***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!

I cried when I came to the end of this book, but not out of sadness but out of hope. Enzo is the most unique voice heard in fiction in years and his wisdom is such we should all listen to him. He breaks down the world to a level that is clear, comforting and often amusing and his loyal and faith in his human is inspiring.

I admit, I hugged my dog really hard this morning!