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Loading... The Art of Racing in the Rain (original 2008; edition 2008)by Garth Stein
Work InformationThe Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008)
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. Life Enzo, the dog, and his owner Denny have a special bond. Enzo dreams of becoming a human in his second life. He understands human behavior and learns about many things by watching tv when left at home alone. This is a really good story about Enzo?s faith in Denny and Enzo?s support to him during his years of dealing with the many obstacles that are placed before him. I've avoided reading this book for years despite so many people telling me that they enjoyed it. I saw the dog on the cover and pictured something that just wouldn't work for me since I'm not a huge pet person and am pretty indifferent to dogs overall. I found it to be a charming POV and a nice little page turner. Easy to read and perfect to read as I was traveling. A good start to the new year. Thank you to author Garth Stein for telling Enzo's story. It provided me with plenty of food for thought and reflection on life and death. It's full of inspiration and comfort. Enzo is a kind and wise soul. Thank you also for introducing me to Denny, Zoe, Eve, Mike, Tony and Luca. They are good people. There's others in the story that I won't mention because I can't say anything good about them. When you read the book, you'll recognize them and know that they will have to face Enzo's King Karma. Enzo forever! “I’ve always felt almost human. I’ve always known that there’s something about me that’s different than other dogs. Sure, I’m stuffed into a dog’s body, but that’s just the shell. It’s what’s inside that’s important. The soul. And my soul is very human.” A statement made by Enzo at the beginning of this book. The story of Enzo and the people in his life. Picked out of a litter of mixed breed pups and named Enzo by Denny, a young man with the love and ability to drive exotic race cars. Waiting for his chance. Eve, the woman Denny falls in love with and marries. Zoë, the couple’s daughter, who relies on Enzo for companionship. Enzo learned about human love and caring and in time became loyal to all. Told from a dog’s point of view, with tenderness, loyalty and humour. (Enzo has “thumb envy”) It is a book not to be rushed through. There are highs and lows, but the storyline is such that I had to read it…but in a slow speed, to absorb and savour the tale. The writing is rich without being too wordy or soppy.
Fans of Marley & Me, rejoice. If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama. “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.” Belongs to Publisher SeriesHarper Perennial Olive Editions (2014 Olive) Has the adaptationIs abridged inHas as a student's study guideAwardsDistinctionsNotable Lists
Fiction.
Literature.
HTML: NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM FOX 2000 STARRING MILO VENTIMIGLIA, AMANDA SEYFRIED, AND KEVIN COSTNER MEET THE DOG WHO WILL SHOW THE WORLD HOW TO BE HUMAN The New York Times bestselling novel from Garth Steina heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hopea captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it. "Splendid." People "The perfect book for anyone who knows that compassion isn't only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them." Jodi Picoult "It's impossible not to love Enzo." Minneapolis Star Tribune "This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book." Sara Gruen .No library descriptions found. |
Author ChatGarth Stein chatted with LibraryThing members from May 17, 2010 to May 28, 2010. Read the chat. Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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