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: A good book for men who don't like to read
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed the book very much. The reason that I don't give it another star is the epilogue chapter. I can imagine about a half-dozen different endings that would have been better. Fortunately a book is about the journey much more than the destination.
I think that since the narrator is a dog rather than a human he has all the inside information that a family member would have, but is detached enough to see the humor (dark though it may sometimes be) in the tragic circumstances.
I enjoyed the racing aspects of the story, and I revelled in the narrator's joy at having a "hot lap" with his master. While the circumstances in the book may have been rather depressing, the racing and the narrator's overall outlook serve as an antidote that more than compensates.
As a man I hate to admit that I cried fairly often during the reading of this book. It was never at the "sad" parts it was always during the "happy" or emotionally charged parts. I don't think I would have cried a few years ago, but since the birth of my daughters I've become quite the crybaby.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a man to read a book. He may or may not like it, but at least you gave it a good try.
Book Review: Do Not Miss This One - Not Only Fot Dog Lovers
Summary: 5 Stars
At first I thought, The Art of Racing in the Rain, was probably just another story about a loyal dog; a story that has been done to death. I was so wrong! I do not own a dog, but I am an animal lover, so I gave this book a try. So far out of over 100 books read in 2008, this is my favorite to date.
This wonderful novel is a story about the love and bond between human and dog, as told trough the eyes of, Enzo, the dog who is the book's narrator. Enzo admits that he's frustrated by his lack of ability to communicate with humans. His tongue is too floppy to form words, and his lack of opposable thumbs won't allow him to open doors.
The concept of a story being told from a dog's perspective can seem a little silly, but the book is far from silly. Enzo relays his life story with the family that he is a part of. He shares the joys and struggles of the family and his frustrations as well. Enzo believes that he is a human trapped in a dog's body. Without giving away some of the best parts, let me just say that, The Art of Racing in the Rain will keep a reader cheering for Enzo through all the way through, and you just may learn a thing or two about life, love and loyalty in the process.
Book Review: A very predictable story line.
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm a dog lover and I enjoy racing. So, I thought this might be a great read. But, sorry to say, this was predictable, almost as if if was written for a college level creative writing class.
Maybe I'm getting old and cynical, but it seems that many books and movies are formulaic. Kinda like an ad-lib where the author fills in blanks. [Protagonist] is [married to / engaged to / living with] [female name] and then wife [dies / divorces / decides she's gay] and is no longer in the picture. [Protagonist] has a hobby that the author is interested in and can drop a few names and facts that would entice readers.
Alas, in this book it is the same stuff. Yep, the BMW 2002 is a great little car. And yep it seems that a dog's sense of small can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. But that doesn't add much to the characters--they are just tidbits that are added to no great effect (kinda like adding a single bay leaf to spaghetti sauce).
And the characters are one dimensional. They are added to get a single effect. But real people are not one dimensional--they are filled with emotions and contradictions.
So, I don't recommend it.
Book Review: The best book I have read in years!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of the best books I have read. Some people have made comments about this book being sad, but if you just read the front flap prior to reading, it will prepare you for all to come. The book is written with Enzo the dog as the narrator. It was a really cool perspective - to see things through Enzo's eyes. I am a huge dog lover and it made me laugh so many times - wondering if that is what my dog thinks, too! It will make you laugh and cry - and I think that is a sign of a great book! It has a wonderful ending. I have recommended this book to all my family and friends, and everyone has had the same reaction. I stayed up as late as I could each night I read it since I couldn't put it down. Enzo, Denny and Zoë are so sweet and Garth Stein has done a great job of making you fall in love with his characters. I will read this book over and over again I am sure! Bravo to Garth Stein for writing a wonderful story and creating characters that have stayed with me. By the way, I read this book aloud to my husband and he loved it too - so I don't think this is necessarily just a chick lit book. Guys who are into cars or racing will dig it, too.Book Review: great book
Summary: 5 Stars
I was talked into reading this by a friend who adored it, and although I was skeptical about reading a book narrated by a dog, I read it so we could talk about it --- and I am so glad that I did.
I finished it a couple of days ago in my perfect "reading place", my screened porch - a good place to hide the "good tears" that I shed. The book was as good and as moving as my friend said it was.....just a wonderful story.
This was a quick read because you are dying to find out what happened.
The background to the story was car racing, used as a metaphor. Thus the title. I have no interest in car racing, but this did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
Enzo (the dog narrator) is so lovable and memorable and so very wise that I will long remember him. I especially loved that Enzo thought he looked like George Clooney, around the eyes! That made me laugh so hard! Enzo's opinions and his views on life were just great! How can one not love a dog who is firmly convinced that he will be reborn as a man and prepares for it every day of his dog-life?
This book deserved more press than "Edgar Sawtelle", for sure!