Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 321 pages
Audiobook Length: 6 hours and 56 minutes
First Published: 2008
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Rachael’s Review
Narrated through the eyes of a philosopher dog unlike any other, The Art of Racing in the Rain tells of Enzo and his beloved master Denny, a race car driver, as Denny navigates love, marriage, fatherhood, life, and death. At first, I found this dog-narrated story sappy and overrated, but then halfway through a custody battle ensued that completely hooked me and left me emotionally wrecked, but in a good way.
Publisher’s Description
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. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.
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.
Quotes from The Art of Racing in the Rain
There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.
The race is long – to finish first, first you must finish.
That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.
The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles – preferably of his own making – in order to triumph.
He died that day because his body had served its purpose. His soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave.
Movie Trailer for The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
About Garth Stein
Garth Stein is an author whose works include A Sudden Light and The Art of Racing in the Rain. Stein currently lives in Seattle. Visit the author’s website →
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