The Art of Racing in the Rain

This book was again a suggestion by my sweet Grandma Neil. She has incredible taste in books and she just knew I would love this one. She was right. This has made it on to my list of favorite books.

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author: Garth Stein

Length: 336

Genre: Fiction

How long will it take to read: 2-5 days depending on how fast you read.

Type of read: Not a brain-candy read, but it is very easy to become engrossed in this story.

Enzo is a family dog that narrates the story. Stein wonderfully intertwines the life of the human family, the Swifts, with the life and perspective of a dog, Enzo. Enzo is smart and, if you have a dog, you will find yourself asking your dog, "Do you think like this?" And while the title of the book would make you think this book is about race car driving, it is...and it isn't. Trust me. I have no knowledge of the racing world and there were no points in the book that I was wondering what the heck was going on. The story is more about relationships, family, and growth.

It is funny. You will laugh. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Enzo is explaining that humans are in fact evolved from dogs. His evidence...werewolves.

It is sad. You will need a tissue box by your side.

It is hopeful.

Most of all, it will make you think. It really will make you look at your animals in a different way, especially if you have a dog.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book!

Favorite Character: Has to be Enzo. How can you not love a dog that narrates a story.

Rating: 5 stars. This should be on your "must read" list.

Published by Harper Paperbacks 2009.