***CONTAINS SPOILERS***
Let me preface this review by saying I had NO idea what this book
was about when I bought it. I have 3 dogs at home, who I love to
pieces, and thought the cover was just the cutest thing. And to be
written in the point of view of the dog, well sign me up!
I didn't expect this book to really touch me and to make me think
about what's going through my dogs' heads. Yes, I talk to my dogs.
We have conversations - usually one-sided, but conversations
nonetheless. I see the looks in their eyes - those looks that you
can't quite read, but try to imagine what they're thinking.
Enzo, the main character in Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the
Rain, was a gem of a dog. It's funny how humans have gone through
life with these animals as companions and we've never really done
anything to try and figure out what they're thinking or what they
may want to say to us. Just like the deepest oceans or the furthest
planets, they're a mystery. I've stayed up with one of my dogs,
Bailey, in the night as she was throwing up. She gave me a look
like she didn't get what was going on - I couldn't ask her how she
was feeling, did she need anything … I have to trust her and she
has to trust me in order for our relationship to work.
Enzo's thought process in the novel are very human-like. He watches
TV during the day and learns new things. He learns all about racing
from his master, Denny, and all about the human condition from his
life with Denny, Eve, and Zoe. Before it's known that Eve is sick,
he can smell it on her and wishes that he could tell someone. Darn
his lack of a tongue that can form words! When Zoe's grandparents
give Denny a literal run for his money for the custody of Zoe, Enzo
steps in and makes Denny make the right decision. When Denny is
about to give up and sign papers to give the grandparents full
custody, Enzo steals those papers and pees on them, ultimately
letting Denny know his thoughts on Denny giving up.
The book is full of humour, sadness, and life. All through the eyes
of the dog. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll leave with a
wonderment towards your pet - what are they really thinking?
Recommended for any animal lover.