The DeFranco Book Club discussion
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
Book #2
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What do you think so far?
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Personally the fact that it was narrated by a dog didn't bother me at ALL. I've never read a book narrated by an animal and so I came into the book without any biases or expectations. I think it was okay that Enzo's mind wasn't doglike because his behaviors were still believably doglike. I mean, who are we to say there aren't dogs that think like this? (Okay there probably aren't but still...) Anyway! I just finished this book minutes ago and I won't spoil anything but I LOVED the ending.The book, as a whole, wasn't really my kind of book (I usually like fantasy books) and I don't think I would read it again. But I certainly don't regret reading it. I really think the ending was what made this book, it definitely made me change my rating from "it was okay" to "I liked it" (I try to be critical with my reviews on goodreads).
I couldn't stand how human Enzo was, I stopped reading the book a little more than a quarter into it.
The first half was torture. But I forced myself to finish. The ending was....well, it wasn't terrible. I will probably not read another one of his books.
i dunno whats wrong with enzo's human qualities, who doesnt like to think sometimes our dogs may be more personable than they appear, i love to talk to mine, and sometimes it really seems like they understand what im saying, i love that. almost finished with the book and ive loved it, i hate to spoil anything, but at least read up to the chapter a little more than halfway through, where enzo gets to ride in the car with denny, it is hilarious, thats all i can say. give it a chance.
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Just finished, and I've got to say it wasn't that bad. I'm a huge dog person, so I could totally wrap my head around Enzo being more than just a dog. I did NOT shed a man tear by the end of it, though I had to stop for a few after the last part (right before the Italy insert). Nice book, though now I'd like to stay a bit away from the emotional books like this (if only for a few weeks!)
I thought it was an awesome book. I didn't think the human aspect of Enzo's character was bad. I actually thought it brought a different angle to the story. Not to mention, I like to think that my dogs are a little human and think like us at times.
Maybe it's just because I grew up on farms my whole life, I love our dogs to pieces but I know they don't think the same way we do. :)Eliana Said: The book, as a whole, wasn't really my kind of book (I usually like fantasy books) and I don't think I would read it again. But I certainly don't regret reading it. I really think the ending was what made this book, it definitely made me change my rating from "it was okay" to "I liked it" (I try to be critical with my reviews on goodreads
I totally agree with this. I'm glad I read this but i'll NEVER read it again. Up until the last chapter this was a 3 star book, and this only became 4 stars because I cried just a little bit at the end.
Personally I loved it! One of my favorite books I have read in a long time. I read it in two days (which considering I am not a fast reader mean a lot). The fact that it was written from the point of view of a dog was wonderful. Who is to say dogs don't really think that way. How much are dogs really witness too that is they could only speak would change things greatly?
Im not a dog person or an animal person but this book really struck a cord with me, mostly because it displays Enzo's suffering and feeling of being powerless.A conscious with no method of expressing or communicating, something i have nightmare about.Haven't finished it but so far it's more emotional than im used to and it is a bit unsettling to say the least.I'm probably not going to finish it this week maybe next week.
I knew I was going to love this book after I started bawling like 2 pages in. And even though he said exactly what was going to happen at the end, the ending still surprised me. I'm an animal person. I lost my Enzo not too long ago, so this book was quite cathartic.
Through emotion alone I was kept in this book. It suspended my disbelief allowing me to push through the times where the author used convoluted mechanics to tell a story (such as the courthouse descriptions) and times when it was utterly predictable. Up until the last two chapters this was a three star book, but thanks to the last two, this is a four star book.Predictable. Yes.
Convoluted. Yes.
Enjoyable. Absolutely.
I personally lost my childhood pet a few years back and I remember the loss and loneliness of the experience. The feeling that they are humans and truly part of your family is one very close to me thus making this book personally connected. Without that, I could easily see how reading this book would be extremely painful. However, art isn't about one singular intention, it's about what the individual takes away.
I just finished earlier today and i loved it. While i liked Outliers this book was much easier to read and i think everyone on here is being to critical. Yes Enzo was a little outlandish for a dog, but so is my dog. He was endearing and i liked the racing segments, i think its informative when books take on themes like that. I am also a dog person, one who loves theirs to pieces. All in all though it was good for me, i like books that make you appreciate what you have. I also love a good cry, good endings make the sorrow more bearable.
so I am ambivalent about my views of this book as one one hand it was developed around ideas which are common and we are all aware of but on the other hand the author did an amazing job at pointing at the fact that we often forget to truly love our loves. Our human power to overcome obstacles much greater than ourselves and our inner greatness which is often never realized due to numerous variables of our lives. So we should work for what we truly defines our unique selves and avoid taking the shorter and easier routes as the car goes where the eyes go!
So, far I like this book but the case where Enzo goes on the stand is a little ridiculous.
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That was an imagination sequence though.
Haven't finished yet but I'm loving it so far. I really like the concept of learning about this family through the eyes of the family dog because he can't really affect the story in any way, much like the reader.
I liked it, didn't love it. Which is weird because I sat down and read the whole book in one sitting. I loved the fact that Enzo was human-like and had an obsession with opposable thumbs, haha.
I really enjoyed it. I love racing, so the driving segments were enjoyable, and I found Enzo's point of view to be an extremely entertaining and informative way to see the family as a whole. Would read again.
As a dog lover, I really adored this book. I understand why some of you might have been turned off by the fact that Enzo seemed too human, but I actually really enjoyed that. I loved how Enzo's relationship evolved from him being apprehensive towards her and seeing her as a stranger, to him loving her and watching over her through her illness.I was also really moved by Enzo's loyalty and unconditional love towards his pack (family).
I agree that the book may have been predictable and cheesy at some points (like the ending, though I'm not gonna lie I cried), but it was definitely enjoyable and I would recommend it.
I'm little late to the game and playing catch up. I started reading "The Art of Racing in the Rain" and in the first chapter I cried. It's hard for a grown man to admit such a thing, but I have to be honest. I don't think I was ready for this book. The reason being a few months ago I had to say goodbye to my Border collie "Riley". He was my best friend of 8 years. I got him shortly after Hurricane Katrina and Riley probably saved my sanity if not my life. Like many of my friends and family I lost everything I owned and being the strong one in my family I persevered to show them "we can get through this, it's just stuff". That task of being strong for others can take its toll on a person. Having a friend who can only listen and fill a hole in your life is the task Riley took on. In the years after he became my closest confidant. He could tell when I was sad, angry, or frustrated and knew exactly how to make me feel better. When Riley got sick I knew deep down what I was going to have to do, but I ignored it for a while. Reading the first chapter gave me comfort and a new belief that Riley was very much like Enzo. I can only hope that someday I will shake hands with someone and they will wink and say "Riley says hello".
Absolutely loved this book. Would not have read this if it was not on the book club. Loved that it was from the dogs perspective and how every obstacle that the owner came accross was related to driving a race. I would love a dog like Enzo. Inspirational, enjoyable and highly recommend the book.
I really enjoyed the book. I've always loved Dean Koontz's dog Trixie and her view of life, so it wasn't hard for me to follow along through Enzo's eyes. I laughed out loud during Enzo's ride on the track and cried at the end. He was repetitive with his mantra, "that which we manifest is before us," but this is done so earnestly and with such good intention I felt it strengthened the premise of seeing this story through a dog's eyes. I know I like to think that a dog's natural state is one of love and optimismThe only real complaint I have with this very sweet book is the change of POV at the end. I GET why it's there, but it shouldn't be. The rule created by this author is that you only know what the dog knows or imagines.
Did anyone else interpret the ending differently than I did? I tried to see Italy as a dying dream, but it's not written that way. I would be interested to know what you all think.
I loved the book. I am not emotional person by nature, and only a few stories usually get to me. This book got to me by the end. I was tearful when I faced Enzo's death at the end, and I was banging the table when I read about the twin's accusations against Denny. I don't even care for dogs much, but I certainly like them more now. I feel ambivalent about narrating the story from a dog's perspective, but it certainly has its perks. The voice that you alone can hear. It's frustrating, which is a nice quality fraught with tension.
Halfway through the book I was not sure I was going to finish this book in time, but then I got addicted and I finished it. That was probably after his wife's death, when the story picked up pace and I could not let go.
Amber wrote: "I really enjoyed the book. I've always loved Dean Koontz's dog Trixie and her view of life, so it wasn't hard for me to follow along through Enzo's eyes. I laughed out loud during Enzo's ride on th..."I agree. I had mixed feelings about the ending, until I read your reviews. It would have done better as a last time imagination of Ezno's. I hated this perfect ending, even though I was touched by Enzo's return in Italy. I guess I did not see it coming because life is too random for such a coincidence, even if the idea of reincarnation is real.
This was a fantastic book. Reading this not long after losing my childhood border collie was hard and a few "manly" tears were shed. I personify my dogs daily and constantly talk for them in stupid voices I made up, so this book clung to my heart. There were points in the book when the plot twisted and I was just in a pissed off state. My Girlfriend couldn't understand how a fictional story with characters on my kindle could make me this upset. Anyway, I have recommended it to all my friends on facebook and began the next book on friday.
1) What did you like about the book? Why?Everything. From first to last chapter. But if to be more specific i really enjoyed the pacing of the book; the characters were believable and developed as much as you can develop them form a dogs perspective. Even though Im not that big of an auto-sport fan (watch F1 occasionally) the racing analogies were interesting as well.
2) What did you dislike about the book? Why?
Nothing. Although, like often with this type of stories, you know form the start that Enzo will die in a tear-breaking way and that notion is always on your mind through the book. It didn't bother me that much though.
3) Favorite section?
Hard to say. I read the book in two sits. would have done it in one if not for the need of sleep, so its hard to pick a favorite. The first chapter (because it hooked me instantly) and the chapter were Enzo gets to ride with Denny in the Ferrari. I could really feel the emotions the writer wanted to express.
4) What was the biggest thing you took away from it?
The biggest thing would be the rich spectrum of emotions i went through while reading. From joy to see Enzo live the dream, to anger directed at Eve's parents (old fucks); from sympathy to Denny for how he got screwed by life, to sadness at the very end.
5) Just add anything you want to say
Just a very well written book. 5/5
"To remember is to disengage from the present"
This book is a wonderful example of how powerful the point of view really is. I loved the fact that the author decided to portray the story through Enzo, and I feel like the context and even some of the meaning behind most of the book would have been very different from another character's perspective.Overall, I loved this book. It was very well-written, and knew how to play on the emotions without being overly cliched about it. The characters were well-developed, and each had their own flaws and intentions that made them more "human" and relatable. I will say, though, the zebra kind of freaked me out just a little bit. I understand the need for Enzo to symbolize evil with something, but I don't think I will ever look at zebras the same ever again...
So far this book is really good. I don't usually read but decided to join this awesome book club.
the book is boring at the being never been inserted of what the dog think but then it get very good I really like it despite the slow start
This is literally the saddest book. How could you do this to me Phil?
Scared to read the recent comments cause I'm still reading this, but almost halfway through and I know I'm going to cry so hard near the end.I do really enjoy how it's written by a dog though. The dog kind of also acts as a reader, where is watching the story of these people, and reflecting on his own thoughts, but is unable to influence the future of the narrative. It's different. Loving how Phil's started off with books that help make us better people etc.
I am not a fan of racing. I do not watch racing. After reading this book, I have a little more respect for racing. Not the cars, but the racers. The endurance and mental capabilities they must posses to be successful at racing is remarkable. This story made me laugh, got me angry, and made me cry. I have had few pets in my life. Those who have graced our family were treated as such. If you take one thing from this book, it should be that pets have feelings and should be treated with respect. They are not trivial playthings to be abused and neglected.
I did find that some parts made my eyes glaze over. Being that I don't care for racing all the parts that were relating life to racing, I found myself scanning quickly. Too much race talk for me. I did get that it was an allusion to the story. They just lost me a little.
I would definitely recommend this as a casual read. Not a book that needs to be in your repertoire, but a good read.
This book made me cry so much, I read it 2 years ago, I couldn't put it down, an outside/but inside look at the dynamics and changes that go on in a family.
I agree about the "race talk". It was hard for me to stick with it, but it worked for the story, which overall I enjoyed. I agree with Patrick. It was a little predictable and cheesy at times, but there was enough heart that I didn't care. As for the people who couldn't get past Enzo as a narrator-- I agree that I had problems with it at first. After finishing the book, though, I was appreciative that the author chose Enzo to tell the story. I think that the story was so heartbreaking and so grim at times that Enzo's voice was needed to take some of the edge off. It helped pushed the book along by distracting the reader from all the terrible things going on.
I see many people consider this book as emotional or heartfelt, but unfortunately that's not how I feel at all when i was reading through this book. The first half of the book was enjoyable, but the second half just made me angry, extremely angry. It's not what you call a page turner, because I actually had to stop reading because I was too mad with Denny's situation. The ending wasn't very satisfying for me, because it felt a bit too...magical and perhaps I expected something else.After finishing though, I found that it was a worthy read. Even though I didn't get a satisfying ending after lots of shit happened like in A Little Princess, I felt that the book did teach me something. Life can suck hard, so deal with whatever first world problems I have now. Maybe that wasn't the intended message, but I love coming across books like these that remind me to "suck it up". And any book that elicit a strong emotional response, even if it was angry instead of heart-tugged, would be placed in the "successful" category by me.
About the racing thing, I actually found it very interesting. I'm one of those people who hates nascar (aka "turn left") because it looks pointless and boring. This book however manages to get me excited reading about it, which is surprising even to me. Sometimes I actually felt Enzo's excitement in me, such as the time when he was in the passenger seat. I definitely didn't gloss over the racing part, and I congratulate this book for keeping my interest about something that I really dislike before.
I really liked this book. Yes the dog talks like he's human,well he wants to be.I had animal that I swore used to be a human they personality of it. I did get a little lost on some of the racing metophores but i understood it in the end.
It was an ok book that could have been great. Pros:
Drew a strong emotional response, first time I've been mad at the characters so much I had trouble going to sleep (usually thats reserved for authors)
Good inflection point toward the end (was the goal worth the cost, from Enzo's perspective)
Cons:
There was no value in giving away a key event in the beginning (made too predictible)
Pulled the reader out of the story half-way through by over emphasizing the dog perspective (did it TWICE even!)
Predictible ending, no drama or suspense, nothing gained by the "wrap-up" chapter
A very enjoyable read.I was apprehensive picking up the book knowing it was from the perspective of the family dog but, I thought it was handled very well. The Dog was very human but a believable observer. The story line was not too complex it was simple, light read that was pulled off well. For me it was a perfect break between two heavier novels.
The DeFranco Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
A Little Princess (other topics)The Art of Racing in the Rain (other topics)
It's a few days still to go before Official discussions open up about book #2 but I thought it'd be great to see what your thoughts about The Art of Racing in the Rain are so far.
I know not everyone may have finished it yet so lets keep it spoiler free. :)
To kick this off...
I really could not get past the point that this was written from the point of view of a dog!
It seemed a little gimmicky and Enzo didn't really think like a dog which greatly annoyed me, I've never liked books like Call of the Wild, or Black Beauty because of the animal narrator, but at least THEY were animalish. Enzo was far too human!
However there is a lot of darkness in the story line and if this had been told from any of the humans POV I think I may have given up all will to live. Without Enzo's quirkiness to add lightness and humor I couldn't have finished this book.
So I have mixed feelings about how this was written, but it wasn't THAT bad.
You guys??