The Art of Racing in the Rain

I should state up front, that I am not a fan of books that are told from the point of view of an animal. So many writers try to force a "new" point of view on a situation by describing it through the eyes of an animal, and I often find it a contrived and weak effort. Therefore, when this book was first recommended to me by a friend, I had no intention of reading it. Then I heard about it from several other people, all with glowing reviews, so I thought I would give it a try. No one was more surprised then I was when I ended up loving this book.

Enzo, the dog narrator of this story, has a uniquely insightful and witty voice. The book opens with Enzo's awareness that he is dying, and the book is his look back at his life. By the time the we return to the scene of Enzo's death, at the end, I was moved to tears. This story delves deeply into seemingly impossible dreams, complicated family relationships, the catastrophic loss of spouse, and unconditional love in its many forms. While not "light" reading, I did read this while on vacation at the beach this summer, so I can recommend it as a great vacation read. Feel free to offer your thoughts on this book in the comments section below. Have a great wonderful holiday season and break, and I will see you again for another great book in January!

Booklist (March 15, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 14))

Enzo the dog feels sure that his next life will be spent in a man’s body. In preparation, he closely studies human behavior, and it’s from Enzo’s observant point of view that Stein writes his moving third novel. Enzo is deeply jealous when his owner, Denny, falls in love with Eve, but after baby Zoe is born, Enzo assumes his role as the family’s unconditional protector, particularly after Eve is diagnosed with brain cancer. After Eve’s death, her parents drag Denny into a bitter custody battle for Zoe, and Enzo, despite his canine limitations, passionately defends Denny and even alters the course of events. Denny is a race-car driver, and Enzo, who has watched countless televised races, folds thrilling track scenes and driving lessons into the terse family drama. The metaphors may feel purposeful, but readers will nonetheless delight in Enzo’s wild, original voice; his aching insights into the limitations and joys of the canine and human worlds; and his infinite capacity for love.