Reviews

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

laislinns's review against another edition

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3.0

An original look at the world through the eyes of a dog, as he watches his master go through the hardest years of his life. Enzo is with Denny when he first meets the love of his life, he's with him when his daughter is born, he's with him when his wife starts getting sick and he's with him when Denny's life is turned upside down. Through Enzo's eyes, we see the havoc that a life becomes.

Woven between the stories of a passion for racing that Enzo and Denny share. As a racing fan myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the references, but if you're not a racing fan, they aren't intrusive to the story - they're an intrinsic part of it and part of what makes the characters come to life.

A quick, fun, sad read that won't win any awards, but that I'm really glad I read.

chuxsox's review against another edition

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4.0

Everyone hates a dog story because of fear of the inevitable death of the dog, whom they've come to adore in the course of the story, much like having a beloved pet in real life. But if because of this fear, we never experience the love of an animal, the undisguised, undiluted devotion, we completely miss out on one of the best relationships we are ever to experience in this life. Don't miss out on this book.

amandavano's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh my gosh. All of the tears but so good! ♡ I will miss hearing Enzo's story.

morgantaylor927's review against another edition

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4.0

Such a unique concept, having the narrator of a book be a dog. But what an amazing perspective into the life of humans. The ending was incredible. Very emotional. I would most definitely recommend this book to others.

morgangoesbam927's review against another edition

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4.0

Such a unique concept, having the narrator of a book be a dog. But what an amazing perspective into the life of humans. The ending was incredible. Very emotional. I would most definitely recommend this book to others.

cyireadbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I had just finished reading 'A Dog's Purpose' so I naturally gravitated toward this book. It was no surprise to me, nor off-putting that the storyline is from a dog's perspective.

Enzo is taking stock of his life on the eve of his death. He reminisces about growing up with Denney, his owner, and learning about life, love, car racing, and death.

'The Art of Racing in the Rain' is a heartwarming, and sometimes humorous account of the life of a dog in the midst of human companionship and how that companionship translates into a love that transcends time and place.

A wonderful read with a touching ending. Another five star read.

shelfaddiction's review against another edition

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5.0

Who would have thought I would have enjoyed a book narrated by a dog? How about a book with an underlined theme related to car racing? Not me, on either account. But I was wrong. This book is amazing. Well written. Thought provoking. Intense.

It's been a while since I've felt so strongly about a book in the general fiction genre. This book is approachable and easy to read for all. It's not one of those "literary fiction" book where if feels like your sitting in a college Lit course. You don't even have to be into racing to enjoy this book. The themes in the book apply to basically everyone. I was able to draw on several things that Enzo said that were pretty enlightening, especially for a "dog". In my personal opinion, this book talks about a lot of life lessons that we all need to remember at one time or another. It will make you think about what's important in life and focus on that. We all need to be brought back to that sometimes in a world where what's really important seems to get lost.

As the story went on, I really became invested in the lives of Enzo, Denny and Zoe. I wanted them to have the happy ending even when they all were being dragged through hell and back. I've never rooted so hard for a happy ending in my life. I usually like a realistic one, but after all these characters have been through, I want a happy one with rainbows and candy. I didn't get quite that, but pretty close. The end was awesome. Warning: Pet lovers will probably shed a tear or two. Even if you're not a pet lover, you'll be tearing up too or at the very least, you'll get that big lump in your throat that you get when you're trying not to cry.

I listened to this on audio, so I can't end the review without discussing the narrator. The audio was performed by Christopher Welch. This guy rocks. I loved his voice and how he was able to make Enzo come to life. He was able to project the emotions of the characters and I felt like I was really connecting with everyone in the story.

theredfox's review against another edition

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5.0

Keep tissues on hand, lots and lots of tissues.

dryerlindt's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s fine I’ll just sob into the book.

gabreadbook's review against another edition

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4.0

if you’ve ever had a pet that felt like a part of you read this book