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 Beautifully Told Story

I was skeptical about listening to this book because I am a dog lover and I was afraid that it would be too sad for me. However, this was incredibly well-written. I never got to the point where I was too distraught to listen. This book took me through a full range of emotions. One minute I was tearing up and the next I was chuckling to myself. It brought to mind my own beloved dog(s).
I highly recommend this book!!!

Wonderful and very Moving

I have listened to many audio books and this is the first one that has caused me to write a review. First of all the narrator is excellent. If a dog could tell his life story, he'd sound like the narrator. The reading was not cartoony or tongue-in-cheek. I believed Enzo was telling me his story.

And the story is wonderful. I won't mention plot points but will tell you that Enzo couldn't have had a better master and he knows it. If you can listen to this book without laughing out loud or shedding at least a few tears, you have a heart made of stone.

For those who are not fans of auto racing, neither am I. Enzo is and he drew me into the sport while listening to the novel. Rest assured that while auto racing is referred to many times, this is not a story about auto racing.

If you enjoy stories about the bond between man and dog, please listen to this book.

A charming book

Nothing fancy, but a real nice story, well-told, humorous and poignant in equal measure, and a book that will leave you thinking fondly of a dog you have loved.

pleasant minus a subplot

Story was somewhat predictable but enjoyable. I liked listening to it told by the dog, the personification. There was a subplot I did not like in the storyline, but otherwise an easy pleasant read.

Beautifully Sad!

This story will make you laugh and cry. Be prepared to have Kleenex handy, especially near the end of the book. It’s heart wrenching to listen to. I found myself talking to and playing with our 20-month-old Cavapoo named Cammi way more while hearing the audio, and kept wondering what she’s thinking. Going to see the movie this weekend.

Heartbreaking in the Best Way

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, and I have done so! Not only is the story itself compelling, but to hear it told from the perspective of the dog was incredible. If you are a dog lover, it is like hearing everything you think your dog is thinking brought to life.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending. It brought it all together for me.

Any additional comments?

I wasn't expecting the story to be quite what it was, but from the very beginning you are so compelled by the life of this family and how they all come together. In the span of Enzo's (the dog) life, you see his caretaker Denny go from a single man and then into a family man, with struggles, triumphs, and all in between. This book is totally unique to anything else I've read.

All around great book

I loved everything about this audio book... the story was compelling and the performer was perfect. I wasn't sure I'd like it since I'm not a racing buff, but it added a good dimension to the story, using racing metaphors.
I must say though, I was crying like a baby towards the end, it hit so close to home.

Outstanding read

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

Beautifully written - Enzo is a great narrator and the story unfolds in very satisfying manner.

What did you like best about this story?

The surprises along the way.

What does Christopher Evan Welch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does a great job of keeping his voice out of the story, just adding emphasis and inflection when it makes sense.

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

Enzo, of course.

An exceptional book

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

Very well written. I laughed out loud, I was sad and I even shed a few tears - but in the end, things resolved in a very positive way. Enzo has a great sense of humor and great insights into life, which ultimately applied to both humans and dogs.

What other book might you compare The Art of Racing in the Rain to and why?

I enjoyed this as much as another recent read and excellent dog book, "A Big Little Life", by Dean Koontz. Both are great dog stories and should not be missed by dog (animal) lovers.

Which scene was your favorite?

Enzo's constant commentary regarding what was going on in the world around him and how he thought he was responding to it, although "no one can hear me, because I'm just a dog". "Beware the Zebra" was another great line, repeated on a few occasions. There are a number of cute, laugh out loud moments.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The wisdom, loyalty and insight shown by Enzo as he and Denny said goodbye was very personal and moving. It was touching and sad, but only briefly so. (This is not a depressing book about the death of someones' pet).

Any additional comments?

I didn't know what to expect, but this book far exceeded my expectations. It's just a really good book. I have many others yet to listen to, but I may have to listen to this one again, very soon. Well done Mr. Stein and Mr. Welch, who did a great job narrating this book. Highly recommended.

The Art of Racing in the Rain (Unabridged)

Great listen. Enjoyed the narrator: Christopher Evan Welch - made the novel come to life. Thank you - Chris for making the listen so enjoyable.... great voice.