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

A great book!

I loved this book! I picked this book by reading readers reviews.
Thank you. This book will stay in my memory.

Fantastic listen.

I couldn't wait to listen to the next chapter. The entire story was well told and captivating. A beautiful tale. Absolutely loved this novel.

Not a dog story, but a good read

If you're looking for a story about a dog, this isn't it. The author just decided to put the very human (sentient, rational, philosophical) narrator's voice into the head of a dog, whose thoughts we hear so that his eyes (and ears and nose) become our window onto the events. The only really doglike aspect of this character is his unquestioning devotion to his human family.

That said, the "dog's" point of view is interesting and charming so the device works, and the story is complex and engaging. My brother, who is a fan of car racing and an occasional amateur race driver, really liked the car racing element and felt it was authentic and really captured the thrill. I'm not a racing fan but enjoyed getting a glimpse into that world.

A weeper

What made the experience of listening to The Art of Racing in the Rain the most enjoyable?

There are many things that stand out about this book. First the narrator is restrained and emotional and perfect. He carried me along with his wonderful voice.
The story told by the valiant Enzo is a fairy tale in that we suffer along with the main character, Denny, through everything bad that life can throw at him, but all comes right in the end. Loved it.

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

The ending when Enzo is dying. Such a magnificent performance

Which character – as performed by Christopher Evan Welch – was your favorite?

Enzo of course

If you could take any character from The Art of Racing in the Rain out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Again Enzo

Entertaining, with a lot of auto racing language.

If you could sum up The Art of Racing in the Rain in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, touching, predictable

Who was your favorite character and why?

Without a doubt, the dog. The author did a fine job of maintaining the dog's perspective on the world and what a person might expect to think a dog would say or how he would react to what humans do in life.

What about Christopher Evan Welch’s performance did you like?

He maintained the perspective of each character and allowed the listener to feel the words.

If you could take any character from The Art of Racing in the Rain out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Again, it would have to be the dog. The dog stole the show.

Any additional comments?

The book is very entertaining. The performance is well done. It does have some slow moments when the author goes into great detail about auto racing or cars. Despite having a few slow points, you could imagine yourself there watching the story unfold from the view of the dog. The storyline is somewhat predictable with some interesting twists and turns that keeps a listener's attention.

Most heartwarming story written!

Where does The Art of Racing in the Rain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

First Place! The narrator actually gives you the vision from Enzo's perspective of Life

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

When Denny took Enzo racing for the first time. The story pulls you into the struggle of Love, Life and death. And the importance of family through out the good and the very bad

Which character – as performed by Christopher Evan Welch – was your favorite?

Enzo, adoring and strong!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The author is extremely good in artfully creating the insight from a pets point of view. At the same time using semantic objects, such as the stuffed zebra to carefully explain the feelings of dealing with the cancer. You cannot help but laugh and cry throughout the book, but leaves you with a very heartwarming ending!

wonderful perspective and a well told story

I often try to find books I can share on car trips with my family from my 80 year old mom
to my teen aged kids. This is one of the few that can span the generations with ease. I hesitated buying this as it seemed a little too cute- maybe good for parents or teens but not just a regular pick up and read book. I am so glad I got it and enjoyed it thoroughly. The unique vantage point of being told by a dog who is a the end of his days gives the story a mobility and freshness that allows it to be both sage and full of child-like glee at the simple things in life and the importance of friendship and family. I did literally laugh outloud and cry outloud.

As always I try to listen on the faster speed on my ipod and generally buy abriged where possible. It's a short attention span world you know.

good book period

Nice story from a dog's perspective. True life ups and downs that could apply to anyone.

Loved It!

Great story and great reader. Couldn't stop listening. Made me laugh and cry.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Loved this so much!!
But have to tell you I really hated the music parts. Very jarring for the mood of the book, and seemed out of place and unnecessary.