabs you and takes you off guard. It is so (dare I say it???) poignant. Beautifully written, artfully constructed, touching without being being over-the-top and surprising in all the best ways -- I defy you to read this book and not have it be a treasured tale that haunts your memories for a long time to come.

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hjpd , January 01, 2011
If you have ever loved a dog, you must read this book. It is wise,funny and beautifully written. And, it is told by a dog! Could not be any better.

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Vicki Tandowsky , January 01, 2011
Wonderful story of the human-dog relationship from the dog's perspective. I loved this book!

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Kabatie1 , January 01, 2011
Best book of the year!

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CamDCam , January 01, 2011
Although written prior to 2010 it is by far the book I have recommended the most this year!

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fallingstar924 , December 14, 2010 (view all comments by fallingstar924)
I knew after reading the first two chapters that I would cry at the end. This was a magnificent book, where the storyteller is a dog. I also laughed out loud in many parts of the book. This is a great book for dog lovers who realize how important their pets are.

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homebetweenpages , January 19, 2010
Best book of the decade!

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Laura Bangert , January 17, 2010
This book touched my heart and made me laugh and cry. I think about the storyteller, Enzo, quite frequently and, when my own dog looks at me quizzically, this book has made me ponder what enlightening thoughts are traveling through his mind. I feel like Enzo was my own furry best friend. Racing in the Rain was deep, not cheesy, and encouraged me to reflect on choices I have made in my own life. I loved it and recommend it to all, dog-lovers or not.

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barbara cotter , January 04, 2010
This is one of those books you pick up and it just draws you right in until the very end and you find yourself wishing for more.I literally read this from front to back in one sitting along with a box of tissues! The story line is great and the characters are so believable.

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nera_caligula , January 03, 2010
Nice read. Love Enzo the Lab! There aren't many "adult" books written from an animal's perspective which gives this a different feel. The only thing that keeps me from rating this a 5 is the sheer amount of racing bits...I know, I know it is called The Art of Racing in the Rain...But, if you are an animal lover-- especially a dog lover--you should read this.

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Nancy Meyer , January 03, 2010
Such a perfect book. I love reading about the human condition from the perspective of this insightful, extraordinary canine named Enzo!

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Robert Joyce , January 01, 2010 (view all comments by Robert Joyce)
Great story, told well.

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jrehubbard , January 01, 2010 (view all comments by jrehubbard)
Loved this book. A fast read, humorous and yet multi-layered.

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sara jackson , January 01, 2010 (view all comments by sara jackson)
I found The Art of Racing in the Rain on a book sale table and because of the dog on the cover, I bought it. Little did I know that the book would become one of the most provocative books I was to read in years. Enzo's bittersweet story of love and devotion in his life engulfed me, reminding me of my poignant relationships to my beloved Dotty and Stella. I spent several chapters wiping my eyes (and glasses), but couldn't leave the novel alone. My sincere thanks to Garth Stein for encouraging me to reflect on those two precious relationships, as Enzo's story unfolded.

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Laura Lewakowski , January 01, 2010
The Art of Racing in the Rain was my favorite book of 2009. Enzo was so much more than "just a dog". If more people could be like Enzo, it would be such a better world! Enzo had so many lessons for us - about overcoming obstacles (what is YOUR rain?), perseverance, loyalty, passion......and if you weren't a dog lover before this book, you will be after you read it!

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briggid , December 03, 2009
I bought this book in August and did not get a chance to read it till October. Once I started I didn't put it down until I was finished. I throughly loved this book, as would anyone who shares a love of dogs. I told my friend to read it and even though this book would have been one of my all time favorites its even more endearing since this is the last book my friend and I would share. One of her emails when she finished was," finished the book kleenex at hand." We both loved Enzo he was everything a companion and best friend should be as was my my dear friend, I miss them both.

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SusanL , August 03, 2009 (view all comments by SusanL)
What a refreshing read! Enzo is everything one wants in a friend & to spend the book's life in his wonderful head was a treat! Now, do my cats........

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Marjorie Watson , June 14, 2009 (view all comments by Marjorie Watson)
The story is utterly captivating. I will never again look at my dog without wondering...

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Product Details

ISBN:
9780061537967
Binding:
Trade Paperback
Publication date:
05/22/2018
Publisher:
HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
Pages:
336
Height:
.80IN
Width:
5.20IN
Thickness:
1.00
Number of Units:
1
Copyright Year:
2009
UPC Code:
2800061537969
Author:
Garth Stein
Media Run Time:
B
Subject:
Literature-A to Z
Subject:
General Fiction
Subject:
Dogs
Subject:
Experimental fiction

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