The Art of Racing in the Rain

By: Garth Stein

Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition. He sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side.

Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

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

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.

86 of 89 people found this review helpful

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.

105 of 110 people found this review helpful

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.

147 of 155 people found this review helpful

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!!!

58 of 61 people found this review helpful

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.

84 of 89 people found this review helpful

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.

49 of 52 people found this review helpful

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.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

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.

34 of 37 people found this review helpful

What a Story!

It's been a while since I listened to a book and felt moved enough to write a review but this is one of the best this year. The premise is outlandish but it really works, the writing is beautiful. This story has everything in it - humor, friends, family, love and death. Within the first 5 minutes you are hooked on this story and will have a hard time turning it off. The narration and production of this book is excellent.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

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

27 of 31 people found this review helpful

Enchanting story

Well told delightful story that shows the writers passion for racing and how these skills can come in handy. A story of success through humility and love.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

brilliant book

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

As a fervent motor racing fan and dog lover this book was just up my street, just loved it. All life is encapsulated by the old dog. It made me laugh and cry best read this year.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An all-time favourite!

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

Yes. It was a beautiful story, well-written and perfectly read.

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

It is in a clas of its own.

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

No, but I will look out for him.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I laughed and cried...It was an emotional book.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book when I first read it, and I enjoyed it all over again, even more, when I listened to it. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

very enjoyable - beautifully written and read

A light-hearted, beautifully written book. Loved the way this dog views the world. Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it (and didn't find the end part weird despite comments to the contrary).

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent

One of the best books I have read for a long time, especially if you are a dog lover, I could see myself as the dog, and I could see my dog in the book also.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great listen-but....

This is a great listen with lots of clever observational detail and a cracking storyline.It is very moving in parts without being too "syrupy"-I bet you will be looking at your beloved mutt in a different way!
Really enjoyed it- but what was the court room Steven Hawkins thing about??-I'm afraid this really jarred with me-was the author looking for a way out?
Still good stuff, though,if you've got an elderly,wobbly much loved dog,be prepared to shed a tear or two.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The art of racing....

Oh my god, what a book. The narrator is splendid. I didnt know what to expect when this story commenced. It is very very special.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

So happy that this narrator was chosen

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed indeed savoured the printed book, I was a bit nervous about paying for an audio version in case it was a let-down.

I need not have worried. The narrator does a superb job and is utterly convincing as Enzo, and I didn't want my listening time to end.

I can totally recommend this audiobook.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved it

Fantastic book. Hearbreaking and funny. Highly recommend reading this book. Well narrated and lovely story

Heartwarming story!

Well paced with a satisfying ending. Narrator fit the bill perfectly! A great read!
Enzo the dog is a fantastic character 🙂