The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein

Author : Garth Stein
Title : The Art Of Racing In The Rain
Published : 2009
Publisher : Harper Collins
Pages : 336
Genre : Contemporary Fiction

     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.

     I have come to have a great affection for these kinds of book. I think they put you in what we hope is the minds of our beloved pets. My interest was first peaked when I read a book by another author called A Dog's Purpose. It reminded me of my own time spent with my pet dog Barney. And while it is all just supposition on our part as to this is how our pets see us, it would be nice to think it was true. I came to learn of this book by way of an article about the forthcoming film. A mix of a dogs point of view and racing cars is a combination I could not give up the chance to read. Combining a few of my favourite things.  I was curious as to how these two worlds would combine, for my part realizing you can't have a dog racing cars and still have it set in our world. 

     What I got here was a book that was a lot deeper than I had at first thought it would be. While it does pick up on some of the lighter aspects of books in this genre I had read before It goes a lot deeper than that. The author brings us that connection that forms between us and our pets. How there is a bond that is so close it goes beyond mere friendship.  Here Enzo shows a genuine love for all the things his owner does and is more than happy to sit a spend a day watching cars race with Denny. It is at times an emotional experience to witness Enzo wishing he could tell Denny just how much it means to him to spend this time with Denny. It is through these actions that his true dog self shines through, while he wishes to be just like his owner he is limited to the actions of a dog and in such longs for more. And for his part the affection Denny shows to Enzo is one that is pure and comes straight from the heart. And While these two go through so much in the lives together that bond is as solid as a concrete foundation.

     This book is also one of family drama and the life they have together is anything from easy. This story deals with some very troubling events in the life of this family. You would not wish it upon anyone and as I delved deeper into there heartbreak I found my self on an emotional roller coaster of a ride. The authors work shines through in there moments showing us just what it means to be a family be it the ones we are born with or those we choose to bring in, be it human or animal. There where times when this was a difficult book to read be it through the events that take hold of them or Enzo's inhabitable to help or tell those he loves just what he is thinking. It brought back memories of my own dog and the joy he brought me as a young child. I think it is one of those bond's that is difficult to understand if you have never had it. The author manages to raise so many questions in us as we read the book. It will make you look at your own dog and wonder just how much they understand of our world. And if in fact they do try and help us live our lives to the best way we can. 

     If you enjoyed A Dog's Purpose I'm sure you will love this book. But just be warned that this is a much heavier story and some of the topics it deals with are not to be taken lightly. I suppose though at its heart this is a simple story of a man and his dog and the love they share of racing cars. And Along the way, you might just learn a few things about what it means to be alive and to see the joy in a world that might just be trying to drag you down.