Publisher: Harper Perennial
Release Date: Reprint edition (June 9, 2009)
Format: Audio CDs by HarperAudio; Unabridged edition (June 9, 2009) Pages: 321 (Paperback) / Audio Length: Unknown (6+ hours)
Source: Library Borrow
Genre: General Fiction
Review Date: November 20, 2012
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Book Synopsis: 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. 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.
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.
Release Date: Reprint edition (June 9, 2009)
Format: Audio CDs by HarperAudio; Unabridged edition (June 9, 2009) Pages: 321 (Paperback) / Audio Length: Unknown (6+ hours)
Source: Library Borrow
Genre: General Fiction
Review Date: November 20, 2012
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Book Synopsis: 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. 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.
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.
Who would have thought I would have enjoyed a book narrated by a dog? How about a book with an underlined theme related to car racing? Not me, on either account. But I was wrong. This book is amazing. Well written. Thought provoking. Intense.
It's been a while since I've felt so strongly about a book in the general fiction genre. This book is approachable and easy to read for all. It's not one of those "literary fiction" book where if feels like your sitting in a college Lit course. You don't even have to be into racing to enjoy this book. The themes in the book apply to basically everyone. I was able to draw on several things that Enzo said that were pretty enlightening, especially for a "dog". In my personal opinion, this book talks about a lot of life lessons that we all need to remember at one time or another. It will make you think about what's important in life and focus on that. We all need to be brought back to that sometimes in a world where what's really important seems to get lost.
It's been a while since I've felt so strongly about a book in the general fiction genre. This book is approachable and easy to read for all. It's not one of those "literary fiction" book where if feels like your sitting in a college Lit course. You don't even have to be into racing to enjoy this book. The themes in the book apply to basically everyone. I was able to draw on several things that Enzo said that were pretty enlightening, especially for a "dog". In my personal opinion, this book talks about a lot of life lessons that we all need to remember at one time or another. It will make you think about what's important in life and focus on that. We all need to be brought back to that sometimes in a world where what's really important seems to get lost.
As the story went on, I really became invested in the lives of Enzo, Denny and Zoe. I wanted them to have the happy ending even when they all were being dragged through hell and back. I've never rooted so hard for a happy ending in my life. I usually like a realistic one, but after all these characters have been through, I want a happy one with rainbows and candy. I didn't get quite that, but pretty close. The end was awesome. Warning: Pet lovers will probably shed a tear or two. Even if you're not a pet lover, you'll be tearing up too or at the very least, you'll get that big lump in your throat that you get when you're trying not to cry.
I listened to this on audio, so I can't end the review without discussing the narrator. The audio was performed by Christopher Welch. This guy rocks. I loved his voice and how he was able to make Enzo come to life. He was able to project the emotions of the characters and I felt like I was really connecting with everyone in the story.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
“That which we manifest is before us.”
I listened to this on audio, so I can't end the review without discussing the narrator. The audio was performed by Christopher Welch. This guy rocks. I loved his voice and how he was able to make Enzo come to life. He was able to project the emotions of the characters and I felt like I was really connecting with everyone in the story.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
“That which we manifest is before us.”
Get the Kindle version here:The Art of Racing in the Rain
Get the Audio version here:The Art of Racing in the Rain Low Price CD
