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

Fantastic.

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

Absolutely. This was a truly unexpected gem of a tale and Christopher Welch really understands the narrators inner world. The writing and narration go perfectly together.

What did you like best about this story?

The narrator's point of view is wonderfully unique. He is full of the insights and wisdom that come from being a "Zen" like observer of those around him; as well as the fallibility and emotional impulsivity of interacting with our loved ones on a daily basis.

Any additional comments?

This is a story that lingers. It is a wonderfully and painfully human story about love, family, healing, and the power of keeping your eyes focused on the road ahead.

OMG!

One of the best books I have read/listened to in a long time. Definitely don't let this one pass by. Such a great book! Love that it is in the point of view if the dog!

A Dog with a Buddhist nature.

We all know dogs are possitive, caring, compassionate and forgiving, but this dog takes the dog biscuit. Enzo has his moments of anger, vengefullness and he may even be a bad boy who blames his misgivings on a stuffed animal, but he loves his owner.

Educated by the television his owner leaves on for him when he's out, Enzo has thoughts deeper than most humans dare. And why not? He has plenty of time to meditate over it. Alone. At home. Or in the car. For hours.

If we personified any dog, it would be the happy, go-lucky, power of attraction, hippy dude with a few moments of less-than-exemplary behaviour. And so Enzo is.

I am not into racing, but using racing metaphors for the pain, struggles, kisses and resilience of life, Enzo is like a monk or guardian angel sent to watch over his owner and family. I now want to race. Or a dog. or both.

The MAJOR drawback to this audiobook is the cheesy music between book parts that continues on through the dialogue. I seriously thought I was listening to Gone With The Wind. I almost stopped listening because of it. Glad I powered through. That's right... I didn't give a damn.

Compassionate and thought-provoking

I adored this audiobook. The story, the narrator, just everything .. a real keeper that conveys moving observations and empathy. I find myself regarding my own 4 dogs in a different light after completing this moving book. Brilliant.

I love this book

Great story I have listened to it several times. I think it really shows the human spirit

Wonderful!

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

I didn't read the print version, but I think the voice version brought the characters to life in a way that the print version couldn't.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Enzo, of course, was my favorite. How could he not be?

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

I haven't heard any other Christopher Welch performances.

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

Again, that would have to be Enzo. I always suspected dogs were smarter than they could articulate. He just proved it!

Any additional comments?

Be ready to go through a full range of emotions...from complete happiness to heart wrenching sadness. This book delivers it all.

Simply great!

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

My first audio-book, it was my company in a 10 hour flight, it just got me, I cried and laughed with Enzo.

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

Enzo, of course.

If you could rename The Art of Racing in the Rain, what would you call it?

From the heart and soul of a Dog

Amazing, emotional, funny and inspiring book

My wife and I listened to this book on a weekend trip, the book had 2 hrs left on it after we got home, so we drove around the city for another 2hrs to finish the book. This book will cut you to the bone and it will bring the full range of emotions to bear. I whole heartedly recommend downloading this book, you will not be disappointed.

Great book for dog lovers

The ending with bring tears to your eyes . If people had half the wisdom as Enzo the world would be a better place.

Depth, warmth and heart.

I'll simply say I was sad for this story to end. I could have listened to the adventures of Enzo for days. If a movie is made, hopefully they'll do this book justice.