The Art of Racing in the Rain

[grooks]

I have seen there are lots of dog owners/lovers on this site and thought this would be a good book to recommend to the members here.

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

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. 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.

[Acataloger]

I agree completely. I listened to it as an audiobook during my lengthy commute and loved it. BTW, it's available at the Sony Store for $11.99.

[Rtturvwsxmavpduc]

Highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator delivers a superb performance.

[FatDog]

Any other books you can recommend from a Dog or Cat's point of view? I dont want serial mysteries where the cats call their owner "Mom" or cutie stuff. But books where the animal observes things from an outside point of view.

There was a Dean Koontz book where a ultra-smart dog escapes from a lab but the rest of the story is classic Koontz like a insane mother who hates her daughter and abuses her - too dark.

Just something that observes his pack members from a non-human point of view.

[6charlong]

It's not exactly the same as Garth Stein but you might want to consider Flush by Virginia Woolf. The story is about Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel. Another good book about authors and their dogs is Shaggy Muses by Maureen Adams. It turns out a lot of authors' dogs have seemed to help them work.

[Schnauzermom]

I loved this book...if you enjoyed it, you might also like A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron.

[Rtturvwsxmavpduc]

Not easily located (unless you look on the Internet), Olaf Stapledon wrote an extraordinary book titled Sirius. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_(novel) I read it about 40 years ago and it still resonates today. Recommended with reservation as the story is classified as 'science fiction' by some. Truth be told, the core premise of a dog authoring a book as in The Art of Racing in the Rain is fantasy too.