The Art of Racing In The Rain

Two staff members write briefly about the new book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein:


This book is a heartbreaking, can't-put-it-down treasure. The story is told by the family dog, Enzo, who is highly evolved and intellectual and preparing to be a man in his next life (he saw a show on the Discovery Channel that explained that that is what will happen to dogs such as himself). He was picked out of a litter at 12 weeks old by semi-pro race car driver Denny and was there for Denny meeting and marrying Eve and a witness to the couple's daughter Zoe's home birth. And, alas, he was there when Eve became ill and the family began to fall apart. Through it all Enzo struggles to care for the people he loves, communicate some essential truths that only he sees from his unique perspective, and fights for his family. Enzo's compassionate insider-yet-other commentaries about the nature of humans, family, love, loyalty, honesty, play and togetherness are moving and memorable.

-Jackie

A coworker of mine told me I needed to read this book. When I read the jacket flap, I wasn't too sure. I needn't have worried: this book is fantastic. A family drama told from the point-of-view of Enzo, the lab/terrier mix. Enzo's narration is honestly some of the most humane and insightful I've read recently. He struggles to communicate, to explain how he understands, but all he has are gestures. But then, even with all of our talking...sometimes it's only the gestures that get through. A well-written, interesting, engaging and emotional book.

-Joe

The author, Garth Stein, is coming to our Lower Downtown store on Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m.

And, this book is the June selection for our Autographed Book Club. Click here for more information.

If you'd like to purchase the book, click here.