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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
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    16,078
  • 4 Stars
    4,273
  • 3 Stars
    1,358
  • 2 Stars
    358
  • 1 Stars
    245
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    14,310
  • 4 Stars
    3,225
  • 3 Stars
    785
  • 2 Stars
    134
  • 1 Stars
    85
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13,525
  • 4 Stars
    3,294
  • 3 Stars
    1,172
  • 2 Stars
    313
  • 1 Stars
    209

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

5 out of 3000

I have over 3000 audiobooks in two accounts - and have listened to them all - even when I should have stopped. The Art of Racing in the Rain is without question one of the five best.

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219 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A stunning read

I'll admit it... I frequently judge books by their covers. As a new owner of a yellow Labrador Retriever, this book screamed at me to pick it up off the table at our local library. I devoured the book, finishing it in just under two days. Then my wife read it at lightning speed.
This is where is gets weird...
After my wife read the book I read it again (something I have never done with fiction). Not only did I read it a second time, but then I picked it up here on audible.
Yes, it simply *is* that good!
The story is unique, and the main character's perspective is captivating. The book has really stuck with me, leading me to place a quote from it in my office at work.
Give it a listen, I'm certain you'll enjoy it.

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180 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Enzo (because he's so wize) for president.

Of the 125 books I've listened to, this one is my favorite. The human characters were beautifully developed, but Enzo the dog will steal your heart. The story brings out a full range of emotions; I laughed many times, and cried when it was over. My husband is listening to it now, and he thinks it's great too. Don't miss it.

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120 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Artful Surprise

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

The intelligence of the narrator. I dodged this book for so long because I thought it would be simplistic as just another dog book riding the "Marley & Me" coat tails. I finally listened to this after an Audible sale purchase and was amazed. The depth of the observations made by the narrator about what it's like to be a dog were spot on. All characters were fleshed out well and I felt the whole range of emotions Denny & Enzo. Fantastic book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Enzo was insightful and intelligent and well versed in new age theory. He was funny and honest.

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

Welch's voice emotes all the intelligence and wit possessed by Enzo. He sounds honest, forthright, and strong, just like Enzo.

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

The name is perfect. As with all good titles, it has many meanings. It alludes to Denny's racing and all of the character's individual philosophy of life.

Any additional comments?

Buy this one. Great story & narrator.

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94 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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!!!

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81 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

MUSIC IN AUDIOBOOKS - WHY?

Any additional comments?

I've read other books narrated by a dog and liked them more. I didn't get very attached to the characters on this one. The story wasn't bad, I just wouldn't brag on it.

I do have a question for Harper, who produced this book.
Question: Do the producers at Harper ever read a printed book? If so, do you stop between chapters or parts and turn on music before you move on to the rest of the book? Just wondering WHY you think it's a splendid idea to insert music into the books you produce. Some of us listen in bed at night and music suddenly blaring in your ear is very irritating. It's irritating at any place in any book. Please STOP IT.

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73 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring without being cheesy

I am a dog person, not a cat person, so that was easy. But I had a bit of trouble keeping going through a couple parts as they closely reflected things that are happening with my dog. But how they were done was good and eventually not as painful as I thought they would be. On the whole, I loved the entire book. The dog's perspective was well done. The book gave me something to think about as to how to live my life. Good narrator. I'll be reading it again.

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57 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Pushes the Emotional Envelope

I truly enjoy when a book challenges my emotions. A book that can do that, captures me, and I become part of it. It doesnt happen often, but it did happen in The Art of Racing in the Rain. A real human interest story with very high highs and low lows, all told from the view of the family dog. I love it! I am also a long time dog owner and lover and I appreciated all the little nuances that could only come from someone who truly knows how a dog behaves. As for the racing part, I know nothing about racing but it fit the story perfectly and I found I did not need to know a thing about racing or even be interested in it. The story takes you from the depths of despair to the heights of euphoria. It doesnt often get better than this.

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46 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Way too sad for me...

I tried and tried to get into this book. Unfortunately it is way too emotionally sad for me. I cannot recommend this book for anyone who is extremely sensitive by nature and especially sensitive to animals. It hurt my heart way too much.
However, for the masses... probably a fantastic read!

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37 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Absolutely LOVED this book.I have downloaded around 10 books over the past year and this is by far my favorite. I was totally dissapointed when it ended. Highly recommended

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28 people found this helpful