#gath stein

© Photo from Amazon

Author: Garth Stein

Publication Date: May 13, 2008 (first published January 1, 2008

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages:  321 pages

Edition: Hardcover

Source: Booksale (owned)

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

My Rating: 5/5

Goodreads Summary:

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. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

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.

My Review:

‘La macchina va dove vanno gli occhi,’ the boy says. The champion laughs then looks at the sky. ‘Si,’ he says.

The car goes where the eyes go. It is true, my young friend. It is very, very true.

Excuse me while I cry and smile at the same time. This is a damn success in Enzo’s part and I could tell the real and fictional world agrees with me. I am relieved, but more than that happy, to know the outcome of Denny and Enzo’s story. I won’t say the end because god knows a chapter has ended but the story goes on and so far, a new chapter begins for both of them. I like how clear the author is in incorporating racing and Mongolian belief in producing this book, let alone allowing a dog to narrate the story. That is an automatic five stars for me considering that I, myself, is a dog lover and there’s nothing in this world that will make me happy than reading a book in perspective of a dog.

Kudos to Garth Stein for entrusting this story in the hands—err, paws of the dog and for doing a great job in writing this emotional masterpiece. There are so much originality and realness in this book that guarantee genuine emotional investment from its readers. I will be damned if I wouldn’t admit that my heart melted and wept while reading it and honestly, at some point, I cried because of Denny’s mishaps in life; however, I was also happy to see how Enzo played a huge part in keeping Denny, his emotions and sanity intact. In my opinion, what happened to Denny is too much and if I were in his position, I will surely lose my shit. But then again, Enzo was Denny’s saving grace. I am actually amazed how a dog can master such awareness that even his own decision makes more sense than that of Denny. Their friendship was so pure that if only Enzo can speak, they can definitely finish each other’s sentences. Of course, inability to speak is a hindrance, but because their friendship goes beyond their differences communication barrier is nothing. Like, when Denny was so stressed out about his legal problems, he wants to get drunk and Enzo knows Denny should not be resorting to alcoholism – that alcohol is not the solution to his problems. So he went on a strike—purposefully avoiding Denny by not sleeping in his room. Moments later, Denny came in telling him he did not drink anything and apologized to Enzo as if he knows that move made his dog upset. Ghad, that scene solidified everything—that those two have this special friendship bond way too personal that they don’t need words to understand each other. People, I am simply fascinated by how they affect each other and I would like to believe all dogs have such kind of consciousness. Like, in my case, sometimes think my dogs know me better than myself – same reason why I am so in love with this book.

Anyway, I want you to know guys that this book touched my heart in more ways than one and there’s no denying that my reading experience in this book is the soundest and silliest ever. (Silly ideas are learning ideas, okay) It was a fun and uplifting read complete with heart-warming scenes from a dog’s account of human life and its ups and downs, all the while embracing death like a God-given opportunity. It was wittingly original and consistent, fueled by excellent word choice and relatable plot. Somehow, to read this masterful book is like having the peace of mind I needed in evaluating my life and how I chart my course towards the destination I want…or dared to reach.

“That which we manifest is before us.”

This is my biggest takeaway from Enzo and Denny’s story and I am proud to say that I have learned life-changing truths about human life in this book that I haven’t in any other places and dammit, I learned it from Enzo – the dog! So, if you are lost and uncertain about the direction you are heading and the choices you are making, please do read this book. Enzo’s warm hugs and contagious outlook in life is ready to outweigh your problems in real life. 

My rating:

Cover – 3.8

Title – 4.5

Plot – 5.0

Character Development – 4.3

Writing style – 5.0

Extras (includes chapter introductions, in-book illustrations, freebies, discussion guides, etc.) – 4.0 Includes quick factoids about the book.

Bonus

Happy tears and ugly crying catalyst – + 0.50

Total: 4.93

Final Rating:

Exceeds my expectation a.k.a classic (may/may not be a literal classic)

About the Author:

Photo from Goodreads

Garth Stein is the author of four novels: the New York Times bestselling gothic/historical/coming-of-age/ghost story, “A Sudden Light”; the internationally bestselling “The Art of Racing in the Rain”; the PNBA Book Award winner, “How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets”; and the magically realistic “Raven Stole the Moon.” He is also the author of the stage play “Brother Jones.” He has a dog, he’s raced a few cars, climbed a bunch of really tall trees, made a few documentary films, and he lives in Seattle with his family. He’s co-founder of Seattle7Writers.org, a non-profit collective of 74 Northwest authors working together to energize the reading and writing public.

To know more about the author, visit him online at http://www.garthstein.com/