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Most Helpful Favorable Review
69 out of 70 people found this review helpful.
Not A Dog Lover? You Will Be!
Most people are saying, if you're a dog lover, you will love this book. Do NOT miss out reading or recommending this story by limiting it to only dog lovers or racing fans. I have no dogs and know little of racing. This book transcends both! It will also make you a fan ...Read More
Most people are saying, if you're a dog lover, you will love this book. Do NOT miss out reading or recommending this story by limiting it to only dog lovers or racing fans. I have no dogs and know little of racing. This book transcends both! It will also make you a fan of both. Garth Stein has written a wonderful book about a great character, a dog named Enzo, whom I came to love and hang on his every thought. Enzo has a better grasp of life than most people do, even if ironically, he wants to be a human. There are life lessons here that will stay with you and put a smile on your face and in your heart as you learn about living for today and how we choose to live today. You will be wondering about a couple of things, what am I manifesting in my life to bring joy into it and, what the heck is my dog or cat thinking anyway?? This is a wonderfully inspiring and entertaining book. Two barks for Enzo! And FIVE stars for Garth Stein for a most delightful reading EXPERIENCE.Show Less
posted by vivico1 on May 24, 2009
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17 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Just Say No
Delightfully told from the point of view of a with-it dog, The Art of Racing in the Rain is basically a charming book. I really enjoyed it for quite a while. Then I got a bit weary and just waited for it to end (I always have to finish a book). My primary criticism is t...Read More
Delightfully told from the point of view of a with-it dog, The Art of Racing in the Rain is basically a charming book. I really enjoyed it for quite a while. Then I got a bit weary and just waited for it to end (I always have to finish a book). My primary criticism is that the plotline was going along very well, but suddenly a sexual accusation entered in, which seemed superfluous to me. It persisted and drowned the plot (and my enjoyment). There is an art to knowing when to hold back.Show Less
posted by obsessedreader on November 21, 2009
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Not A Dog Lover? You Will Be!
Most people are saying, if you're a dog lover, you will love this book. Do NOT miss out reading or recommending this story by limiting it to only dog lovers or racing fans. I have no dogs and know little of racing. This book transcends both! It will also make you a fan of both. Garth Stein has written a wonderful book about a great character, a dog named Enzo, whom I came to love and hang on his every thought. Enzo has a better grasp of life than most people do, even if ironically, he wants to be a human. There are life lessons here that will stay with you and put a smile on your face and in your heart as you learn about living for today and how we choose to live today. You will be wondering about a couple of things, what am I manifesting in my life to bring joy into it and, what the heck is my dog or cat thinking anyway?? This is a wonderfully inspiring and entertaining book. Two barks for Enzo! And FIVE stars for Garth Stein for a most delightful reading EXPERIENCE.
69 out of 70 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted November 1, 2008
Enzo
This book was amazing! It left me in all sorts of moods by the end of the day. One day id read for about an hour or two and be done with sad thoughts of the book, and other days id read for up to five hours and feel chipper on the inside. It is told through the eyes and ears of a dog who likes to compare life to racing in the rain. But hes not just an ordinary dog, he believes that he will be reincarnated as a man. I am also proud to say that this is my favorite book so far in life. Even though i may be nothing but a 6th grader and probably wont take my opinion, i loved this book and i think you should read it! Probably like everyone else, this book left me pondering the thought "what would my dog say to me if he could talk" and "what would i do as my dog self." I hope you take my advice because it will pay of. Oh, and Enzo says hi!
30 out of 32 people found this review helpful.
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obsessedreader
Posted November 21, 2009
Just Say No
Delightfully told from the point of view of a with-it dog, The Art of Racing in the Rain is basically a charming book. I really enjoyed it for quite a while. Then I got a bit weary and just waited for it to end (I always have to finish a book). My primary criticism is that the plotline was going along very well, but suddenly a sexual accusation entered in, which seemed superfluous to me. It persisted and drowned the plot (and my enjoyment). There is an art to knowing when to hold back.
17 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
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A dog's life
Enzo, a philosopher-dog with terrier/lab origins, has one wish: to be reincarnated as a human. Enzo's owner, Denny, is a semi-professional race car driver who talks to him like he's his equal, so Enzo is well-versed in the art of racing, particularly in the rain. Enzo and Denny watch in-car race videos of Denny's races, and the rest of Enzo's education comes from countless hours of television (some educational, some not).
Enzo admits that he's frustrated by his lack of ability to communicate with humans, from his too-floppy tongue that fails to form words to his lack of opposable thumbs that won't allow him to open doors. He tries to conquer his animal instincts around Denny's young daughter Zoe (no biting and no chasing), and struggles to love Denny's wife Eve, whom he sees as competition. When multiple tragedies strike Denny's home, Enzo is as supportive as he can be under the circumstances. Towards the end of his life, he is reflective about his mission on earth, and looks forward to being reincarnated as a human, so he can finally talk to Denny as a man instead of barking incoherently.
Enzo is a funny, observant narrator, who, although not book-learned (he was never able to teach himself to read), is intelligent, articulate, and has a wicked sense of humor (jalapenos plus obnoxious in-laws plus expensive Berber carpet, for example). His deep insights into human (and canine) nature ring true, especially when he is the only other witness to an incident that nearly ruins Denny's life, and Enzo plays a role in reversing Denny's rock-bottom fortunes.
Delightfully told, The Art of Racing in the Rain is an outsider's look at what makes humans tick, as well as an ode to the art of Formula One and racing. It's a love song to the simple pleasures in life (walking in Seattle's drizzle, stretching out on a sun-warmed sidewalk) and the bonds we forge with those around us. Truthfully, most of the time I kept forgetting that Enzo was even a dog, although he does talk about his early puppyhood at a Washington farm, for Enzo is determined to shed his canine form for a human one, and this includes his thinking processes and actions (as his hips gradually deteriorate, he finds ways to mask his limp so that Denny doesn't suspect). The novel's ending may be a bit too sweet for some, but I found it to be a perfect ending to a tale that only Enzo could tell. Stein's rich, evocative language and heart-tugging storyline involving Enzo's family will be sure to delight fans of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog and other dog-themed novels.17 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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carlsi2
Posted November 29, 2011
I Also Recommend:
great
I liked this book. Read it within 24 hours. Very interesting and makes me love dogs the more.
16 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 31, 2009
IS It Just Me!!??
I am halfway through the book and I'm seriously questioning whether to countine reading. I was so excited to read this book becuase I thought the whole story seemed cute and cool but then as I was reading I got creeped out. Like the sex scenes are uncalled for and a zebra sexually assualting the toys. I mean it is funny whenever enzo brings up the zebra throughout the book. And then Denny has a 15 year old try to hook up with him and then when they talk about sex offenders. Ughhh like who really actually writes books like this. No offense to the author but my first impression on him is that he's a creep for writing stuff like this. I know if I look past this stuff the book really is good but I just don't think I can go on. Here is one thing Enzo did not talk about why does everyone have to put uncalled for sex parts in books and tv and movies. It truly is disgusting. Everyone needs to calm down a bit here.
10 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
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Sweet but predictable.
Eh. I definitely wouldn't call this literature. It was a quick and easy read - I finished it in about two days - but the writing style was very basic and the plot was weak and terribly predictable. If you're looking for a beach read, knock yourself out. If you're looking for something with a little weight, you will not find it in this fluffy tome. A good gift for your mother-in-law.
9 out of 46 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2008
The Next Big Dog Book
Enzo, the canine hero of Garth Stein's THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, would be right at home with Lassie and Old Yeller. The novel's premise, a dog living a good life so he can be reincarnated as a human is creative. The execution, told from the dog's point of view, is intriguing. Many of our pets, if pressed to tell their life story, might give a boring rendition of naps and altercations with the dog next door. But Enzo is an intelligent observer of human life and faithfully narrates the tale of his master's misfortunes. Enzo is a dog with all the answers, but no means to communicate. An especially poignant flaw when he senses cancer in his master's spouse, and is the only witness when a false accusation threatens his master's life. Stein has delivered a story as warm and fuzzy as a new puppy.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Van26
Posted September 4, 2010
Wonderful wonderful book
This is one of my favorite books. The story made me laugh, cry, and left me wishing it were longer. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touching story with characters that come alive for the reader. It certainly is not just for people who are dog lovers. It is not just the story of a dog; it is a story of relationships, honor, and unconditional love.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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an engaging inspirational tale that encourages people to go after your dreams
In Seattle Enzo the mixed breed dog believes he is different from most if not all other canines as he knows he has a human soul and looks forward to his reincarnation as a man. He adores his human companion Denny and loves their bachelor existences. Denny works at an auto repair shop trying to obtain the capital needed to become a racing driver. Enzo supports the dream by watching racing on TV especially tapes involving his best friend and has become an expert on the subject, but is frustrated with his inability to communicate with his two legged buddy.
Denny meets and falls in love with Eve. They marry but the woman and the dog mistrust one another. Denny is away racing when Eve goes into labor; she turns to Enzo as her coach. Enzo loves the new baby, Zoe, but also fears for the mom as her "odor" smells rancid. Eve becomes ill and dies. Her parents who loathe Denny sue for custody of Zoe although they know they have no chance of winning. Instead they arrange for their fifteen years old niece to seduce Enzo, but he rejects the teen. Still she screams rape and now his case is weak. With Enzo still riding shotgun, Denny keeps fighting.
Told by Enzo, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is an engaging inspirational tale that encourages people to go after your dreams. The story line is filled with metaphors especially comparing life to race car driving on an oval track. Although the in-laws' shenanigans seem unreal particularly compared with a dog thinking like a human, fans will enjoy this fine uplifting anthropomorphic saga of life as seen through the personification of a thinking person's dog.
Harriet Klausner4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 14, 2011
An average, feel-good book
After reading the reviews and seeing the ratings for Racing in the Rain, I was really looking forward to reading this book. But I have to say I was a little disappointed by the middle of the book and the experience never improved. I agree with previous reviewers who docked the book for the plot twist which I found unnecessary and distracting from the overall direction and message of the book. The overall plot was mostly entertaining, but not as moving and substantial as other reviewers have made it out to be. The story just did not move me to the heights of enthusiasm and ebullience as it apparently did for others.
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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avidreader10415
Posted September 16, 2010
An Intelectual Journey
"The Art of Racing in the Rain" is not any ordinary novel that will make you say "That was pretty good. I might recommend this to someone." This book is a novel like no other, and will leave you wishing that the pages of engrossing literature would never end. It will make you say something more like ".I finished it?... My life is over, what am I going to read now?"! This novel, through the eyes of the dog, Enzo, gives you a new definition of life and how we should live it, and is an inspiration to keep on going, no matter the difficulties we encounter each day, whether it be bankruptcy, disease, or depression.
In this novel, Garth Stein does not simply give a single climax, but he adds many side conflicts, many of which change your prediction of the end, keeping you guessing all the way to the end. He also uses very detailed and vivid descriptions, almost allowing you to see the conflict unfold before your very eyes. The majority of people who have read this novel are more than satisfied with this novel in all aspects, from the literature used in it to the style of language used.
Even if you are not into dogs or racing, this novel will grab you and hold on tightly right to the very last sentence. This realistic tale of hope and the battle we must all fight to get through life is definitely a book worth putting on your booklist if you want a good read, and a real taste of satisfaction when you close the back cover and let out a sigh of content.3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Judy_T
Posted August 19, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Wow, even better than Marley and Me!
A friend recommended this book to me. I am not much of a racing fan and was not sure that I would like it, but I gave it a try. I was sniffling within fifty pages and outright sobbing by the end. I had to go give my dogs a big hug!
The exploration of the character's relationships from Enzo's viewpoint was so original. I have never read a book like this. I did not connect with most of the racing details, but it tied the book together in a wonderful ending.
All dog lovers should read this book!3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 24, 2009
Loved the Dog, Hated the Car Racing, Overall Just OK
I had been wanting to read this for a really long time, and recently finally broke down and bought it. I was slightly disappointed--I thought the title was alluding more to the art of the dog running in the rain, and it was actually literally about car racing--which just does not interest me AT ALL! So, I really just skimmed those parts because I really have no interest in cars at all and they were so so detailed and took up so much of the book.
I was much more interested in the relationships, and of course--the dog, which was why I got the book, because I truly adore dogs. The end was worth it for me, as it truly captured Denny and Enzo's relationship.
Near the end I got annoyed when I though Enzo was truly speaking though, and I thought the book dragged on a bit (maybe I was just sad for Denny?). Overall not MAD I read it, just not the greatest book ever.3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted September 16, 2010
must love dogs!
If you love dogs, if you have dogs, if you want dogs, you must read this book. I found myself talking more to my dog when I was reading it and wondering whether he was really understanding everything I said. I cried many times throughout, and just fell in love with Enzo. Wonderful story!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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BLUEEYEBE
Posted May 5, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Another wonderful book of "meaning"!
What a ride for a dog lover! This is the most unique narrator...A DOG! I'll bet there is a movie in the works! This is another fantastic book of "meaning", full of wisdom, tender love, bonds,and so heart-wrenching! Who would have thought? Really wonderful! So worth your money and time! Don't miss it!!
My book club favorites: SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT, LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN, THE PIANO TEACHER, EXPLOSION IN PARIS, EVERY LAST ONE.2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Profoundly touching
Brilliant, clever, inspirational, and heart-wrenching; this was a lovely story. Enzo is a wonderful narrator. Philosophical and incredibly insightful, this lovable pooch explains to us human life and all it complexities as only a dog can understand it. I highly recommend this stunning gem to anyone, but especially to people who already appreciate the wonderful bond that can exist between a person and their dog. Be warned though, you will definitely need a box of tissues!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 17, 2012
Yyaayy
This is an amazing book. I myself loved it, and i think you should read it too
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 10, 2012
ART OF CLOSING A BOOK
I love dogs and books about them, but closed this one up half way through. Redundant plot....Dog loves Master. Master loves Dog. Master loves racing therefore Dog loves racing. Master finds woman to love so Dog tries to love woman. Woman loves Man but is jealous of Dog and does not like Dog. Dog loves Master but is jealous of Woman and does not like Woman. Woman becomes wife...Dog tolerates. Baby arrives...dog tolerates. Wife has cancer....Dog softens re wife and baby. Primary concern....Master. Or Zebra??? Really?? Read A Dog's Purpose if you want to read an epic dog's book! Now that's a 5 star book!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 5, 2012
Love this book!
Great Book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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