Item: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Rating: 2.00
Author: ladygrey

by Garth Stein

Soon to be a major motion picture, this heart-warming and inspirational tale follows Enzo, a loyal family dog, tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life.

Enzo relates the story of his human family through his eyes, sharing the tragedies and triumphs that Denny and his wife and child. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's ordeal. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.

I'm not a dog person so I'm disinclined to like the narrator from the start. Then the first half of the book is prosaic at its best and dour at the worst. I don't like books that involve mire, whether they wallow in it or just walk around. I thought, "This is going to seriously have to pull it out of the fire for me to like it all." Surprisingly, it did.

The turning point for me was when hope entered the picture. When it focused on what a fighter Denny was, how determined he could be and how the things that made him a great racer would be the traits he needed to prevail through the mire. Also when it said that Zoe was smarter and stronger and faster then him. Because it was clear that no matter how the toils ended she wouldn't be a victim to her grandparents machinations; she would prevail and Denny through her.

So, hope really saved this book for me. I still only gave it 2 stars because I didn't love it and wouldn't read it again. But it's well written and I'd say a pretty good book. just not one I like particularly.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein

Reviewed by ladygrey on Sep 30, 2009

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