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The Art of Racing in the Rain
| Price: |
$26.95 |
| On Sale: |
05/05/2008 |
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Formats:
Hardcover
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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 and by listening closely to the words of his master, Denny
Swift, an up-and-coming racecar driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained insight
into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t just about
going fast. Using the techniques of the race track, dogs—and human beings—can
learn to navigate life’s hairpin turns.
On the night before 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 for custody of their daughter, Zoë. 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 Zoë 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 poignant love story and a moving tale of redemption, The
Art of Racing in the Rain—for which rights have been sold around the
world—is an unconventional, captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of
human life . . . as only a dog could see them.
It’s frustrating for me to be unable to speak. To feel
that I have so much to say, so many ways I can help, but I’m locked in a
sound-proof box, a game show isolation booth from which I can see out and I can
hear what’s going on, but they never turn on my microphone and they never let me
out. It might drive a person mad. . . .
Myself, I have found ways around the madness. I work at my
human gait, for instance. I practice chewing my food slowly like people do. I
study the television for clues on behaviour and learn how to react in certain
situations. In my next life, when I am born again as a person, I will
practically be an adult the moment I am plucked from the womb, with all the
preparation I have done.
—From The Art of Racing in the Rain
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Author Extras
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Reader Reviews from First Look
Interesting book, with a different premise as it is told from the dog's perspective. Overall an easy read, I enjoyed it.
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Helen (Surrey, BC)
Interesting book, with a different premise as it is told from the dog's perspective. Overall an easy read, I enjoyed it.
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Helen (Surrey, BC)
What a sweet book! I love Enzo! A wonderful heart warming story! I felt warm reading it and fell in love with Enzo!
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Johanna (Victoria, BC)
What a lovely story! This is a keeper! Enzo is certainly a wiseman, oops wise dog. I'll cherish some of his insights - 'the car goes where the eyes go'
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Christelle (Brossard, QC)
The Art of Racing In The Rain is exceptional. The flow of the novel through Enzo's eyes is absolutely brilliant. It is now 3:00am and I had to come and submit my review because I have been profoundly affected by this novel both emotional and mentally. I have always suspected that pets were far more observant and sensitive to their humans and their lives. I loved the racing references in the novel and how beautifully they fit in with the scenes and characters mental processes in the novel. I loved this novel and I will not be surprised if/when it becomes a bestseller.
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Manuela (Mississauga, ON)
This book has it all...laughter, tears, smiles and sadness-a terrific accomplishment as the story is told from the dog, Enzo's point of view. Enzo has some wonderful insights on human beings. I really enjoyed this book!!!!
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Melanie (Owen Sound, ON)
This was a fabulous book. I loved discovering the world through the eyes of a dog. Very well written and filled with inspiring insights into life.
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Charelle (Winnipeg, MB)
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I loved the characters of Enzo, Eve, Zoe, and especially Denny. I grew attached to them very early on in the story. The story was moving and heartbreaking, devastating yet inspiring. I teared up when the characters faced seemingly insurmountable adversity, I laughed when good triumphed over evil. I loved the racing metaphors dispersed throughout the book. These comparisons of everyday life to the art of racing were thought-provoking and accurate.
This book was full of memorable quotes. One that I especially loved: “My life seems like it has been so long and so short at the same time. People speak of a will to live. They rarely speak of a will to die. Because people are afraid of death. Death is dark and unknown and frightening. But not for me. It is not the end." This particular quote sums up so much about Enzo, and so much about the struggles in this book in general. This book is about not giving up, it is about that innate will to live. It is not about giving up and dying when things are not easy, it is about triumphing over adversity and only giving up (or dying) when the time is right.
Brilliantly written, insightful, and deeply moving, this book was a pleasure to read.
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Jonita (Simcoe, ON)
If you like feel-good stories and dogs, you will really like this book. The ending is absolutely perfect.
I would recommend this book to all dog-lovers and anyone who likes reading stories that make you feel good when you are finished. I couldn't put the book down once I started and was very satisfied when I was done, though sorry it was over. I am looking forward to reading more from Garth Stein.
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Nikki (Guelph, ON)
The Art of Racing in the Rain has the honour of being lovingly placed in my most treasured book section of my personal library. Enzo has won my heart with his touching and bittersweet story of his life with his best friend Denny. Enzo’s unwavering loyalty and love for his family and his unique philosophy on how we humans should live our lives makes him one of the most unforgettable literary characters that I have met in a long time.
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Sandra (Alliston, ON)
At once heartwarming and tragic the author takes us through the twists and turns of one family's life and shows us that it is often the observers who see the whole picture while we race on. The Art of Racing in the Rain was completely enjoyable and greatly deepened my respect for my own "best friend" who does seem to understand a great deal more than he can express.
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Kim (Barrie, ON)
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
On the eve of his death, Enzo, a philosopher dog with a nearly human soul and an obsession with opposable thumbs, takes stock of his life. He recalls all that he and the Swift family have been through: the sacrifices his master, Denny, has made to succeed as an up-and-coming race-car driver; the...
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