The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein
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Book Reviews of The Art of Racing in the Rain
Book Review: Very Depressing Story
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this book at Starbucks with no clue from the cover reviews and story synopsis that the story would be so depressing. This story is not about a dog--it's about a man (the author) who speaks through a dog to tell a very depressing story about the highly anticipated death of a woman and the custody fight over her child. The side story regarding the husband/father's car racing provides an interesting perspective, but it does not overcome the main story. The reader can see the wife's brain cancer coming long before the wife is finally forced to see a doctor. Considering how long the story characters wait before seeing a doctor, despite the symptoms of extremely painful headaches accompanied by dizziness and vomiting, it's no wonder the wife/mother did not have a chance of surviving. Regarding the child, who in their right mind would allow a small child to live in her grandparents' household that is set up to care for the child's dying mother, when the loving, healthy husband/father who lives near by and visits his dying wife on a regular basis would prefer that his child stay with him. What environment would be healthier for the child!?! In addition, the dog man narrator is prone to gratuitous sexual observations that are just gross. NOT A BOOK FOR DOG LOVERS! NOT A BOOK FOR CHILDREN OR YOUNG ADULTS! Advertising for this book should have been clearer!Book Review: Wonderful story
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful story whether you're a dog person or not. But it's especially meaningful if you've ever been adored by a dog like I have because you will understand and accept the deep bond between Enzo and Denny. It's Enzo's story to tell and quite simply, he adores Denny and the life he has with his family, and it's apparent in everything he does. Sometimes the story seems contrived but as a dog owner, I often think my own dogs express humanity, that they have a human 'voice", think human thoughts and would do human things if they just had those opposable thumbs.
Most of the story is about Denny's life, most of it rather tragic and rough, as observed by Enzo. The other characters - his wife Eve, daughter Zoe and his in-laws - are all superficial plot lines that allow Enzo to observe how other people interact with Denny. But in Enzo's center, it's always about Denny.
There's sadness from the beginning because you know that Enzo is dying so he deserves to tell HIS story HIS way. Enzo is satisfied that he lived a good life, one deserving of reincarnation to the next life which he fervently hopes is as a man. It's wonderful to believe that dogs can aspire to be more than what they are and this story makes you believe it's possible.
Keep tissues nearby. And read it with your dog.
Book Review: Enjoyable, Sentimental Story
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, a book that reminds me of the work of Mitch Albom or Nicholas Sparks. This is essentially the story of one man's life struggle, as seen from the perspective of the family dog. The dog, named Enzo, is as intelligent as a human being, and pretty much thinks like one. Most of the humor of the book comes from Enzo's unhappiness with his dog status, and his intense desire to be a human in the next life.
The actual plot of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, however, revolves around Enzo's master Denny, who suffers a series of family tragedies. I personally found Denny's story a bit on the melodramatic side (nothing about this book is particularly subtle), but Enzo's presence makes this novel more original and fresh than it otherwise would be. The ending of this book struck me as a bit too Hollywood, but parts of this book are emotionally touching.
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is easy to read, and you can finish it in one sitting. There's quite a bit of crude humor in this novel, but I think most people will enjoy it. If you think Mitch Albom and Nicholas Sparks are pure schmaltz, you will no doubt think the same thing about this novel. But if you like short, sentimental stories, I think this book is definitely worth your time.
Book Review: great read (w/ a few minor issues)
Summary: 4 Stars
I found "The Art of Racing in the Rain" to be a great, fun read. Enzo is a better narrator than many human protagonists in other books, and his insights into life can be both humorous and deep. There were times when I forgot that it was a dog narrating the story b/c Enzo doesn't act like your typical mutt at all, but then there are some instances where he acts like any other dopey dog (albeit, one that reflects on his actions afterward).
The human characters are mixed bags. They aren't as well rounded as the canine narrator. I did, however, end up caring for Denny's plight and enjoyed his character a lot. The plot of this book is mainly focused on the difficult situations that pop up in his life and how he copes with them (w/ Enzo narrating of course). I wish there had been more regarding the in laws/grandparents, since they were kind of flat, yet had potential to be very intriguing, 3-D characters
Unfortunately, this book did have a major "deus ex machina" that kept me from truly enjoying the book to the end, along w/ some plot points that just either weren't explained fully or just didn't make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed the book b/c I loved the character of Enzo. It's a good read w/ many sad moments mixed, but w/ plenty of fun, uplifting moments to balance it out.
Book Review: Beautiful story, but weird and unlike anything you've read
Summary: 5 Stars
I received this book as a gift, and the concept of the story being told from the dog's point of view was pretty bizarre... so I didn't read it for a long time. But my pile of books ran unusually dry, and on a day I felt experimental, I picked ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN up and started reading. I will admit it was strange getting past the first page... from the dog's point of view, you find yourself asking how much you want to suspend disbelief. BUT... I kept reading and then I couldn't put it down. I had it with me at all times... reading while I stood and waited for my son's school bus, or in the parking lot when I had three minutes to spare. This is a BEAUTIFUL book. Funny, witty, smart and sophisticated. But also a poignant look at family life from another view looking in. Not so much OUTSIDE looking in, but INSIDE looking in, but differently. It did make me look at my own family differently, my relatioship with my husband and my in-laws. It's also a tribute to unconditional love and the depth of our spirit. It's also a tear jerker and I bawled and bawled my eyes out. I'm not so much a crazy die-hard dog person either. This is endearing and a quick read - but not in any way an "easy read." Put this on your list and make sure you have an open mind when you start. You will be better for it.