The Art of Racing in the Rain in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 06, 2019 Karen rated it liked it

2.75 really. I had a little trouble suspending belief as far as this author wanted us to. I gave it 3 stars because the writing was fine. I think I would have liked it better if the philosophizing main character wasn't a dog. It may be because I am used to Spencer Quinn's canine characters who act um, more like dogs. Having said that, I can see how so many people loved this book. ...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Laura (booksnob) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: literature, 2012, books-into-film

"Your car goes where your eyes go." pg. 94 Advice from Enzo, a dog who narrates The Art of Racing in the Rain. Enzo loves his human family and is especially loyal to his owner Denny who is a race car driver. Occasionally Enzo, while narrating the history and stories of his life and his people family, shares witticisms or advice on the importance things in life. He uses race car driving as a metaphor for speeding or racing through the days and years of your life cycle. Put your seat belt on and b "Your car goes where your eyes go." pg. 94 Advice from Enzo, a dog who narrates The Art of Racing in the Rain. Enzo loves his human family and is especially loyal to his owner Denny who is a race car driver. Occasionally Enzo, while narrating the history and stories of his life and his people family, shares witticisms or advice on the importance things in life. He uses race car driving as a metaphor for speeding or racing through the days and years of your life cycle. Put your seat belt on and bark once to slow down or bark twice to go faster.

"How quickly a year passes, like a mouthful of food snatched from the maw of eternity." pg. 240 The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartfelt story that will capture your heart and make you laugh out loud because of the thoughts of a dog. If you are a dog owner you will recognize particular traits that Enzo exhibits that relate to your beloved pet and best friend. Enzo's family goes through some very rough times, a death, a custody battle and the story may bring tears to your eyes but through it all they had a dog who loved and supported them unconditionally. A dog is a friend when you need one, a shoulder to cry on, a pal to play ball with and is so happy when you come home.

"That which you manifest is before you." pg. 41 Enzo saw a TV show (he likes to watch TV when his people are gone) and believes that when a dog dies he will return in the next life as a human. Enzo can't wait to be human.

We listened to this audio book on our 500 mile long drive from Minot, ND to St. Paul, MN. The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of the reasons we kept driving and made it home ahead of schedule because we just couldn't stop listening to Enzo and his story. There are some swear words and a little inappropriateness for younger kids but my 11 and 14 year old kids absolutely adored this book. When it was finished and we were only 20 miles from home my daughter said, "This book is a 5 star read for me." We were all crying and laughing and it was a wonderful moment that I will cherish forever and it's all because we love dogs and books.

Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? Woof! ...more

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Aug 01, 2010 Carolyn rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved this book!!! It was sooo engaging. Just what I needed for a summer read. This book is told from the perspective of a dog...a very evolved dog. Throughout the story the dog, Enzo, shares his philosophical insights, often comparing the mastery of life to race car driving (his master, Denny, is a pro race car driver). I thought at first, because of the subject matter (race car driving) I would not be into it, but once I started I could not put it down!!! I cried often! This book ...more

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Dec 06, 2009 Sylvie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars

I have absolutely LOVED this book.
I am surprised for several reasons, but most of all for the originality of the narrator! Enzo.

There is nothing new about the concept of the book; the ideas have been used and reused, but the setting is so ... so, honest that even if a bit corny, I would recommand the book. It is an easy read. A weekend at the most. I cried the last 10 pages!

The place: Seattle (live there and loved it)
The background: Car racing - F1 (love the sport and follow it)
Narrator: Enzo, ...more

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Sep 11, 2015 Beverly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, newtome2015, contemporary

Thoughts coming shortly

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Feb 28, 2011 Cheryl rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: listened-to-it

Superb! Love hearing the thoughts of a dog... (except Man Bites Dog - ick).
Well-written - blends metaphysics into the story in situations I'd never have thought of (car racing/driving).
Even though it was a 'drama', I liked it. The humor kept coming and kept me engaged and reading. Very good.
...more

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May 02, 2010 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: animals, audio

Ordinarily sappy books make me crazy, but Enzo is such a charming and lovable figure that it creates an overflow of goodwill that spills over the rest of the book. I confess that I was pulling for the happy ending the entire way, and I love Stein's take on the inner life of the dog. ...more

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Aug 12, 2017 Kristin rated it liked it

I was a little disappointed with this book...had high expectations. I far more enjoyed "A Dog's Purpose" (another book told from the perspective of a dog). Overall, I liked the book. The ending was sad, but good. However, I would not re-read it or highly recommend it. ...more

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