Sunday, November 13, 2011

Racing in the Rain / Garth Stein

TITLE: Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog
AUTHOR: Garth Stein

OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

(Adapted from Stein's adult novel The Art of Racing in the Rain).

Racing cars is similar to life in that it is not just about the speed; there are many other factors that come into play and can change the outcome. Enzo, a wise and wonderful canine, is one such "person" that has come to understand this in his many years as a dog.

On his deathbed, Enzo (named after Enzo Ferrari) explains to the reader how he has come to become a knowledgeable soul (by watching television and listening and observing his owner--race car driver Denny Swift) and how all of his acts as a dog will hopefully allow him to become a human in his next life (he believes in karma).

Enzo tells of the many events that have impacted his life and the life of his owner. From the time Denny picked Enzo out of his litter, to when Denny first brought home Eve (his future wife), to when Denny and Eve's daughter Zoe was born, to the nasty custody battle between Denny and his in-laws.

Reminiscent of John Grogan's Marley and Me, Racing in the Rain offers dog lovers a new inspirational story. Enzo's perspective is refreshing and the storyline is both unpredictable and an emotional roller coaster (so have the tissues nearby).

M's Verdict... If you are a dog lover, like to read fictional dog tales or enjoyed John Grogan's Marley and Me, you'll love Racing in the Rain! I couldn't put it down and am looking into some of Stein's other books. After reading Racing in the Rain, you will likely look at your dog(s) a little differently than you did before. Because if, like Enzo, they really do understand everything that is going on and are simply unable to verbalize their happiness, disgust or frustration with us, perhaps we'd better listen a little more carefully!

a MUST read! check it out @ your library!

1 comment:

Canada said...

This was a wonderful, touching story as told through the viewpoint of the intelligent family dog. It gives a view of life that brings clarity and understanding to the good and bad events that are encountered. I really enjoyed the story, and did not want to put it down, nor did I want to finish it. I loved the characters and really didn't want to reach the end because I didn't want to lose my new found companion.