The Art of Racing in the Rain

Version: Unabridged
Author: Garth Stein
Narrator: Christopher Evan Welch
Genres: Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Date: May 2008
Length: 6 hours, 58 minutes
Ratings:
Formats :
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  • CD
  • M4B
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Overview

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, Zoë, 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 Zoë 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.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Selected Reviews

by Janie Gafford
  • Book Rating: 4/5

by Mel Kaye
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 13

Reviews (13)

Written by Janie Gafford on April 15th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Poignant. It's not as heavy as I thought it would be. It's an easy listen.

Written by Mel Kaye on March 6th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I laughed, cried, got chills, and loved every minute of the wonderful experience. As a dog lover, I was able to relate. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

READ THIS BOOK!

Written by Kimberly from Villa Park, IL on February 28th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I lluuuuvvvvved this book. It was so sweet and funny. It has something for both men and women, anyone who loves dogs. I recommended it to my friends and family, and everyone who has read it has said how great it is.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Written by KT Luedtke on October 13th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I am a huge dog lover, so absolutely loved this book. A real story of what a dog is possibly thinking from it's point of view with his master/bestfriend. A very heartwarming story of personal agony and triumph with an amazing ending. Loved it!!!

Warning - spoilers

Written by lorin on October 9th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Good, not great. It started off engaging but then, as often happens, the author goes too far. The wonderful thing about this human/dog relationship is that Enzo is so intelligent and sees the human world from his perspective. But somewhere around the middle of the book there is a change. Denny starts asking questions and Enzo barks twice or wags his tail in agreement. And Denny understands and does what Enzo advises. Or Denny is about to sign custody papers and Enzo grads them and pees on them. All of a sudden I am reading the Adventures of Lassie.

Wow...great!

Written by Steve in Texas on August 31st, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Stein lives in Seattle and I just happened to be in Seattle for a trip. I picked up this book in the airport in a "local author" section. I couldn't put it down. Now you see the book everywhere. It is NOT just a another dog story, but the different point of view from the dog glues the story and increases the emotional impact.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Written by Jacque on July 28th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I loved it from start to finish. Excellent and the reader was excellent also. A bad reader can ruin the very best book. This was was perfect all the way around.

The Art Of Racing In The Rain

Written by TrAcEy on July 6th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

REALLY liked this book. Unique point of view. Evoked all the appropriate emotional responses that while uncomfortable, isn't that why we read? To put us in somebody's elses shoes (paws?). Kinda sad, but definitely interesting.

Great book

Written by Susan on April 18th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Wonderful book, very thoughtful and entertaining. It makes you look at your own dogs and wonderful if they are as insightful.

Loved it!

Written by Heather on April 13th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved this story and thought that the narration was wonderful.

Selected Reviews

by Janie Gafford
  • Book Rating: 4/5

by Mel Kaye
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 13

Author Details

Author Details

Stein, Garth

Garth Stein is the author of three novels, including the "New York Times" bestseller "The Art of Racing in the Rain" and "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets", and a play, "Brother Jones". He has worked as a documentary filmmaker, and he lives in Seattle with his family.