The Art of Racing in the Rain

By: Garth Stein

Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Soon to be a major motion picture, this heartwarming and inspirational tale follows Enzo, a loyal family dog, and tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart and what he did to bring them back together.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realises that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the racetrack, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life.

Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the listener to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve if we truly know where we want to be.

©2008 Garth Stein (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; 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 Piccoult)

"The Art of Racing in the Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and - best of all - the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book." (Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants)

"The Art of Racing in the Rain takes you on an unforgettable journey through another kind of mind, through the eyes - and nose - of a dog. I found it fascinating." (Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation)

Brilliant heartwarming story. Loved everything about this book

Enjoyed the story being told through the eyes and mind of a dog. The positivity carries all the way through to story even through the most difficult circumstances

Awesome

This story is beautifully written!
This really gives me a differenr perspective on dogs
I know they are clever and all but didnt ever think that their thought process is like human too!
And I agree with Enzo! The closest similar primate to human should be dogs!