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, and 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, Zoë, 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 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 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.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story. I don't look at my dog the same way...
Comment: A truly wonderful story, written in the most intriguing way. I never cared for car racing, but I found the descriptions compelling and may reread some to better understand them. The canine narrator, Enzo, is more likeable than many humans and far more compassionate than most. He also might be one of the funniest dogs around...

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Heart warming and funny.The art of racing in the rain.
Comment: I'm enjoying this book and so is my sister in Ireland who I purchased a copy, as a birthday gift. She is also getting a kick out of it. This book is touching our lives at the moment and for me, Enzo is stiring many memory's of our family pet, Billy who passed away 5 years ago.This book is a keeper. Thank you and Bless you, Garth Stein.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Comment: Incredible book! I was hooked from the 3rd page! A funny, sensitive, heart warming story that deals with life, death, and all the things that we humans go through, told through the perspective of a dog. There are life lessons that we all can learn. Pick this up - you won't be disappointed!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Witty, hearbreaking and incredibly touching!
Comment: From the start I was utterly entranced. This is a touching story of a family, their joys and heartbreaks as told by the one who knows them best - their dog 'Enzo'. Beautifully written, witty, heartbreaking and incredibly thought-provoking.

Enzo has gleaned most of his knowledge from watching his master Denny an aspiring racing driver, from watching TV (responsibly) and studying in-dash video footage from racing cars.

Certain passages made me laugh out loud "George Clooney is my fourth favorite actor because he's exceptionally clever at helping cure children of diseases on reruns of ER, and because he looks a little like me around the eyes". I loved his absolute joy when his owner Denny finally takes him for a spin in a racing car. Bark twice for faster! And I felt his fear of the crows in the backyard, their beady eyes trained on him as if to say "Come out little doggy, and we'll peck your eyeballs out!"

I read this on the sofa with my dog sprawled out next to me and every so often I gave his ear a little tickle, just in the crease behind the ear (Enzo described the exact spot perfectly) and as he watched me, watching him, I wondered just how much he really understands.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Comment: This is the best book I've read in a very long time!! I read it cover to cover on the plane to TX, crying, laughing and totally entertained. I recommend it to every reader. It's very very very good! Told from a beloved dog's point of view, it has sadness and joy!!

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