The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein
Pub. Date: May 2008
Genre: Fiction
336pp

Synopsis from BN.com:
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man. A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Why I Picked It:
S from my book club - which we are finally starting back up YAYYYYY!!! - picked it for our January meeting. I'd never even heard of it, probably wouldn't have bought it, and would've totally missed out.

My Review:
Welcome to 2010!! My goal is to read 50 books this year! No A to Z challenges, just 50 books by anyone, named anything, whatever looks good at the time... This one was a great way to start off the year.

Enzo is a dog that defines precisely why I am a dog person. I KNEW they understood what we said, meant, felt, needed... I see that every day in my own dog as he follows me everywhere I go, my sweet furry son.

I can't stop thinking about this book. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. The language had my heart pounding with excitement and then breaking with despair. This book had me reeling through all the human emotions, and I literally could not put the book down for the last 200 pages.

I learned a lot more about the racing world than I needed to know - I skimmed through a few passages, anxious to get on with the main story. But in all fairness, I understand that the racing sermons were an essential element in Enzo's storytelling.

Loved it. Will spread the word! Can't wait for book club to talk about it!!

2010 Challenge: 1 Read, 49 to go!