Reviews

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

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lpaton2's review against another edition

5.0

This book, though written from a dog's perspective, was surprisingly profound. I almost expected what most people expect from books narrated by animals - corniness and/or a trite story. But The Art of Racing in the Rain was neither of those - it was a story that had an interesting narrative and plot twists (most of which I didn't actually expect, though perhaps I was just too pulled into the story, as they weren't entirely unexpected), and left me feeling good at the end. Some may find it hard to read, because you do have to suspend more disbelief than usual in imagining that this dog can understand everything that is going on around him (but what do we know - who says that dogs can't?). However, Garth Stein makes it easy to believe and trust his narrator - because after all, what reason would a dog have to lie? :)

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt read. It's a bit emotional at times (I may have teared up a bit), but you'll find yourself cheering for the characters and the lovable dog Enzo, who watches everything unfold with a wisdom close to that of a person.

leasummer's review against another edition

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4.0

The story of a family - from the beginning, through life, death and a struggle to stay together - from Enzo the dog's point of view. Denny, Enzo's "father," is a race car driver, so much of life has a race car driver metaphor.

skyring's review against another edition

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4.0

I bought this book - in Books-a-Million in Kansas City - on the recommendation of Discoverylover. The very strong recommendation. "Pete!" she said, grabbing a copy from the rack and gluing it to my hands, "You're buying this book, reading it and loving it."

I have learnt to trust Discoverylover's judgement on books, the universe and everything. I might not understand how she arrives at her decisions, but I know that I like them.

Apart from root beer. She doesn't like root beer, which is God's divine nectar. Must be a female thing.

I bought the book, I read it and loved it.

A bit quirky, right from the start. Heavily featuring a dog and a race driver or two. Philosophical thoughts of a television watching, movie-star rating, motorsportsmad dog. It's also a story of love and loves and hate.

I loved it. I was wondering how it would turn out up until the very last page, but it all worked out, loose threads tied up, and a brave new world discovered.

Some tragedy along the way, and if you love dogs or children or stuffed toys, buy a box of tissues ahead of time.

It took me a while to get around to it - basically I spent that trip gathering glorious books, and I only have so much reading time in my life.

This is a story of a nice guy, a great father, a superb racer. Twist. It's told through the mind of a dog. There's something about that dog, but we don't learn until later.

It's not just a great story, it's a guide to racing and driving. You can't read this book and not think about the way you drive. The way you live.

If you are at all romantic of inclination, read this book. It's not a love story - well, not in your everyday sense, anyway.

I've since passed this copy on to my co-driver, PeskiePete, who will read it and love it.

skyring's review against another edition

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5.0

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13955013

mlsweeten's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Beautiful story about life, death, and loyalty told from the perspective of Enzo the dog. There’s a lot about race car driving which I read through quickly, but much was about how skills of racing in the rain also apply to handling life’s challenges.

jdye6529's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was so so so emotional. It was extremely well written. It kind of tricks you from the start. I had given up all hope on anything good happening and then some small sign of hope would appear. I connected to the main character so much. He felt so real and relatable even with his strange unusual job. The dog is also the main/most important character as well which made me relate since my two dogs were cuddled up to me as I read. The ending was happy and sad all at once. I highly suggest this book to anyone. It's got some really good pieces of advice.