I am an avid reader, I belong to two book clubs. With that said, sometimes we read books that are good, and occassionaly we read a book that is terrific! This is in that later category. I LOVE this book, Enzo will make you laugh and make you cry. I loved this book from the beginning to the, all too soon ending. I love this book so much, that I have given it as gifts several times. Anyone I have given this book to, also loved it! I am on a mission to have every reader, read this book. You won't be dissappointed that you did.

When I started reading and realized the narrator was the dog, I was skeptical. But it was a lovely book. Sometimes you read a book and you may say that was a man's book or that was chicklit. I liked the fact that this book did not do that and I thought it might because of the racing aspect. I really enjoyed this one.

“. . . life, like racing, is about so much more than simply going fast.” Enzo, the dog, is nearing the end of his life. His eyes clouded, his joints stiff, he lives out his last years with his racecar driver owner, Denny Swift—and he tells us about it. Enzo gives us his dog’s-eye view of human life. Garth Stein’s choice of dog as narrator reflects his background as a documentary filmmaker. Dogs are a taken-for-granted presence in the room, so humans say and do things in front of them they wouldn’t say or do in front of other humans. Dog narration allows Stein to show a documentary-style unvarnished “truth” of human interactions captured when no one is looking. One of the most intriguing themes of the book—Enzo’s belief that he will be reincarnated as a man—comes from documentary as well. Enzo watches television, and during one of his long days without Denny, he watches a documentary about Mongolians preparing departed dogs for their next incarnation as a man. (Given Enzo’s fondness for racing videos and documentary, dog owners might want to be more mindful about what is on television when their dog is around.) Any dog named after Enzo Ferrari is certain to have some insights into life well lived. As the story unfolds, Denny and Enzo impart life truths derived from successful race car driving. “No race has ever been won in the first corner; many races have been lost there.” “To remember is to disengage from the present . . . a driver must never remember.” “That which you manifest is before you.” This wouldn’t be a story about racing in the rain if a little “rain” didn’t fall on Denny Swift’s head, and fall it does. Denny and Enzo adapt to changes, suffer loss, face their demons, and “handle their cars” through obstacle courses of adversity. But in life, as in racing, experience improves performance. Every setback is a lesson learned. Every successful a building block. Readers who appreciate whimsy will love The Art of Racing in the Rain and Enzo’s charming take on life. Those with tougher shells won’t be attracted to it, and that’s a shame; they might be the ones who need it the most. To read an interview with Garth Stein, go here: http://www.garthstein.com/index.php Arlene Somerton Smith www.scienceandstory.wordpress.com www.wednesdaybookreview.wordpress.com

The Art of Racing in the Rain is an easy read and a very special book. I highly recommend. Enzo tells us the story of his life with his master Denny and his daugther Zoe and really makes you think about your own. A refreshingly good book.

I almost took this book back when I first bought it because I was unsure about reading a novel told from the perspective of a dog. I'm so happy that I didn't. The narative was fresh and imaginative. Stein does an excellent job of delivering a heart wrenching story that people can connect to, all the while staying true to the K9 perspective. You can't help but to fall in love with Enzo, who's loyalty, selflessness, and courage could teach us all a little something about life.

This is one of a very few books that I can't get out of my head, so much so that my perspective on life has changed significantly (for the better!). It's a wonderful, touching story that will bring tears to anyone that has ever owned a dog, and even those that haven't had the pleasure to. The writing is accessible without being too simple, and the storyline makes it extremely difficult to put down. I've been recommending this book to everyone I know - It's a must read!

"Imagine this. Imagine having your wife die suddently of a brain cancer. Then imagine having her parents attack you mercilessly in order to gain custody of your daughter. Imagine that they exploit allegations of sexual molestation against you... How long would you last before your will was broken?" Now imagine that this story was told from the point of view of a dog. Would that make it better? Or worse? Based on the cover image, I was expecting a charming story about a man's relationship with his furry best friend. Not even close. If you buy your reading material in a supermarket and enjoy melodrama, this book might be for you. If you're looking for something more artistic or emotionally complex, you might be disappointed.

I don't give it a 5 because it has its lengths, but the story is so lovely! I recommend it to anyone who can read! I loved the ending!

My friend, a dog lover, recommended this novel to me. At first, I didn't expect much at all but I must say that I was absolutely blown away. What can I say? I fell in love with Enzo!

A dog's perspective of human life. As a dog lover, I expected to enjoy this ---- but enjoyed it even more than I expected.