Friday, August 12, 2011

The Art of Racing in the Rain By: Garth Stein

Meet Enzo.  He is a philosopher with a nearly human soul and an obsession with opposable thumbs.  He is a yellow lab that has educated himself by watching television all day and by listening closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up and coming race car driver.

I was told to read this book by a dear friend.  Honestly I didn't want to read it at first.  A book about a dog isn't my usual type of story.  While at WalMart one day I saw it and decided to take a closer look.   I sat in the book section and read the first chapter, put it back and couldn't understand why anyone would read that book.  **** SPOILER ALERT*****  the first chapter is at the end of Enzo's life and he is trying to convince Denny to put him down.  It was so sad!!!  ****END SPOLIER****  The problem was this book was really written well and I couldn't get the story out of my head.  I just had to finish it and see what was going to happen next.  So, I went back to WalMart and bought the book.

This story takes place completely from Enzo's pont of view from the time he can remember as a puppy, meeting Denny, Denny getting married and having a child.  Because his owner, Denny, is a race car driver Enzo loves racing.  Most of how he sees the world can be tied to a racing term or way of driving.  This story definately pulls at your heartstrings.  Don't worry too much, you won't be sitting there crying the whole time, this dog is definately hilarious!!  I was laughing through most of the book.  Garth Stein did a great job with the thoughts of this dog. I could actually picture a lab watching TV or playing with a child while reading this book.

Like I said earlier, this isn't my usual type of book but I was hooked and when I finished it I told everyone at work and at home that they just HAD to read it.  So, go out right now and buy or borrow this book.  Hopefully you will love it as much as I did.

Read on June 5, 2011

6 comments:

  1. Okay. I will give it a chance. You did a good job making it sound appealing.

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  2. I usually don't read books with talking animals. Ever. But okay, this one sounds good. Can I borrow it?

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  3. aww..I would love to read that book a labrador is truly a wonderful loyal companion sometimes I do wonder what my dogs are on about way back lol :)) I hope they still got lots of stocks over at walmart whenever I drop by ^_~

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  4. LaLa, You know I love your blog, so I have nominated you for The Liebster Award!

    Check it out here:

    http://stephsstacks.blogspot.com/

    Steph

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  5. @Canda
    Definitly read it!! You just have to stop by and pick it up from me. :-)

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  6. Most people are saying, if you're a dog lover, you will love this book. Do NOT miss out reading or recommending this story by limiting it to only dog lovers or racing fans. I have no dogs and know little of racing. This book transcends both! It will also make you a fan of both. Garth Stein has written a wonderful book about a great character, a dog named Enzo, whom I came to love and hang on his every thought. Enzo has a better grasp of life than most people do, even if ironically, he wants to be a human. There are life lessons here that will stay with you and put a smile on your face and in your heart as you learn about living for today and how we choose to live today. You will be wondering about a couple of things, what am I manifesting in my life to bring joy into it and, what the heck is my dog or cat thinking anyway?? This is a wonderfully inspiring and entertaining book.

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