by Garth Stein (Author)
A heart-warming and inspirational tale in which Enzo, a loyal family dog, tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life. Enzo relates the story of his human family through his eyes, sharing the tragedies and triumphs that Denny and his wife and child. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's ordeal. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 336
Edition: 1ST
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 02 Jun 2008
ISBN 10: 0007271239
ISBN 13: 9780007271238
Praise for The Art of Racing in The Rain:
`The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn't only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then, I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them.' Jodi Piccoult
`The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and-best of all-the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book.' Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants
`The Art of Racing in the Rain takes you on an unforgettable journey through another kind of mind, through the eyes - and nose - of a dog. I found it fascinating.' Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation
I savored Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and - best of all - the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair. Since finishing this engagingly unique novel, I've found myself staring at my own dog, thinking, Hmm, I wonder ... Wally Lamb, Author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True
Praise for How Evan Broke His Head:
An engrossing family drama. Publishers Weekly
A powerful story! Seattle Times
A compelling tale. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Funny, bewitching, observant. Portland Oregonian
Garth Stein is the author of the international bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain. He has written two other novels: How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and Raven Stole the Moon.
He has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones, which received its first production in Los Angeles in 2005, and was described as brimming with intensity by L.A. Weekly.
After receiving his B.A. from Columbia College, and his M.F.A. in film from Columbia University, School of the Arts, Garth worked as a documentary film maker for eight years, and directed, produced or co-produced several award winning films.
After spending his childhood in Seattle and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle, where he currently lives with his family and their dog, Comet.