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| The Art of Racing in the Rain | 
 enlarge | Author: Garth Stein
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Category: Book
List Price: £14.99
Buy New: £5.24
You Save: £9.75 (65%)
New (20) from £5.24
Avg. Customer Rating:  51 reviews
Sales Rank: 23946
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6.2 x 1.5
ISBN: 0007271239
EAN: 9780007271238
ASIN: 0007271239
Publication Date: June 2, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews: Read 46 more reviews...
Great book! October 16, 2008
I received this book as part of the Amazon Vine programme and thought it would interest me as I love dogs! I wasn't wrong, I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. The story is told by a dog named Enzo and from his viewpoint. Its very well written and an easy read - I would definitely recommend it.
Surprisingly good September 20, 2008
When I ordered this book I didn't have the highest expectations. I thought it would be a kids book about a talking dog, or something similarly patronising. I was very wrong.
What I actually received was an excellent read, highly engaging with an eerie feeling of realism. The tragic story is given an unique edge from the odd perspective of an exceptional dog.
I was pleasantly surprised by the novel, I am sure you would be too. Highly recommended!
 Thank you, Enzo September 16, 2008
I have lived in households that have included dogs my whole life. I have loved and bonded with a few through the years, including my present companion, a robust Chocolate Lab. I was glad to discover this small masterpiece.
First of all, I love the title. The Art of Racing in the Rain, told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo (after Ferrari) is a moving tale of love, loss and betrayal -- of overcoming impossible barriers and ultimate triumph. Enzo's master, Denny Swift, is a talented race car driver. He is also husband to Eve, father to Zoe, and this core family is Enzo's Universe. Enzo has gained great wisdom and insight from his master and from watching TV, including among other things racing videos and the Weather Channel. Enzo tells the story of Denny's life with honesty and insight. Through Enzo's eyes we find a hero in Denny, a good man who doesn't look at the wall as his car (and his life) spins out of control, but at the track. This is perhaps my favorite racing metaphor on life: that Denny does not meet the wall, but regains the track, even when he is racing blind. For Eve, Denny's dying wife, I feel incredible compassion. Eve, so afraid to be alone she asks Enzo to stay with her through the night and protect her, then whispers "thank you" to her protector on surviving the darkness. Young Zoe is her father's spirit, a tender, resilient child who completes the family. This novel keeps is eye on the next turn and remains on the track.
What struck me in particular in The Art of Racing in the Rain was the great character development that emerged through Enzo's straightforward reporting. I discovered Denny Swift navigating his difficult life with constraint, faith, courage and passion; Eve as a tender soul who endures even knowing she is doomed; Zoe, a bright, innocent child whose understanding far outpaces her years; "the Twins," Maxwell and Trish, flat, shallow and despicably impotent. I felt that I already knew Mark Fein, the bright, bombastic attorney. This all seems so seamless, so simple and I am sure it was the hardest part. Mr. Stein, congratulations and thank you.
 A dog's eye view. September 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Like a lot of other people who find themselves stuck in at home, Enzo the dog watches a lot of TV. He takes it all in and believes that when he dies, he'll be reincarnated as a human (after all, it was in a TV documentary). He awaits his transition from canine to man with excitement, and during his last few hours as an aging dog with achy joints, he reflects on the time he has spent with his loyal owner Denny.
This might seem like a strange concept, a narrative on life from the point of view of a dog. But for the most part - it works. We get a voyeuristic, almost childish view of family life - and at times this book is very poignant.
I'm a Formula 1 fan, and there were plenty of references to motor racing, even the title refers to the natural abilities of the legendary Aryton Senna. Non motor-sport fans shouldn't be put of though, the book doesn't exclude those who don't share that passion.
I enjoyed the book, but the ending kind of ruined the magic for me as the story of a wannabe racing driver concluded with an obvious ending which seemed pretty implausable. The following epilogue though put a smile on my face.
In a nutshell: an enjoyable book which is easy to read. The chapters are short and you find yourself constantly thinking "I'll just read one more" until you've flown through most of the novel. I'm glad I read this, but if the ending to the story around Denny's racing career had been a tad more believable then it wouldn't have shattered the magic and I'd have warmed to it more.
youll be wagging your tail with joy July 26, 2008
I was a bit dubious to start with as the premise of a story of a racing driver told from the point of view of his dog seemed a bit sentimental and childish. I was however pleasantly surprized. The writing is eloquent and viviv and the story is great. Read and enjoy
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