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The Art of Racing in the Rain
The Art of Racing in the Rain

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Author: Garth Stein
Publisher: Harper
Category: Book

List Price: $23.95
Buy New: $13.97
You Save: $9.98 (42%)



New (41) Used (21) Collectible (2) from $12.95

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 198 reviews
Sales Rank: 180

Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 5.2 x 1.7

ISBN: 0061537934
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780061537936
ASIN: 0061537934

Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new item. Over 3.5 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Order with confidence. Code: B20080904214033T

Also Available In:

  • Hardcover - Art of Racing in the Rain, The
  • Audio Download - The Art of Racing in the Rain (Unabridged)
  • Paperback - Art of Racing in the Rain
  • Kindle Edition - Art of Racing in the Rain, The

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description

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, Zoe, 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 Zoe 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.




Customer Reviews:   Read 193 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Not perfect, but a very good read   September 2, 2008
"The Art of Racing in the Rain" is not perfect, too many flaws in the story and the writing for get 5 stars, but well worth reading.

The dog's eye view of the world (Enzo) makes the story, even with the human (Denny) being so darn dumb off the track. As a bonus, much of the racing stuff rings true so a superb read for a sports car racing fan (cars that can turn left AND right) or dog lovers and a great read for most everyone else.

If you have never had a dog or a pet you loved, then maybe you might not "get it"?




3 out of 5 stars Love the dog, hate the story   September 2, 2008
A week after finishing this book, I feel compelled to counter much of the effusive praise with an unpopular critique based on the merits of the plot. While Enzo is a noble and wise soul whose observations and musings confirmed much of what I believe goes on in my dog's mind, I found the story itself as saccharine and implausible as a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. Characters too flatly drawn as either too virtuous or completely vile, and a resolution as ridiculous as the last-minute confessions by the 'true killer' on an old episode of Perry Mason. I get it, the art of racing in the rain is learning to maneuver smartly with whatever life throws at you. But Denny seemed totally incapable of applying that skill to his own life beyond the race track, and thus unworthy of the fortune that ultimately befalls him.


5 out of 5 stars I love that dog!   September 1, 2008
I bought this book from Starbucks, because I loved Marley & Me and apparently, I'm a sucker for a dog on a book. I bought it without reading the excerpt, and was happy to discover the book is narrated by the main character, Enzo. Enzo describes his life with the family, the funny stuff, the happy times and the extreme difficulties Denny (Enzo's master) faces later on, with such intelligence and insight only a dog could provide.

I will warn you- crying... the sobbing type of crying... will occur. It's a happy/sad ending that will make you remember why you love your own dog so much.




4 out of 5 stars Dog lovers beware - tears will fall.   August 31, 2008
The opening chapter of this book tells us that this is going to be an unusual story - one told in the voice of the dog, Enzo. And Enzo is dying. However, the book is much more than that. Garth Stein, the author, has Enzo remember his puppyhood as well as most of the details of his life with Denny, a race car driver. In the process he offers a philosophy for each of their approaches to life - the fear of a driver for racing in the rain and the way he can overcome fears and go on is a major theme in the book. Because it is the life story of a dog, pet lovers, especially dog lovers, are sure to be touched, but others will surely love it too.


5 out of 5 stars Written for me!   August 30, 2008
My wonder dog, Belle, is 14 years old. I've been worried - "When will the time come?" or worse, "How will I KNOW the time has come?" Garth Stein wrote this wonderful book for me. As much as my husband and I remember Belle's life and times and the funny stories, she may remember,too! She knows who she was and who she now is. And when her time comes, she'll be ready. What a relief to me. I love her so and realize through this story that she will indeed be with me always. Call me corney, silly, crazy- I don't care! This book touched me and helped me prepare for one of the toughest things I know I will face. And I thank Garth Stein for that.