The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (2008)
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautiful little book as told from a dog’s point of view. Enzo is a Labrador-terrier mix who was adopted as a young pup by Denny. The novel begins near the end of Enzo’s life. Although he cannot speak, he strives to let his Denny know that it is time to let him go. Enzo has a strong feeling that he will become human in his next life, something that he looks forward to.
Denny works in an auto shop with dreams of becoming a famous race-car driver. Enzo truly lives a dog’s life, whose only disappointment is that he has no thumbs. If only he had thumbs, he thinks, what wonderful things he could accomplish!
Enzo’s goes through life changes as Denny’s life changes. Denny falls in love with Eve and marries and begins a family. Eve worries how Enzo will treat their young daughter, Zoe. She should have had no fears, however, as both dog and child become good pals.
Denny has a habit of leaving the TV on so that Enzo can be occupied during the day. Enzo learns about life through the wonderful world of television. Between the television, and Denny’s monologs, Enzo gains insight into the human condition. He learns about life through race-car driving. Life, like race-care driving requires techniques to navigate all the obstacles that are thrown at one.
Enzo knows long before the rest of the family that Eve has a dreadful illness. After Eve dies following her battle with brain cancer, her parents fight Denny for custody of Zoe. Eve’s father dislikes Denny and feels Eve married beneath her class. When a young relative accuses Denny of rape, Enzo becomes his main strength, as he struggles to regain his reputation.
The title of the book comes from Denny’s talent for racing on wet pavement. It is also an metaphor for live itself. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a quick read, to anyone with a pet is an unforgettable story.
Read: August 1, 2010
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