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

Perfect for whole family listening

Would you listen to The Art of Racing in the Rain again? Why?

Yes, in fact my youngest son was ready to hear the whole story again when we finished.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book with my two sons, ages 9 and 12, in the car as we commuted to school and back. We all loved the story and looked forward to our time in the car. The narration is a perfect fit for the story - exactly as you would expect a dog to sound! It was appropriate for children and yet still enjoyable for an adult. It was a nice break from the many science fiction/fantasy novels that are in the young adult category. We miss Bailey!

Enjoyable from every aspect

If you love dogs this book will break your heart and make you smile at the end. There is a bit of whimsy, humor, sadness, love, warmth, intrigue and spirituality. Cleverly conceived and enjoyably written then performed to perfection. Most people can relate to even the racing aspects of the story, though the premise is a bit far fetched. Loved everything about this book... Get it!

Lessons for Life

Would you listen to The Art of Racing in the Rain again? Why?

I would listen to this book again because the story was well written. It made me think, laugh, cry and everything in between.

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

One of the most memorable moments was when Enzo was protecting (in his own mind) the dying wife from death. It brought me to tears.

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

Enzo was my favorite character. Enzo is looking back at his life and recall the lessons he has learned. Stein's ability to show Enzo as a thoughtful, almost human character is what makes the book so appealing. Enzo the dog relates his beliefs / lessons about life to what Denny has taught him about expert racing and it all fits together beautifully.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoyed the narratror's performance. I did listen to this book in one sitting while I was traveling. I loved it.

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this wonderful insight into life's mysteries.

Wasn't Sure What to Expect

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

The Art of Racing in the Rain ranks as one of my top 10 in all the audiobooks I've listened to so far.

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

Seeing the world from a dog's perspective was fresh, new, and surprisingly poignant.

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

Christopher Evan Welch read with feeling and without manipulation. He just lets the listener feel what he or she fees without trying to coerce.

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

One of the most original films of the year!

Any additional comments?

Thoroughly enjoyed my time spent listening to The Art of Racing in the Rain!

Dog gives a great analogy of human life

I was hesitant to buy this book, a dog telling a life story?? Very pleasantly surprised. the oration of this book is one of the best I've listened to. I laughed and I cried as the tale of a connection between a dog and his owner unfolded.

fantastic!

wonderful story, narrated perfectly. Pulled at my heart strings for so many reasons. The emotions described are so realistic and the successful racer's mindset is described so well. Will purchase the book to gift to friends. Thank you! :)

So captivating!!!

I had read several reviews of this book before purchasing it and one stuck out in my mind. One person said they loved it so much that they will reread it and they never reread a Fiction. I feel the same about it as well! I am an animal lover and I also like auto racing. So this book was perfect! It was very well written and kept me engaged all the way through the book! Great story, great narrator! The one and only thing that I did not like was the somber music at the beginning of each chapter. I could have done without that. Sometimes it overpowered the narrator.

A great finish!

After such a great ending, I wish I could give this book 5 stars, but the first half was slow and not that interesting. However, I really really enjoyed it as a whole!

Life Philosophy from a Dog's Point of View

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

I loved the touching nature of the story and the way Stein weaves life wisdom into a story that's seemingly about a race car driver and his dog. His advice to

Who was your favorite character and why?

Enzo. How can you not fall in love with a TV watching dog who seems to have it all figured out?

Most excellent!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Art of Racing in the Rain to be better than the print version?

I can't say without having read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

I have long thought that there was more to dogs than most people think. This book was an excellent representation of that. Who could think differently after sitting and looking down into those soulful eyes. While I do not worship dogs, I do think very highly of them.

Which scene was your favorite?

The possessed zebra.

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

Enzo