Wow - I really loved this book. I first picked it up a few years ago after all the "Marley & Me" hype (which doesn't hold a candle to this read), but I decided after the first chapter, that a book narrated by a dog about his final days just wasn't for me. Turns out, that's really not what this book is about at all! This book is narrated by a dog, the faithful Enzo, and his perspective is so loyal and true. Denny is a wonderful lead character too. This book is really about family, the ties that bind, the tough choices that must be made, and the power of the human (and canine!) spirit. I can't say enough good things about this book. I loved it. I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more. I cannot recommend this book enough!

It's gratifying to see so many positive reviews of this book because I always feel a little silly when I have recommended it to friends and colleagues. I can't say enough great things about this book. As a huge animal lover, I may be biased in my opinion but this was a wonderful book and I was sorry when it was finished (always a good sign). I even wrote to Garth Stein to tell him how much his book had moved me and amazingly, he wrote back! Dog lover or not, anyone could enjoy this story and it does give you a whole new perspective on our four legged companions.

A sweet and affecting book about life and love, bitter and sweet. It is an incredibly easy book to read, and even though parts of it are sad, you end up feeling really hopeful and uplifted. And if you have a dog, you'll appreciate them more after reading this ;-) I think nearly anyone would enjoy this read.

***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.

This book is a number 1 book recommendation from me to everyone. It is an amazing book that tells the story of a man's trials and tribulations (and so much more!) from the unique perspective of his dog. Wow.

I loved loved loved this book! You will fall in love with Enzo (the entire book is narrated by a dog named Enzo). He is wise, funny, and loveable! I laughed out loud and my eyes filled up with tears at some parts. A real page turner. I especially enjoyed his parallels to life and car racing - though not a car racing fan. One of the best books I've read. Highly recommend it!

The Art of Racing in the Rain is an amazing read. I absolutely loved Stein's heart-wrenching storyline uniquely told from Enzo's (the dog's) view. Would hands-down recommend this read to everyone, and anyone.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. A story as told by a dog, it will make you laugh, cry, feel outrage,, anger and love, but in the end, it teaches some wonderful life lessons. I highly recommend this book. Bravo to the writer, Garth Stein!

A look into how are little friends think is amazing! I gave this book to a friend of mine who's dog was really old and she just wanted to keep holding on to her as long as she could. After reading this she took a step back and looked at life and her puppy. It's amazing how one book can change your life. I love Enzo. I laughed and cried! Amazing Book.

A friend lent me this book as I am grappling with the mental and physical decline of my dog. You will find though that you don’t need to own a pet to be swept up in the story of Denny, an up-and-coming race car driver, his family and the events that reshape their lives. Garth Stein’s writing stands out among the overly long list of dog books and doesn’t have the fluff of the likes of a Marley & Me. The humans’ story is told by the dog Enzo. He proves to be a wise, funny and ultimately philosophical narrator. If like me, you prefer not to look at life’s bigger issues through a spiritual purple haze his worldview even if it is from ground level is refreshingly logical. The reader will find themselves thinking about an odd assortment of things from their thumbs to the big stuff like navigating life as though you’re on a race track, hence its compelling title. This is one of those books that affects everyone differently which makes The Art Of Racing in the Rain a great book club choice. Published in 2008 it came into my life at the right time. Reading about living and dying from a dogs perspective enabled me to step back from the overwhelming heaviness of it all. As he nears the end of his life, avid TV watcher Enzo is fascinated by a documentary about Mongolia where dogs are laid to rest high in the hills. While I cannot give that to the chocolate Labrador who has shared my life for many years; I can grant him this last summer to warm his aching body and perhaps bring some peace to a now cloudy mind. And I know that he will tell me when it is enough.