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12th out of 1,109 books
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
by
Garth Stein (Goodreads Author)
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 se...more
Hardcover, 321 pages
Published
2008
by Harper Collins
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Anastacia
rated it
Recommends it for:
animal lovers, dog lovers
Recommended to Anastacia by:
No one - I came across it in bookstore.
I was meandering around Borders one Saturday when I saw a dog's head on the cover of a book, and since I am magnetized to animals (especially dogs), I had to pick it up and leaf through it. I was pleasantly surprised to read the cover to find out it is written entirely from the perspective of a dog. Adorable and unique; I have always wanted to know what it's like in the mind of a dog. Although obviously written by a person (or my dog has some explaining to do as I was under the impression tha...more
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Lisa
rated it
Recommends it for:
anyone wanting to reclaim direction and a sense of purpose
Recommended to Lisa by:
no one had to, it's narrarated by a dog and used racing as a met
this is positively one of the most masterfully simple yet profound novels i have read/heard in years. i listened to the audio version on the way back from my last trip to pittsburgh and, as another reviewer commented, it's a tear jerker. i boo hoo'ed quite a bit and then raced to the nearest borders to reread the parts of the story that moved me the most. this story is a fascinating study of the human condition as witnessed by Enzo, the dog narrator. this will at once seize your emotions and ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I was a little doubtful I would like this book when I first heard about it. (I mean it was a Starbucks book recommendation and so what kind of new age garbage would I be getting into?) But I need to read more fiction, and I heard from another source it was very good, so I bought it.
I was immediately sucked into the book and did not want to put it down. It has very short chapters so I kept saying, "Just one more," and then the book was over. But it is still in my thoughts, a...more
I was immediately sucked into the book and did not want to put it down. It has very short chapters so I kept saying, "Just one more," and then the book was over. But it is still in my thoughts, a...more
I was rather sceptical about The Art of Racing in the Rain. I continued to be so as I read, even when I was more than halfway through. It bothered me: the description of Eve's illness, the situation with Annika. And I wasn't sure I was getting much out of it in return for getting so unsettled. I didn't think that much of the narration -- the conceit of a dog narrating the story. Parts just didn't go together: you can't have a really smart dog with ideas on philosophy who then gets confused about...more
What I loved:
1. Enzo is the coolest. dog. ever. And that includes my dog, who happens to be pretty hip. He's caring, he's funny. I love it.
2. The way Enzo narrates is awesome. I have a feeling that if dogs - smart dogs, who are about to come back as men - could talk, this is what they would sound like.
3. I plowed through this book because I was utterly unable to put it down. It isn't so much that I wanted to find out what happened next in the plot; I wanted to find out what E...more
1. Enzo is the coolest. dog. ever. And that includes my dog, who happens to be pretty hip. He's caring, he's funny. I love it.
2. The way Enzo narrates is awesome. I have a feeling that if dogs - smart dogs, who are about to come back as men - could talk, this is what they would sound like.
3. I plowed through this book because I was utterly unable to put it down. It isn't so much that I wanted to find out what happened next in the plot; I wanted to find out what E...more
I'm shocked...shocked, by how much I loved this book.
The narrator is a dog.
There is much mentioning of racing - Formula One, NASCAR, Indy....
and the narrator is a dog. But I think I mentioned that already.
I liked this book so much that it made me want a dog. No, it made me want this dog. And I don't even like dogs.
Enzo, a terrier/lab mutt, believes in his next life he will be human. As he feels practically human already, just limited to...more
The narrator is a dog.
There is much mentioning of racing - Formula One, NASCAR, Indy....
and the narrator is a dog. But I think I mentioned that already.
I liked this book so much that it made me want a dog. No, it made me want this dog. And I don't even like dogs.
Enzo, a terrier/lab mutt, believes in his next life he will be human. As he feels practically human already, just limited to...more
Yet another book I was reading as a preview to see if I should purchase it as a gift. Sadly, no.
Equally disappointing is disliking the work of a local author. I always want to like local authors (and artists of all stripes), but it isn't always possible.
First, I don't think automobile racing is a good metaphor for life. Maybe it is, but I have a bias. I hate the automobile. I think the personal automobile is the single most destructive concept we've conceived. To then rac...more
Equally disappointing is disliking the work of a local author. I always want to like local authors (and artists of all stripes), but it isn't always possible.
First, I don't think automobile racing is a good metaphor for life. Maybe it is, but I have a bias. I hate the automobile. I think the personal automobile is the single most destructive concept we've conceived. To then rac...more
I expected this to be another "Marley and Me." In that it is about a dog's love for its people and its peoples' love of the dog, the two books are alike. But there is a sad undertone throughout "Racing in the Rain," that I never felt in "Marley."
Here's why: from the beginning we know that Enzo (the pooch!) is recalling his life story on the eve of his death. That fact struck like an arrow in my heart because in August I had to put my dog to sleep. A firs...more
Here's why: from the beginning we know that Enzo (the pooch!) is recalling his life story on the eve of his death. That fact struck like an arrow in my heart because in August I had to put my dog to sleep. A firs...more
Malbadeen
marked it as holy-shit-this-got-published
Recommends it for:
dorky, dork headed, dork meisters
A). This book is written from the perspective of a dog.
B). The first line of this book is, "Enzo knew he was diferent from other dogs"
C). This book is written from the perspective of a dog.
D).Inside the book there are statements such as, "That which you maifest is before you." and "No race has ever been won in the first corner; many races have been lost there".
E). This book is written from the perspective of a dog.
...more
B). The first line of this book is, "Enzo knew he was diferent from other dogs"
C). This book is written from the perspective of a dog.
D).Inside the book there are statements such as, "That which you maifest is before you." and "No race has ever been won in the first corner; many races have been lost there".
E). This book is written from the perspective of a dog.
...more
This book is a heartbreaking, can't-put-it-down treasure. The story is told by the family dog, Enzo, who is highly evolved and intellectual and preparing to be a man in his next life (he saw a show on the Discovery channel that
explained that that is what will happen to dogs such as himself). He was picked out of a litter at 12 weeks old by semi-pro race car driver Denny and was there for Denny meeting and marrying Eve and a witness to the couple's
daughter Zoe's home birth. And, al...more
explained that that is what will happen to dogs such as himself). He was picked out of a litter at 12 weeks old by semi-pro race car driver Denny and was there for Denny meeting and marrying Eve and a witness to the couple's
daughter Zoe's home birth. And, al...more
Judging from the other Goodreads reviews and the recommendations of my friends, I seem to be a minority of one in my low estimation of this book. It's not that I disliked it, per se, but I really resented the way this sappy, anthropomorphic story stomped on every emotion in my body. If you need a good cry for some other reason, by all means grab yourself a box of tissues and a copy of this book and go for it. You can get it all out and no one will ask you what's wrong when they see what you are ...more
Carolyn
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
dog lovers, car racing aficionados, everyone really
Recommended to Carolyn by:
All Fairfax Reads 2010
I LOVED this book!
If you've ever owned or loved a dog, you will love Enzo, dog extraordinaire. The book summaries describe him as a philosopher, and we are treated to his thoughts on the meaning of life, on souls, on what comes after death, and more. Not in a pedantic way, but very anecdotal. He celebrates his own doggishness, while striving to curb his 'animal instincts' and live as a human would in order to 'earn' reincarnation as a human. He bemoans his lack of a thumb and a fac...more
If you've ever owned or loved a dog, you will love Enzo, dog extraordinaire. The book summaries describe him as a philosopher, and we are treated to his thoughts on the meaning of life, on souls, on what comes after death, and more. Not in a pedantic way, but very anecdotal. He celebrates his own doggishness, while striving to curb his 'animal instincts' and live as a human would in order to 'earn' reincarnation as a human. He bemoans his lack of a thumb and a fac...more
"That which we manifest is before us." The Art of Racing in the rain is the story of a family from a dog's perspective. Enzo, Denny's dog, is loyal to his master a semi-pro race car driver. The lessons of racing become lessons for life. The art of dealing with adversity, facing your deepest fears, while learning how one dog yearns to be a man(And beware of the zebra of fear). As one reviewer noted, you'll look at your dogs in a different light after reading this book. The ending will ...more
I'll start by saying that I'm not much of a "dog person" and nor am I a race car fan. I've never been to Seattle, and the novel as fable genre has not done much for me. That being said, after "The Art of Racing in the Rain" - I need a new dog, I drive faster, and I loved this book.
I had stumbled across three reviews of this book within one 24 hour period, so I felt like I was being led to read this book that on the surface help only a small appeal - a story from a...more
I had stumbled across three reviews of this book within one 24 hour period, so I felt like I was being led to read this book that on the surface help only a small appeal - a story from a...more
The ex-runner in me was sad when "racing" in the rain did not refer to running. Instead, it was automobile racing. Gack! I hate auto racing. HATE IT!
However, I love dogs. Dogs are much better than humans on any given day. This book was written from the dog's point of view. Cute, right?
Kind of.
Enzo is the old, dying dog who tells the story of his life with his master. I'm not gonna lie. I loved the dog. He destroys a pile of stuffed animals because they...more
However, I love dogs. Dogs are much better than humans on any given day. This book was written from the dog's point of view. Cute, right?
Kind of.
Enzo is the old, dying dog who tells the story of his life with his master. I'm not gonna lie. I loved the dog. He destroys a pile of stuffed animals because they...more
enzo, the dog, is the narrator in this book, which really is the only reason i read it. i'm a sucker for animals, especially dogs.
i got a little annoyed at the writing here and there. stein hits you over the head with metaphors a few times and doesn't follow the tried and true method of "show don't tell." i said aloud a few times, "i get it!"
but i didn't pick up this book for excellent writing or even for the plot. i wanted a quick, easy read and k...more
i got a little annoyed at the writing here and there. stein hits you over the head with metaphors a few times and doesn't follow the tried and true method of "show don't tell." i said aloud a few times, "i get it!"
but i didn't pick up this book for excellent writing or even for the plot. i wanted a quick, easy read and k...more
In this intriguing fiction novel, a story of hope and loyalty is conveyed through the lens of a lovable dog-named Enzo, with a near human soul. The story is set in modern day Seattle Washington, where most of the adventures of Enzo and his family play out. Denny Swift, Enzos master and a compassionate racecar driver, and his wife Eve and daughter Zoe face many ups and downs, from losing a job to death in the family. When Eve’s parents want custody of her daughter Zoe, things turn up side down...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This book was a gift from my father-in-law, who knows that I like to read and that I like dogs. I knew the moment I read the title and looked at the cover and read the inside of the dust jacket that it wasn’t the kind of book I would ever choose for myself, but it was a gift, and I read pretty much anything whenever I have the chance to, so I decided I’d give it a shot. I made it all the way through, but barely.
The first thing I could not help but notice was the writing style, compo...more
The first thing I could not help but notice was the writing style, compo...more
Cayr
rated it
Recommends it for:
anybody who loves dogs and good fiction
Recommended to Cayr by:
Valrie, a friend on GoodReads
Shelves:
my-all-time-faves
I love fiction like this. Fiction that is this well told, with well developed three dimensional characters, and a story that is thoroughly absorbing.
The story is told in the first person. The novel twist is that the first "person" is a dog named Enzo. Enzo is an astute observer of his master's life, and has a lot of wisdom to impart, if only someone could hear him.
Who knows if dogs really think this deeply, and wax poetic about life's ironies and victories and trag...more
The story is told in the first person. The novel twist is that the first "person" is a dog named Enzo. Enzo is an astute observer of his master's life, and has a lot of wisdom to impart, if only someone could hear him.
Who knows if dogs really think this deeply, and wax poetic about life's ironies and victories and trag...more
A unique story written from the point of view of the dog. For those of us that love animals, and attribute human characteristics to them, this book is a fun, uplifting read.
The dog is named Enzo and his owner, Denny, is a semi-pro car racer. There are technical terms, references to celebrity racers and famous tracks that were lost on me because I know nothing about auto racing, despite it being the number #1 sport in the US. Denny compares racing to life, hence the title.
En...more
The dog is named Enzo and his owner, Denny, is a semi-pro car racer. There are technical terms, references to celebrity racers and famous tracks that were lost on me because I know nothing about auto racing, despite it being the number #1 sport in the US. Denny compares racing to life, hence the title.
En...more
The old arthritic dog sucked me in, and he definitely has his good points. Unfortunately, the novel is largely about his people, and their lives read a little too much like of Lifetime melodrama for me. This is just not my kind of a book, despite (or possibly partly because of) its more charming qualities.
A spectacularly smart mutt reviews his life from his death-bed. Enzo belongs to Denny, a semi-pro race car driver, and deeply feels his master's pain when the man must fight to retain custody of his young daughter. The dog longs to be human, and as he nears death, welcomes the chance to be reborn as a man. Even though I found Enzo's voice somewhat unbelievable and stuffy at times (the dog is given to long philosophical speeches full of racing metaphors) I still got teary at the full-on, no hold...more
Lyndsay Westby-gibson
rated it
Recommends it for:
Dog lovers
Recommended to Lyndsay by:
People Magazine!
If Marley and Me was too difficult for you to read (as a dog lover) then this is the book for you! It is heart-wrenching indeed, but what good is a book that can't make you feel intense emotions? There is better closure than with M&M; you're not left feeling completely bereft at the end of the book. It has made me look at my two dogs and wonder to myself, "can you understand me? Do you know how much I love you?" Some parts of this book are hysterical! It is a book that makes you f...more
Alethea
rated it
Recommended to Alethea by:
Bill E.
Shelves:
favorites,
tearjerker,
romance,
melodrama,
literary,
funny,
desert-island,
adult,
top-10-of-2008,
fiction,
awesome
Best book of the year so far. Filled with laugh-out-loud silly moments and heart-wrenching tear-jerking ones, the story of a small Seattle family is told from the viewpoint of Enzo, the family dog, who loves television, bananas, and Formula 1 racing. I listened to the audio version, which is read by Christopher Evan Welch--he did such a great job, I'm probably going to get more of the audiobooks he voiced like The Last Apprentice series and Crashing Through, which I was going to read anyway.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I did not read this just because the cover photo resembles MY dog Yuki. I read it because of an admiring review. Yet my own understanding of my dog's motivations and emotional states and the author's interpretation of his canine narrator, Enzo, blended beautifully together, and I'm sure this helped me identify with the narrator and main character. But all in all, this empathy was only peripheral to the artistry of this compassionately drawn, riveting drama, a drama, I might add, that resembles t...more
This book was recommended to me by a middle school girl who has struggles. We made a deal - I would read a book she recommended and she would try something (like staying out of trouble for one week) for me. I was very surprised how much I enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain. The story is written from Enzo's point of view. Did I mention Enzo is a dog? While there are some frustrating parts to the book, there is a message and I, for one, found it a clever way to deliver that message. This s...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Different from Racing In the rain | 1 | 26 | Jan 25, 2012 11:51am | |
| Any opinions? | 20 | 62 | Jan 25, 2012 06:59am | |
| Plot devices | 17 | 147 | Jan 11, 2012 10:43am | |
| Bird Brains: Through what animal's eyes would you write a book | 11 | 10 | Dec 28, 2011 07:29am | |
| Honors 9: The Art of Racing In The Rain | 1 | 3 | Dec 01, 2011 12:30pm | |
| grapeseeds & ...: Art of Racing in the Rain | 1 | 2 | Nov 25, 2011 04:32am |
Share This Book
Garth Stein is the author of three novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008); How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (Soho Press, 2005), which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback; and Raven Stole the Moon (Pocket, 1998). He has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones, which received its firs...more
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“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
—
348 people liked it
“He died that day because his body had served its purpose. His soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave.”
—
171 people liked it
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