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A review by queer_bookwyrm
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: cursing, rape mention, sexual content, assisted suicide mention, cancer, death, grief, death of a pet
"That which you manifest is before you."
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a Contemporary stand alone novel told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo. This started out as a nice light read with plenty of humor until the grief hits you like a dump truck. I felt all the things while reading this book.
We follow the life of Enzo the dog as he navigates life with his human, Denny, a race car driver. Enzo is not just a dog, he has the soul of human, and is convinced that someday he'll be reincarnated as a man. Enzo is actually a pretty hilarious character. He has this whole thing against monkeys, because he thinks they are undeserving of opposable thumbs, and thinks dogs deserve thumbs more lol. Enzo's observations give a lot insight into the inner workings of humans and their relationship with dogs.
This book started out as a light, humorous read, but quickly turned emotional and grief ridden. Enzo watches as one of his humans developed cancer, and he can't speak to be able to warn anyone. Enzo feels trapped in his own mind, only able to communicate with inadequate gestures. We see through his eyes the struggle Denny goes through trying to navigate having a family and a racing career. We see Enzo's helplessness as Denny battles for custody of his daughter from her grandparents.
This story was about the love of a dog and the importance of a dog in a family's life. Though a dog's life is short, they have a big impact. Because Denny is a racecar driver, Enzo also loves racing, so there are a lot of racing and car extended metaphors throughout the book. I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a short, reflective read from the perspective of a dog. I laughed, I cried, I was angry and incredulous. Enzo was the goodest boy. And now I have to go hug my dog.
"That which you manifest is before you."
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a Contemporary stand alone novel told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo. This started out as a nice light read with plenty of humor until the grief hits you like a dump truck. I felt all the things while reading this book.
We follow the life of Enzo the dog as he navigates life with his human, Denny, a race car driver. Enzo is not just a dog, he has the soul of human, and is convinced that someday he'll be reincarnated as a man. Enzo is actually a pretty hilarious character. He has this whole thing against monkeys, because he thinks they are undeserving of opposable thumbs, and thinks dogs deserve thumbs more lol. Enzo's observations give a lot insight into the inner workings of humans and their relationship with dogs.
This book started out as a light, humorous read, but quickly turned emotional and grief ridden. Enzo watches as one of his humans developed cancer, and he can't speak to be able to warn anyone. Enzo feels trapped in his own mind, only able to communicate with inadequate gestures. We see through his eyes the struggle Denny goes through trying to navigate having a family and a racing career. We see Enzo's helplessness as Denny battles for custody of his daughter from her grandparents.
This story was about the love of a dog and the importance of a dog in a family's life. Though a dog's life is short, they have a big impact. Because Denny is a racecar driver, Enzo also loves racing, so there are a lot of racing and car extended metaphors throughout the book. I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a short, reflective read from the perspective of a dog. I laughed, I cried, I was angry and incredulous. Enzo was the goodest boy. And now I have to go hug my dog.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Death of parent, Animal death, Cursing, and Death
Minor: Suicide and Rape