The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

This book was suppose to be about life as seen through the eyes of a dog who was owned by a race car driver. That is exactly what it was! Although a bit far fetched as far as the idea of afterlife for the dog was concerned, I found the dog's perspective on what he was seeing very entertaining, sad, joyous, informative especially about racing, and family oriented. I am glad I listened to it on audio book as opposed to reading the book itself because near the end I was crying so hard I probably could not have actually read words on paper. Oh yes, it was devastatingly sad almost all the way through but there were enough uplifting parts in between the sadness to kept me listening to find out just what was going to happen at each stage of the adventure. Thank goodness at the very end there was an "ah ha" moment that made all those tears worthwhile. I decided to buy and listen to this after reading the synopsis on the book cover itself in an airport. I had just had to put one of my two dogs down and the second is living out her last days so the story line grabbed my attention. It was actually somewhat cathartic and made me smile through all those tears at the end. Yes, I am glad I stuck with it to the end.

Very well written, great read. Both the character of Enzo and the way the author brings together the people in the book make the story both believable and enjoyable. You don't have to be a dog person to enjoy it but it certainly makes parts of it funnier as you see your own relationships in the book.

This is a great story. I read it first, then listened to it with my husband as an audio book. It is hard to explain because as soon as you tell someone the story is told by the dog, they switch off and think you are crazy to praise it so much. But they are wrong. There are so many interesting facts about dogs and racing that it makes the book. I can't see a dog anymore without wondering what he is thinking. The other reason I loved it so much is because the author is Seattle and all the places he names in the book are places I know so well, being born and raised in Washington myself.

I really enjoyed this book. I have recently gotten into the habit of listening to books while on road trips. This book was very engaging and made the time fly by. I loved hearing the story from the dog's perspective. And while very sad at times, this story will definitely make you smile.

This is not the genre that I usually read. This book was very moving and I could not put it down. I really did laugh and cry. I have given my copy to 3 others who raved about it and bought 5 other copies as gifts. Bbuy this book if you are a dog person. Dog people know who they are, and this is one book that will touch your heart, make you cry, make you laugh, and make you look at your packmate in a different way! My husband and I have commented so many times that if our Buddy had opposable thumbs, we'd be in serious trouble. And then Enzo talks about this very thing!! Just get this book, its a quick read, and it has stayed with me for days. It's what life would sound like if my furry friends could type!!!