The
Art of Racing in the Rain .
Garth Stein. Harper. 2008.
Book review by Tracey
I found this novel at the Starbucks where I get my expensive coffee treat
every Saturday on my way to my mother’s house. I have never purchased
a book there before, but sometimes I do splurge on a CD…. Anyway,
a few Saturdays ago, I was waiting for the barista to create my Venti
Cinnamon Mocha Latte, and I noticed this book being featured. Normally
I might not be interested in a book narrated by a dog, but my mother’s
service dog Harley had just been diagnosed with a disorder which will
render him blind within the year. He has been an invaluable helper and
friend to my mother, and others, as he also does therapy work at hospitals,
nursing homes, etc. Harley convinced me to pick up the book. I have never
read Garth Stein, but one of the reviews on the back of the dust cover
was done by Wally Lamb, the author of two books I recently read. Mr. Lamb’s
review convinced me to BUY the book.
The main character is Enzo the dog. He tells the story of his life in
relation to his human family starting with being purchased by his owner,
Denny, as a puppy. Denny is a part-time race car driver, which is a subject
throughout the book. Hence, the title. Enzo learns a lot from watching
TV, and has a special hatred for crows. His human family has lots of ups
and downs but Enzo remains an unwaveringly loyal pet. Of course the story
is designed to appeal to humans, not dogs, but I would like to believe
that dogs do think, and that perhaps they think like Enzo. This one’s
definitely worth a read, even if it’s just to get a dog's point
of view!
Tracey.
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