The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author: Garth Stein

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publication Date: 13 May, 2008

ISBN: 9780061648397

Pages: 336

Subjects: General

Available as: Trade Paper, 978-0-06-153796-7 Trade Cloth, 978-0-06-153793-6 Trade Paper, 978-0-06-156240-2 E-Book - Epublication content package, 978-0-06-173809-8 E-Book - Gemstar REB 1200, 978-0-06-166824-1 E-Book - Mobipocket, 978-0-06-164839-7 E-Book - eReader (AKA Palm Reader), 978-0-06-164840-3 E-Book - netLibrary, 978-0-06-164838-0 Audio Recording Downloadable, 978-1-4356-7206-2

Description:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life. Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.

PW Publishers Weekly

Review Source: PW Annex Reviews

Review Date: 2008-09-01

Christopher Evan Welch has a knack for delving into heart-wrenching material with finesse. Stein's tale of family, loss, redemption, and fast cars--recounted entirely from the perspective of a retriever-terrier mix named Enzo--ups the ante on the recent trend of high-concept anthropomorphism in popular fictions. Once listeners buy into Stein's premise, Welch faithfully delivers the goods. He is particularly effective in scenes where Enzo navigates the blurry area between his human-like thoughts and his base animal instincts (like when abandonment issues during a family medical emergency compel him to wreak havoc on a stuffed animal). Welch re-creates Enzo's pivotal moment of sheer bliss--riding on the track with his racecar driver human companion Denny--with evocative detail. The musical interludes at the start and end of the CD help preserve an earnest and dignified atmosphere. A Harper hardcover (Reviews, Jan. 28). (June) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.