BOOK REVIEW: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I received this book from a good friend of mine the other day and I couldn't be happier with it. The story is told from the dogs point of view. So many books I've read in my life time and only a few that come from an animals point of view. 

Enzo's (the dog) health is declining and in the bringing you learn its the eve of his death. While this might down like a super downer to start with, trust me, it's not. Enzo continues on to tell you his life (ultimately his masters as well) story. He takes you through being plucked out of a group of other puppies right up until the end of his life. You learn about his master Denny and his love of racing cars, which in turn Enzo develops a love for this as well. Denny's wife Eve and what it was like when they first met and how Enzo felt about her intruding in on their bachelor pad. He goes through Denny and Eve's wedding, her pregnancy, their child Zoe and both Eve and Denny's parents. Denny and Eve go through a lot with Eve being sick and then in turn Denny goes through a lot with her parents due to a custody battle. Without giving away all the major points of the book... its a very touching story. 

I currently have a dog who was diagnosed with Lymphoma and I imagine some of the things that Enzo says and feel, are things that she feels as well. The one thing that Enzo doesn't want to have to do is have his master HAVE to hurt him intentionally (put him down due to illness) and that is the one thing I hope and pray for my Bitty. 

I'm sure my description of this book really does it no justice as there is so much more emotion and passion involved in Garth Stein's writing... just know:

I laughed. I cried. I cried some more. I loved this book.

This is another book that I found as a trailer for it. Seriously.. why do all books not have this. (All though, the last trailer I found did a much better job making me interested in the book)

The Art of Racing in the Rain (A Trailer)

I found this trailer too which I think did a much better job of getting me excited about the book.

The Art of Racing in the Rain (A Trailer) #2