The Art of Racing in the Rain

By: Garth Stein

Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a Major Motion Picture from Fox 2000 Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and Kevin Costner

Meet the Dog Who Will Show the World How to Be Human

The New York Times best-selling novel from Garth Stein - a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope - a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

"Splendid." (People)

"The perfect book for anyone who knows that compassion isn’t only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can’t stop thinking about: this is one of them." (Jodi Picoult)

"It's impossible not to love Enzo." (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

"This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book." (Sara Gruen)

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

©2008 Bright White Light, LLC (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

I am better for having listened to this book

There are over 100 books in my Audible.com library and I've listened to each one. This book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, is one of the very few that I will listen to a second time. The characters are brought to life in a way that most audiobooks fail to achieve. Narration is excellent, the story is moving, and as a whole I felt I was a better more complete person for having listened to the book.

I really liked this book a lot!

I've seen reviews that slam this book for being contrived or cliche - but, it's really just good fun. And, the primary plot conflict (father strives to retain custody of daughter) is a real heart-string ripper! Okay, perhaps the ending (no spoiler here!) was a bit contrived - but, hey - you had to see that coming! I'm not going to ding the book on having a little metaphysical fun!


Also, I personally liked the clever device of using the 1st person narrative from the perspective of Enzo, the dog. Silly? Maybe if that sort of things bothers you. But, I thought it was a cute twist. Besides, I think the author did a pretty darn good job of capturing what a dog might see/think/feel...well, a really smart and self-aware dog, I guess!


The narrator did a fine job in capturing the feelings and personalities of the various characters...even the canine character!

Oh Brother

I can't say I didn't enjoy this book, because I did. I also can't say this book was in any way convincing to me as something that is literary, honestly poignant, or deep. I did manage to listen to the whole thing, and actually enjoyed the last third very much, but there were several times I thought I'd quit and use my time to better purpose. I love pets and can be as maudlin as the next guy about their importance in a person's or a family's life, but a genious, psychoanalytical, highly verbal (though silent), reincarnation-obsessed, speed-car racing canine? It was a bit much even for me, who routinely talks to her pets and prays for their longevity. Izo (the dog-protagonist) tells his story in an interesting manner, complete with flashback, poetic licence, imagery, and an otherworldly abundance of imagination. So . . . I guess my final verdict might be that I enjoyed this book, learned very little, but came away emotionally touched, all at the same time.

Who would have thought our dogs knew us so well?

What did you love best about The Art of Racing in the Rain?

I was really pleasantly surprised to find that a book written from a unique (but potentially bad) perspective of a dying dog could be so insightful and interesting. The book is a real page turner, telling a story while conveying a profound meditation on many of life's lessons: living in the present, family love, friendship, and chasing your dreams.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Art of Racing in the Rain?

The scenes in which you can (if you're a dog lover like me) really hear the dog's voice and identify with his "Dogness." These scenes made me laugh and cry at the same time.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Evan Welch’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to the Narrator's performances but would love to find more titles like this one with him at the helm.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Man's best friend has a lot to teach us about being a man.

Any additional comments?

LOVED this book. Really memorable, thoughtful, and well done.

Great narration

Going into this knowing it involved death and grief made me apprehensive, but Mr. Stein addressed it all in a matter of fact and not a maudlin way. Enzo is a love able creature and portrayed in a manner that is believable. I can only hope my dogs love me as much as he loved his family!
The narration was top notch, and he must have read the book a few times prior to recording because he gave great portrayals without over dramatizing or making the characters seem pathetic.

what an amazing read

this story will touch your heart in so many ways. I wish I knew enzo in real liife

such a good story

encaptivaing story love the whole thing. very well written, will definitely recommend this book to friends and family

so great!

such a fun perspective! interesting story told by mans best friend. totally would recommend it.

Loved the book

Great story about a race car driver and a dog who loved racing. Most memorable moment was the ending.

Inspiring, had me in tears

If you have a dog, but will touch your heart. It not only tells us a story which heartwarming and insightful, but give us a new perspective on our beloved companions.