16 member(s) found this review helpful.
It has been a while since I have read a book that made me stop, think, and just relish the reading. Oh, and made me get the tissue. This was the book.
To put it simply, this is the tale of Enzo, the dog, who was adopted by a family. The family includes Denny, Eve, and little Zoe. Denny, a race car driver, is Enzo's primary "person" and caretaker.
Life through the eyes of Enzo is funny, sad, scary, and ultimately rewarding. There are several plot twists in the novel and I don't want to give them away (although, I think the book would have been just fine without one of the major ones).
You do not need to like racing or even like dogs to enjoy this touching, absorbing, amazing book. If I ever get a dog, I want one just like Enzo. Two barks! (You will know what that means if you read it!)
To put it simply, this is the tale of Enzo, the dog, who was adopted by a family. The family includes Denny, Eve, and little Zoe. Denny, a race car driver, is Enzo's primary "person" and caretaker.
Life through the eyes of Enzo is funny, sad, scary, and ultimately rewarding. There are several plot twists in the novel and I don't want to give them away (although, I think the book would have been just fine without one of the major ones).
You do not need to like racing or even like dogs to enjoy this touching, absorbing, amazing book. If I ever get a dog, I want one just like Enzo. Two barks! (You will know what that means if you read it!)
13 member(s) found this review helpful.
I found this book amazing and truly enjoyed reading it. Because it was written from a dog's perspective, I found it unique and so interesting. You can't help falling in love with Enzo (the dog)and his family. This is not a funny, happy story like the Marley book, but rather a story about the life of Enzo's owner, which was quite sad and difficult at times. There's a lot written about car racing and most of these references were used as metaphors about life. Sometimes the racing information was a bit much for me, but I still loved the story.
This is a story about one man's hardships and how he overcame the obstacles in his life. I could not put this book down and fell head over heels in love with Enzo and his family. I highly recommend this book.
This is a story about one man's hardships and how he overcame the obstacles in his life. I could not put this book down and fell head over heels in love with Enzo and his family. I highly recommend this book.
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
I started reading this book on a sunday afternoon around 4pm and couldn't put it down until around 7pm. I read it from start to finish (in between potty breaks). I LOVED this book.
I was crying by page 4, laughing by page 25 and crying again by page 100. You LOVE this dog and the thoughts he has of his surroundings and his human companions and one angry zebra. :)
I was crying by page 4, laughing by page 25 and crying again by page 100. You LOVE this dog and the thoughts he has of his surroundings and his human companions and one angry zebra. :)
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I LOVED this book. I fell in love with it from the first page when I realized it was written from the point of view of the dog!! I am so head over heels in love with my dog and often wonder what he is thinking. Now thanks to this book I now wonder how Cam would tell my story. What would he have to say about our life together?
The Art of Racing in the Rain is written from Enzo's perspective. Enzo is Denny's dog. It tells the story of how Eve, Denny's wife, enters the picture. It tells the story of how their daughter Zoe joins the family. It tells the story of Eve's tragic and unexpected death. And it tells the story of how Denny fights for his family all through Enzo's eyes.
You are probably wondering where the title comes from. Denny is a race car driver. Not like NASCAR race car, but like fancy Italian cars racing. Enzo has learned a lot about racing from Denny and watching races with Denny, and even riding in the race car with Denny.
Oh and did I mention that Enzo likes TV and learned on a documentary that when dogs die they come back as a man? And Enzo can not wait to come back as a man!
I laughed, I cried, I flew through this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! A great read!!
The Art of Racing in the Rain is written from Enzo's perspective. Enzo is Denny's dog. It tells the story of how Eve, Denny's wife, enters the picture. It tells the story of how their daughter Zoe joins the family. It tells the story of Eve's tragic and unexpected death. And it tells the story of how Denny fights for his family all through Enzo's eyes.
You are probably wondering where the title comes from. Denny is a race car driver. Not like NASCAR race car, but like fancy Italian cars racing. Enzo has learned a lot about racing from Denny and watching races with Denny, and even riding in the race car with Denny.
Oh and did I mention that Enzo likes TV and learned on a documentary that when dogs die they come back as a man? And Enzo can not wait to come back as a man!
I laughed, I cried, I flew through this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! A great read!!
Sandra B. (sthnladysc) - Easley, SC reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 24 more book reviews
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Told from the perspective of a beloved pet, this book makes you think a little differently about how important pets are on your life and maybe a little more about how actions affect them. Great story of love, loss and life lessons.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the kind of book that you can't wait to get back to and that you mourn when it ends. Part fairy tale, part drama, part romance, it introduces us to Enzo, a dog who craves to be human. This is a story you won't soon forget. Excellent.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is definately a winner! I laughed, I cried and I got angry.....very good read! I'm an animal lover through and through and reading a book that is told through the eyes of the family dog makes me consider everything I do and say around my own pups! :) I'd recommend this book to anyone! To live in a world where our four-legged friends could put paper to pen and call it like they see it......what a great world it would be!
One of my favorite books- ever! I love that the story is being told by Enzo (the dog). Everything is seen from his point of view. I am also a huge race fan and my husband also used to be a race car driver and let me tell you that all the racing references that are made in this book are accurate and true. You can tell that Stein did a lot of research writing this book. I met Patrick Dempsey in May of 2009 and I learned that he is going to play Denny Swift's character in the movie version of this book. I can't wait!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Easy read about the power of making good choices. Written from the perspective of the family dog,it will have you laughing out loud at times. Believable yet completely fiction, the kind of book that makes you think twice about your actions and place in the world. A definite reccommend!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I'm not a big fan of talking animal stories. Give me the original narrated version of The Incredible Journey over the cutesy talking-animal version any day. (The first makes me cry; the second makes me barf.)
This book I loved. And I cried at the bittersweet ending. As a character who doesn't always understand what his people are doing (and sometimes understands better than they do), Enzo relates the story with compassion, understanding, and sometimes even acceptance of the unfairness of life. An exceptional book that's a deceptively easy read.
This book I loved. And I cried at the bittersweet ending. As a character who doesn't always understand what his people are doing (and sometimes understands better than they do), Enzo relates the story with compassion, understanding, and sometimes even acceptance of the unfairness of life. An exceptional book that's a deceptively easy read.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I ABSOLUTELY love this book. It is the kind of book that I will pick up every now and then to read again.
It sounds as though it might be a fluffy read, considering it is told from the family dogs perspective, but it is deep and thought provoking.
This is not a book meant only for dog lovers, its for everyone. I strongly recommend!
It sounds as though it might be a fluffy read, considering it is told from the family dogs perspective, but it is deep and thought provoking.
This is not a book meant only for dog lovers, its for everyone. I strongly recommend!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book! Almost as good as "One Good Dog"
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This has got to be one of the best books I've ever read. I've always said that I could only hope to be half the woman my dog is!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
The last scene in this book stopped me from giving it another star. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it on CD, and the reader had a wonderful voice for a dog which may have added to my enjoyment. The character of Enzo is great - cranky, affectionate, and wise. The chapters in which the author allows Enzo to discuss parallels between the way race car drivers handle their cars on the track and how people handle their lives are little gems. But the author brought my good feeling crashing down with the heavy-handed final chapter which was simply not necessary.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ugh. Way too sappy - I just can't get into this type of genre (Note: I live on a farm and I LOVE animals.) The ending was touching, but I found myself skipping pages just to get through it. If you're a fan of Nicholas Sparks, etc., you'll love it. Not my cup of tea.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I was reluctant to read this book, but it was a pick of one of the members in my book club. Reading a book narrated by a dog, seemed it would be a little odd and I am not really into race car driving. Loved this book! It was quite sad, but filled with insights and acknowledgment of the complexities of the human experience. There were also moments that made me smile, even laugh. At times, Enzo, the dog, had far better clarity than I may have had in similar situations. I found it to be a fast read and even learned something about race car driving. This book is one I definitely recommend.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
An absolutely entertaining and engaging story of man's best friend's quest to be the best dog he can be while preparing to become a man, just like his human, in his next life. Captures the essence of a dog and its many expressions and actions, leaving you wondering how accurate the description is when considering your own four-legged friend.I was moved from laughter, to anger, to tears throughout. The ending brings much needed closure and begs for your to continue the story using your own imagination, and fight through the tears just as this family had done.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I LOVED this book. It's completely unique because the story of family life is told through the eyes of the family dog Enzo. The fact that Enzo doesn't always understand what is happening around him (even though the reader does) makes him all the more endearing.
On the last night of his life Enzo is taking stock of all that he saw and hoping he was a good dog so that he'd be granted his dearest wish...to be reincarnated as a human. The book moves along at just the right pace and there were parts that had me laughing out loud, followed by parts that had me pretty much bawling my eyes out.
Stein definitely has a flair for storytelling. Pick this one up!
On the last night of his life Enzo is taking stock of all that he saw and hoping he was a good dog so that he'd be granted his dearest wish...to be reincarnated as a human. The book moves along at just the right pace and there were parts that had me laughing out loud, followed by parts that had me pretty much bawling my eyes out.
Stein definitely has a flair for storytelling. Pick this one up!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
It's been a long time since I've actually cried while reading a book. Toward the end of this one, I did. I fell in love with Enzo, the dog who tells this story. He is funny, smart, incredibly perceptive, and brutally honest. My kind of person, er... dog. Great book! Please read it.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I absolutely adored this book. Enzo the family dog let me imagine the life of a dog. If only they had thumbs. I have told the story of Enzon and his want for thumbs to everyone I know. It is so funny and you have to wonder if any of it is true. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever had a dog.
Long live Enzo!
Long live Enzo!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really loved this book! I read it really fast couldn't put it down. Wasn't sure I would like reading a book that a dog narrates, but it really makes you think and wonder is this how they really see us and think. The book brought me to tears. I wOuld reccomend this book to anyone but especially dog lovers!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of my all-time favorites as a dog lover. I loved this book, and the dog whose family we read about through his eyes. He tells us about the owner (Denny) he loves, protects and grows up with. He describes his much-loved family as they go through a crisis, helping Denny avoid bad decisions along the way. Great book, and a keeper!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book - as I tried to read through my tears. Definitely would recommend it!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my all time favorite books. From the dedication in the front: To Muggs (we had a dog named Mugsy), to the final page where...well you'll just have to read the book to find out that part : ). I have sent 4 copies to friends and kept one for myself. My husband and my book club loved the book. If you are a dog lover, car racing fan or just love a good story that wraps up nicely you'll enjoy this book. Happy reading : )
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The book was great. It makes you laugh, cry, get angry, and full joy!!!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The perspective of this book is awesome- an evolved dog tells the story. It was a tad hokey, but I really loved it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fans of Marley and Me will really appreciate this book in that it uses the only constant in the character's lives--the family dog-- to give you a glimpse into the lives of a young couple as they go through some growing pains and very trying times. That said, there the similarity ends. This book is through the point of view of the dog, and from the very first three pages you KNOW that before the end at least two characters will die. Then, of course, you get to know and care about them.
Thank goodness that the driver is so optimistic and engaging because there's a LOT of rain to be had. It's dark, but it's an enjoyable ride that has you engaged reading long past your bedtime. It's an easy-read too so it's not like you're slogging through paragraphs of description to get to the good parts.
The racing metaphors are accessible even for someone who doesn't know a thing about cars, like myself. Thank goodness, because there are a lot of them! If you love dogs, or even just cars you will appreciate this book more, but you don't have to love either to read it.
There is a lot of adult themes, so I would read it first before giving it to a teen so you can judge how appropriate it is for that particular teen. I wouldn't recommend to ANYONE under 13 or 14, because the parts I'm thinking about go beyond just sex and I don't want to include any spoilers.
I gave it 4.5 stars because it's GREAT but parts are very predictable. That said, it does so in a way that fits extremely well with the theme "where the eyes go, the car goes" so I can't say that it is unintentional or "wrong."
Thank goodness that the driver is so optimistic and engaging because there's a LOT of rain to be had. It's dark, but it's an enjoyable ride that has you engaged reading long past your bedtime. It's an easy-read too so it's not like you're slogging through paragraphs of description to get to the good parts.
The racing metaphors are accessible even for someone who doesn't know a thing about cars, like myself. Thank goodness, because there are a lot of them! If you love dogs, or even just cars you will appreciate this book more, but you don't have to love either to read it.
There is a lot of adult themes, so I would read it first before giving it to a teen so you can judge how appropriate it is for that particular teen. I wouldn't recommend to ANYONE under 13 or 14, because the parts I'm thinking about go beyond just sex and I don't want to include any spoilers.
I gave it 4.5 stars because it's GREAT but parts are very predictable. That said, it does so in a way that fits extremely well with the theme "where the eyes go, the car goes" so I can't say that it is unintentional or "wrong."
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Just could not connect with this book...even by chapter 10! I was so surprised! I'm sure it's me and not the book, but I have two dogs and thought a story from the pups perspective would be fun. Instead I found the dog to be overly intelligent, a bit serious, and perhaps budhist? Ha! Please, nobody be offended....just not my way of thinking of my playful puppies!
Joan L. (silverlakelady) - Addison, MI reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 13 more book reviews
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was one of the most heart-warming books I have read in long time! Your heart goes out to Enzo. What a great dog!
I think any animal lover will totally enjoy this book. Even if you are ambivalent about animals, you will have a hard time resisting Enzo. This story teaches so much about life and love.
I think any animal lover will totally enjoy this book. Even if you are ambivalent about animals, you will have a hard time resisting Enzo. This story teaches so much about life and love.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book. I was concerned at first that it would be to heavy. However, even given the "real life" event, it was written very well, light-hearted most times. I couldn't put it down once I got started! Enzo is the best!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Can I give this book more than 5 stars? It's so much more than a book about a dog, so much more. It will make you think about the world and your place in it. It was a pleasure to read and I won't soon forget the wise dog, Enzo.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A excellant story of a man and his dog, told from the dogs' point of veiw. Enzo is a terrier mix and loves his human Denny. Denny and Eve live in a nice small home in seattle and they have a child they name Zoe...
Everything is going wonderful until Eve starts getting sick, headaches, throwing up and mood swings.. she refuses to go to the doctor and Enzo can smell something is wrong.
Eve has a brain tumor and later passes away.. her family connive to takeZoe away from Denny and plot a 15 year old girl to say she was molested by him.
Denny's only friend is Enzo....
Everything is going wonderful until Eve starts getting sick, headaches, throwing up and mood swings.. she refuses to go to the doctor and Enzo can smell something is wrong.
Eve has a brain tumor and later passes away.. her family connive to takeZoe away from Denny and plot a 15 year old girl to say she was molested by him.
Denny's only friend is Enzo....
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved it...couldn't put it down!
It was funny, sad....a great book!
What a clever way to tell the story from Enzo's perspective!
It was funny, sad....a great book!
What a clever way to tell the story from Enzo's perspective!
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) - Mobile, AL reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 190 more book reviews
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a wonderful book. I am a dog lover, but I am hesitant about reading "dog stories" because so often they seem to wind up being sad and I do not enjoy that. This story is told by the dog, from his doggie perspective. He is a wise, loving, loyal, endearing being. There are some sad things, but there is humor (I found myself laughing out loud at times), and wisdom, trials and triumphs. It will make you think about your humanity and rethink your views on man's best friend. Once I picked it up, I did not want to put it down. A thoroughly enjoyable read all the way through!
Barbara P. (gotchagal) - Las Vegas, NV reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 72 more book reviews
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.
Heartwarming and totally engaging. You will fall in love with Enzo, a dog with enormous understanding. Perhaps you have had a dog like him who seemed to understand more than you thought was possible. If so, you have been blessed.
I wasn't sure I would like this book, told from the dog's point of view, but it was a treasure and I loved it. You will too, I'm sure.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.
Heartwarming and totally engaging. You will fall in love with Enzo, a dog with enormous understanding. Perhaps you have had a dog like him who seemed to understand more than you thought was possible. If so, you have been blessed.
I wasn't sure I would like this book, told from the dog's point of view, but it was a treasure and I loved it. You will too, I'm sure.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was an absolutetly awesome book. I've read books about pets and thier humans and I've read books narrated by said pet...this book is one of the best I've read of it's kind. The author really gets you to feel like you're in the head of Enzo the dog as he relays the life, love, losses and triuphs of his humans-- all while being an honorable and insighful soul himself. I would recommend this book to anyone!
If you are a dog lover you will enjoy this book. A quick read.
I love this book. The dog's point of view is written very sympathetically and plausibly. Also, although I have little interest in car racing, I soon began to appreciate the metaphorical concepts that the author puts across in his descriptions of the sport.
This book was a touching rendition of life through the eyes of a dog. Definitely get your tissues ready if you are prone to crying while reading books (like me). The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I had a tough time getting through the constant race car analogies, but I guess I should have been prepared for that from the title!
Warning: have tissue ready when you start! That aside, it's a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A must read if you're a dog lover who truly understands what it means to have a dog as part of your "family". Enzo is intuative and compasionate. You will fall in love with him. There will be tears and laughter, but it's all OK in the end. Enjoy!
A truly amazing novel! I think it goes down as one of my favorites. This book reinforced so many things I already believe about the human/pet relationship, and about how to make life meaningful. I absolutely loved the theme of reincarnation and the idea that we make our own destiny. (The car goes where your eyes go. That which you manifest is before you.) Through his simple prose, Stein has created a profoundly moving treatise on the human soul. It also happens to be a very heartwarming story about how a dog helps a family overcome tragedy. Read it!
What a great book. I cried like a baby. The moment I started it, I knew that I would, and I did. If you loved "Marley and Me," you'll love this one too!
I seldom enjoy a book as much as I did this one. Sweet and funny, with great characters and an adorable narrator.
Enzo is one of the most lovable and loving characters in fiction. This book's theme of "keeping your eyes on the road" no matter what, told from a dog's point of view, is as powerful as they say. Enzo's loyalty to his master through a variety of pretty serious trials and tribulations had me reaching for the tissues as well. I'm not even a "dog person," but truthfully? ...This made me consider it.
Really great book! It kind of snuck up on me as I started reading & I wasn't sure about it but after a few chapters I couldn't put it down & I really loved the ending.
This book has me thinking about having a dog ... again. Life can be so cruel sometimes both for humans and dogs, but it reinforces my belief that there is a reason for everything.
As funny as it is sad. Quite simply one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
If you love dogs you have to read this book. Could not put it down once I started it.
One of my favorite books ever. Loved it. If you love dogs, it's a must read.
GREAT READ!!!! The main character, a dog, narrates the story of his human family and the troubles they venture through. I don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin anything for potential readers.
I loved this book and know that you will too!
I loved this book and know that you will too!
Heartrending story about a man and his family and the ordeals they face--narrated by the family dog. You don't have to be a fan of auto racing or own a dog to love this book. Recommended.
Funny! Moving! Insightful! Profound! An absolutely delightful, soul-stirring book that goes beyond telling a story -- it gets to the heart of what life is all about. Read, read, as fast as you can!
Casey N. (casey-sue) - Indianapolis, IN reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 34 more book reviews
I have to say that this book is one of my favorites. Its not just about a dog, but the events that the dog witnesses. Its amazing to see someones life from such an objective view. It kinda makes you wonder what all of our dogs are thinking as they watch us go about our day. Even if you are not an animal lover, this is a great book.
Easy reading book narrated from the perspective of a loyal dog. Loved the idea that our dogs are just itching to speak 'human' at any given moment, and appreciated the reminder that gestures are all they have.
I read some of the reviews and had to laugh because someone thought the dog really took the witness stand in court...um, no, he was imagining the entire scenario! But this is exactly what endears you to Enzo. He's a dog, with a strong will to be reincarnated as a human. And Enzo would really succeed at being human because he knows how to listen...and observe. But oh what he would give for opposable thumbs and a tongue that would allow him to speak...then he would be able to solve Denny's problems.
The Art of Racing in The Rain will make you run the spectrum of emotions as Enzo narrates his family's trials and triumphs. If you are a dog person, I can pretty much guarantee he will be the recipient of at least one hug/treat thanks to Enzo's endaring nature. Oh what a world we would live in if we all could be as loyal and thoughtful as Enzo. Bark! Bark!
The Art of Racing in The Rain will make you run the spectrum of emotions as Enzo narrates his family's trials and triumphs. If you are a dog person, I can pretty much guarantee he will be the recipient of at least one hug/treat thanks to Enzo's endaring nature. Oh what a world we would live in if we all could be as loyal and thoughtful as Enzo. Bark! Bark!
Such an amazing book. I was hooked from the first couple of pages. I didn't think that I would like the fact that the book is told by the dog, but it is perfect. One of my very favorite books. While the book draws many analogies from car racing, that is not what it's about, so don't let that put you off. It's about life, and told so wisely by this wonderful dog. It is a tearjearker though! I did pretty good right up until the end where the boy echo'd Enzo's dream, then I was a goner. This is a book I will read over and over.
One of the best books I've read in a long time, and have recommended it to many, male and female. Of course, as a dog owner it appealed enormously to me. Made me sniffle too. But just beautifully done.
This is a tremendous book. Didn't think I could read a book that is written from the perspective of a dog but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Read it if you get a chance.
This book was simply amazing I have read it over twelve times and it never gets old!!!!!
Great book! I couldn't put it down!
I enjoyed the book.....it was a quick read...nice to get the prespective of a dog life & little of racing....not my intrest.
Read in one day. Nice easy read. Makes you wonder what your dogs thinking.
I really loved this book, it made me cry and laugh many times. I had to skip all the racing references because i dont like and i dont understand racing but even with all that stuff i really liked the book.
Interesting technique of storytelling about a family from the dog's point of view addressing issues like letting go of those we love, the importance of listening, and being lost in the moment/completely present to be successful at difficult tasks. I liked the characters but hated the situations they were in. If you're looking for a cry, this will afford you that opportunity.
Truly unique and well written book.
This book was captivating, from start to finish!! I have recommended it several times over. Be forewarned that it is probably best read in one sitting -- whether you mean it to happen that way or not!
This is a wonderful book. Enzo is a great character, but I was more interested Danny. Mr Stein drew him as an especially strong, controlled person. It was up-lifting to be reminded that some parents will sacrifice everything for their children.
LOVED this book! It was so much fun to read! Enzo, the dog, is the main character. He tells the story of the family he's living with, loving life with, sharing their stories. I had a cat in my life that reminded me of Enzo; I swear she could understand what we were saying, not only to her but to each other. Enzo will make you laugh, and cry, and enjoy all of it. A quick read, totally delightful.
I loved it! I am not a dog person or a racing car person, so I shouldn't have, but the unique perspective of seeing his master's life through a dog's eyes made us see things in a new way, too. I recommend The Art of Racing in the Rain even for those who DO love dogs and/or racing cars! And no, there is no relationship between me and the author.
This book tells life stories from a dog's point of view. Some parts were endearing coming from the dog's mind. I enjoyed the racing to life comparisons. However, I felt the reincarnation theories were too heavy handed.
This book was not what I expected! Actually I didn't know what to expect... I loved how Enzo narrates. A good book.
Very good read!
I thought this book was going to be light and cute, and it was kinda depressing. Still a really good story, with a really good point of view (the dog's!), but it was emotional and sad. I would still recommend it, but not enthusiastically.
Interesting approach to using the philosophy of a Nascar driver in regards to living life.
This was a super read - told through the eyes of a dog! Sad but hopeful!
This is without a doubt, the best book I've ever read! If you love dogs, believe in their spiritual evolution, then this book will ring a chime deep inside of you too. It is sad but uplifting with a poignant message about the nature of human learning, growth, purpose.
This book was well written and hard to put down. Enzo is immediately a lovable character and you can't help but want to find out where his story is going to go. It is a quick and easy read that will leave you with something to think about.
Amazingly written book that captured me from the first few pages- loved that was told from the dog's perspective and although I am not a big race car fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it here. Heartbreaking at times, yet I couldn't have asked for a sweeter ending.
This book made me laugh, cry, angry, and enlightened.
Love, devotion, death and betrayal--life's highs and lows all narrated by a dog named Enzo. It's very creative and affecting. I read it in one sitting.
there's a good reason the word "sophomoric" exists ... to describe this book.
Great book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the perspective of seeing the world through a dogs eyes. I'd definitely recommend this book to dog lovers!
Touching book.
A touching, beautiful story filled with humor and wisdom....one of my favorite books in a long time....Wonderful!!!
Incredible. You'll laugh, you'll cry and learn more than you ever thought you'd care to learn about racing from a dog.
This is a fun book, happy at times, sad at times. cheesy at times but most of all entertaining.
Wonderful book with thought-provoking insight into family relationships, loss of a loved one, and yes, all from the point of view of a very special dog.
This is a tearjerker, with a very sweet ending. I admit I wasn't quite sure what to make of the book before I started reading it, but it was really cute.
Everyone who has ever loved anyone needs to read this book!
I highly recommend this book. A wonderful read. A word of warning, have your box of Kleenex by your side. I haven't had a book move me like this one did in a long, long, time.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The writer is telling the story through the eyes and mind of the family dog. It will make you laugh and cry, but will linger in your heart for a LONG time...
excellent book that tugs on your heart strings; particularly if you're an animal lover with an empathy for what might be going on in a dog's head. a little sad, but a very quick & worthwhile read.
predictable story, but a good fast summer read. The dog is endearing and funny. It's a page turner.
What a GREAT book! Enzo tells of a life with his human family as seen from his prospective. I am not a race car fan, but I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. The book had a perfect ending. This is a book that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
This book was great! From a literary standpoint, it wasn't writing that broke new ground. It was a wonderfully emotional and heartfelt story though. This is the kind of book you should read on vacation or sitting in your backyard. It just felt good! I laughed, I cried, and I winced uncomfortably. It was a quick read and a must read for anyone who has a family member who happens to also be a dog.
A heartwarming and bittersweet story told from the brilliant mind of a Lab.
One of, if not, THE best book I've ever read. It was heartwrenching, sweet and humorous. The fact that the story is told by the dog, makes it especially heartwarming. I loved the auto racing world being part of the story too. I read it too quickly. I didn't want it to end.
Sherry G. (Shervivor) - Falls Church, VA reviewed The Art of Racing in the Rain on + 90 more book reviews
This is a heart warming story of one family, as told by the family dog, Enzo. Enzo tells about his life; from his first memories of puppyhood on a farm as just one of many puppies for sale, to his owner finding love, marrying a woman that makes the dog a little jealous, to the birth of their daughter whom Enzo protects. Reading it makes you ponder if your family pet loves you as much as Enzo loves his family. It also makes you consider leaving the TV on all day long for the entertainment of the pets. This was an easy read but keep in mind that a dog's life span is rather short. You just may shed a tear or two.
for anyone who loves animals, and if you only have a passive interest in the world of race car driving, the intrigue and life situations we humans engage in, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It's a very easy read, the chapters are short and the writing flows.
This was a really sweet, interesting book, written from the dog's perspective. Sounds a little odd, but it worked. If you love dogs, you'll love this book. The story is happy, sad, and beautiful in many ways.
I tend to especially enjoy books with dogs in them anyway but this was a bit different with the dog's point of view. It actually worked. Plus, I learned about race car driving! Very sweet book even though it made me cry.
This is a really great heart warming book and funny too.
Oh my gosh! this is a must read for every one. Dog Lovers, Race lovers, and everyone in between. Written by a dog, his view of his masters life and humans. The Car goes where the eye goes! So is life! Loved it!
Really good book, pulled at your heart strings. I did skip a little of it due to the racing, didnt really interest me as much.
Anyone who loves animals and KNOWS they have a mind of their own will absolutely adore this novel. Told from the mind of mans best friend, it's a story of devotion and love.
What a wonderful, wonderful book. I really enjoyed the telling of the story from the dog's point of view. Every dog lover should read this book!
Loved it, I wonder what my dog is thinking? Quick read, loved the end!!!
this is a wonderful book. entirely new way of looking at dogs.
I absolutely loved this book and will be keeping my copy. It made me tear up more than a few times. The world seen through Enzo's eyes is a wonderful one and it really draws in the reader. Great read!
If you only read one book this year then this is the book. What a fantastic story about the relationship between a family and its dog as seen through the dogs eyes. I thought this would be a silly concept and WOW was I wrong. The author wrote with such down to earth feeling and views that I was really amazed! This book will make you re-think about your relationships with dogs. I have 6 'dog members' in my family and even I took a second thought about some things. I cheered and cried at the ending-and I never cry!
This book was an excellent read! When I got stuck in the airport for 9 hours, I bought this book and read it from cover to cover. I couldn't put it down. I would reccomend this book to any animal lover. It tells a story from a dogs point of view, about life, death, relationships. I hope to see similar books come from this author.
Great book - loved hearing the dog's perspective on humans as he tells his story. This book had me from page 1.
As a dog lover, I thought I would fall in love with this book. But the talking dog thing barked a little untrue. I appreciate a dog's wisdom and point of view, but the story seemed a bit "far fetched." At one point, Enzo took the witness stand in defense of his owner, because dogs never lie. A bit simplistic in terms of the plot, but overall worth reading.
Excellent book. tearjerker, but then its obvious that it would be. a good read.
An impressive point of view. I've started looking at my lovely dog in a different light.