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The Art of Racing in the Rain  By  cover art

The Art of Racing in the Rain

By: Garth Stein
Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch
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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

Featured Article: Don't press paws! Snuggle up with the best audiobooks for people who love their pets


This pet-lover-approved selection of audiobooks will give new and veteran pet parents alike a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite (furry) companions. In times of stress and uncertainty, there's nothing more comforting than hanging out with a dependable, lovable dog, cat, bird, or other favorite critter. No wonder the adoption of furry friends continues to surge! Here are our favorite stories that center around the most captivating of comrades—our pets.

What listeners say about The Art of Racing in the Rain

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Like the characters but the racing stuff ...

Overall the story was really good, but the racing facts were rather tedious for me- I guess they were kind of needed on the plot- but fewer would have been fine

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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One of the most enjoyable books in recent memory.

Car lovers and dog lovers will both be equally supremely pleased with this book. However, the real beauty of this book is that even people who aren't car or dog fanatics can enjoy the unique telling of a lifelong friendship from a character that doesn't even have the ability to speak.

This story was an extremely refreshing change of pace from most things I've read or listened to. Garth Stein nailed it when he chose to narrate this from a dog's perspective. There are just so many aspects of everyday life that we all overlook and take for granted, bu t have been brought to life by this story.

I couldn't help but imagine my brother and his dog in some of the same situations as Denny and Enzo. There is a very good reason for the cliche nickname that dog's have earned in our lives: man's best friend.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the level of racing knowledge that was exhibited. I'm not the biggest race fan you'll meet, but I have definitely dabbled in a few forms of automotive indulgence. The history and appreciation for racing that Garth Stein writes about is great!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

Great book for lovers of Ferraris and drivers and dogs and friendship. Trust me on this one, from one Motörhead to another. And it's deep too.

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Just One More Lap

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

I haven't listened to too many audiobooks (prefer to read) but recently began to commute a lot, so I started listening. The art of racing in the rain ranks in the top 3 of my all time favorite books, so naturally I downloaded the audio format. I was not disappointed- the book is brilliant and the reader does a great job conveying it as such.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is told from the perspective of a dog, albeit a smart one. It's a story about life, it's heart breaking, humorous, touching, shows the determination of the human spirit, the love between a man and his dog. It is an excellent story.

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

I haven't listened to any others, but felt he did an amazing job.

Who was the most memorable character of The Art of Racing in the Rain and why?

Enzo. He is a silent viewer of all that is happening around him, yet incredibly insightful on the events that humans so often overlook or take for granted. His love, acceptance, and loyalty are endless and admirable. Plus, he's a dog.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully written! Definitely recommend it. A book I would read again. Can't wait to see the movie.

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The Perfect Book

I have never enjoyed a book this much nor have I cried this much while listening to a book. What a beautiful story. A book that makes you love humans and dogs.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Dogs, Cars and Relationships

this is a wonderful story that focuses on the relationship of a man and his dog with his family. The racing parts aren't all that bad either!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK

I truly did not want this book to end. I don't agree with all his thoughts and beliefs but what a wonderful story!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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This story is just Rich with the most delicious enjoyable and hilarious dialogue.. the audiobook also has a great narrator

Thank you Garth Stein for such an amazing book so rich in storytelling laced with tremendous humor, and showing and teaching us that the Bonds of friendship can come in so many forms.

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A little too close to home

What a great listen. If you have every lost a dog, or someone to cancer, this will hit a bit too close to home. Looking forward to the movie, but I"m sure it won't be as good as the book!

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