book_worm07's review
4.0
I LOVED this book! So sweet and has a ton of good messages (but not so many that it’s cheesy). Absolutely adored the epilogue. Enzo is such an amazing narrator, as well. Make sure you read the book before you watch the movie, but I would totally recommend the movie too. One of the very few movies that lives up to the book.
whoisarpit's review
3.0
It is hard to sympathize with, and adopt the viewpoint of a dog.
The book is elementary in its writing style, a thing to be appreciated. But the lack of details as well as an event-based procession of story makes it hard to get into Enzo's *cough* paws.
The story, except for its unique narration style, has nothing impressive to offer, and having already seen movies about the life of a race car driver, it was really quite bland.
Unfortunately, no tears were shed during the length of the book.
Maybe, the expectations were too high, or maybe, I should've read it at an earlier age, or maybe, it just wasn't for me.
Whatever it be, I still appreciate the simplicity. Read it to your kids, and they'll love it.
The book is elementary in its writing style, a thing to be appreciated. But the lack of details as well as an event-based procession of story makes it hard to get into Enzo's *cough* paws.
The story, except for its unique narration style, has nothing impressive to offer, and having already seen movies about the life of a race car driver, it was really quite bland.
Unfortunately, no tears were shed during the length of the book.
Maybe, the expectations were too high, or maybe, I should've read it at an earlier age, or maybe, it just wasn't for me.
Whatever it be, I still appreciate the simplicity. Read it to your kids, and they'll love it.
whaney's review against another edition
4.0
What a great book! If you ever owned/have a dog you'll view them differently after this book! It's all written from the dogs perspective, but it is about his family - love, loss, compassion, hope. You'll laugh and cry!
heidimrogers's review
5.0
Sometimes you read to forget, and sometimes you read to feel. To feel emotions you've already or are currently experiencing, but subconsciously hold at bay for whatever reason. Not knowing at all what I was getting into with this book, it was like four punches to the tear ducts. Several fresh and painful circumstances that I resonated with, one old one. I may cry for the rest of the night. This unleashed so much of my grief.
aliandjupiter14's review
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
ladyzbyrd's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you want to cry, this is your book.
My son did NOT warn me how sad this book is, but let me also add that there is also much joy and triumph. There’s insight and love and caring and battles to be fought.
This was such a beautifully crafted, uniquely driven point-of-view so artfully pieced together.
My son did NOT warn me how sad this book is, but let me also add that there is also much joy and triumph. There’s insight and love and caring and battles to be fought.
This was such a beautifully crafted, uniquely driven point-of-view so artfully pieced together.
Content Warnings
carrieksnider's review
4.0
This was a fun, fast read. The dog had many good insights. I hate what happened to the main "human" character, but the dog was there for him, and it was sweet.
adwait8's review
4.0
Loved this book. This book is written from the point of view of a dog named Enzo (Named after Enzo Ferrari). Enzo's owner is a race car driver and goes through quite tough times throughout the book. Enzo is always there for him. Apparently this is the kids version which is toned down a little from the adult version "The Art of Racing in The Rain". I did not know about this difference but I don't think I missed much since the core story is the same.
beanfeen's review
5.0
This is super random but this is one of my favorite books from when I was younger, and I remember being shook as a lil third grader that a book could bring me to tears/ have me so shook by the end. This book has such a special place in my heart truly. I probably read this for sure around some time in 2009.
devm108's review against another edition
5.0
Life of dog, what he thinks and how he cares for his family. There are only a few books that makes a reader cry, at times with grief and at other times with joy. I’ll read it once more, aloud, to my little Golden Retriever called Winter.