The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life... as only a dog could tell it. Meet Enzo, the unforgettable canine narrator of this bittersweet and transformative story who has much to teach us about being human. This is a heart ... (more)wrenching but funny and uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope that will tug at you long after you’ve finished the book.

Enzo is not like other dogs; he's learned so much by watching television and paying attention to his master's musings about life and auto racing and he is very frustrated by not being able to communicate with anything more than gestures. Enzo, a firm believer in reincarnation, can't wait for the day ... (more)when his soul returns to earth in the body of a human. The Art of Racing in the Rain is an emotionally stirring, thrillingly imaginative novel.

"[This book] has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, ... (more)danger, and--best of all--the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book."Sara Gruen author ofWater for Elephants "I savored [this book] for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and--best of all--the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair"Wally Lamb author of I Know This Much is True Garth Stein is the author of two previous novels; Raven Stole the Moon and How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award and was a Booksense Pick. He has written a play, Brother Jones, and directed, produced, or co-produced several award winning films.

Stein won a Pacific Northwest Booksellers for his previous novel, How Evan Broke His Head. Here's what Ranae Burdette of our staff has to ... (more)say about the new book, "Suspend your disbelief--accept a dog as narrator--and you'll be in for a lovely ride. With a charming mix of innocence and intelligence, Enzo, a most philosophical canine, recounts his life as loyal companion to professional race car driver Denny Swift. Enzo shares his hopes--to be reincarnated as a human; his frustrations--oh, for opposable thumbs; and life-lessons learned--'No race has ever been won in the first corner; many races have been lost there.' Stein took a risk with this format, but in the end, it is just that risk, Enzo's voice and point of view, coupled with a good story, that makes this novel work. As Enzo says, 'Sometimes we simply have to believe.'

THIS ONE IS A HARVEY PICKGarth Stein is the author of three novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008); How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (Soho Press, 2005), which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback; ... (more)and Raven Stole the Moon (Pocket, 1998). He has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones, which received its first production in Los Angeles.Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it. Garth Stein is the author of How ... (more)Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback, and Raven Stole the Moon. After receiving his B.A. from Columbia College, and his M.F.A. in film from Columbia University, School of the Arts, Garth Stein worked as a documentary film maker for several years, and directed, produced or co-produced several award winning films. He lives in Seattle with his family and his dog, Comet. "I savored Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and—best of all—the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair. Since finishing this engagingly unique novel, I’ve found myself staring at my own dog, thinking, Hmm, I wonder ... — Wally Lamb, Author of I Know This Much Is True