The Art of Racing in the Rain

When I started into this book, I had an idea that it was going to be good. Not only was it on my school’s list of options for the novel study in English class, everybody that read it agreed that it was an awesome story. So, when I saw The Art of Racing in the Rain in the bookstore one day, I took the chance and bought it. Now, after reading it cover to cover, I can confidently say that this novel is definitely one of the best things I’ve read all year.

Enzo is a dog different from any other. A philosopher, more human than canine, the book is his tale of his life and the people around him. This novel is entirely from his point of view, and because of this the reader feels his longing to be human, his wishes and desires, and his undying hope about the mysteries of life. With every page, you learn experience his memories, his history, and how much he longs to be human, along with his obsession about opposable thumbs and his philosophy on life and death.

Yet, this story is also about Denny, Enzo’s owner. This is as much of his story as his dog’s, and even more. An aspiring race car driver, Denny is full of potential and loves his dog to no end, along with the rest of his family. And his life, his future, this is what this book revolves around as much as Enzo’s.

With The Art of Racing in the Rain, the entire story is told by Enzo on the eve of his death, recalling everything that he and his family have been through in the past years. Starting with the illness and eventual death of his wife, Eve, Denny’s life spins out of control in the wake of the tragedy. Not only has he lost the woman he loves, Eve’s parents are now fighting for the custody of their child, Zoe. Slowly, painfully, Denny starts to lose everything he’s ever worked for, especially after he’s accused of an unspeakable crime.

This novel is beautifully written. With a point of view filled with wisdom that’s never seen that often, Garth Stein shapes Enzo’s voice in a way that everybody can connect with, that makes the reader feel every emotion he is, and always describing his life in such a way that never leaves the reader confused.

Many authors try to create a story such as this and end up failing. Either filling the pages with flowery language that no reader can relate to, using such simple terms that the meaning is lost, or writing about the events without any emotion whatsoever. The Art of Racing in the Rain is none of these. What makes this book so amazing is how very relatable it is. From the first page, Enzo’s compelling voice hooks the reader. Whatever he feels, you feel as well. Even if you’re not a dog lover, you’ll find yourself loving this special animal who’s more human than dog. I mean, I’m a cat lover, and this is one of my favourite books of all time.

With the tragedy and happiness that happens, what sets this book apart from any other is how believable the plot is. No tragedy is underplayed, no happy thing goes overlooked, and reactions to any event are realistic. Especially when the author deals with death. When it comes to Enzo’s belief about his own afterlife, how Eve’s ending affects so many other people, or how Denny grieves for the loss of the woman he loved, it’s all dealt with in a sensitive, mature manner. Many authors will underplay, over-use, or work death into the plot in an entirely inappropriate manner. Not with this novel, and that’s probably what I applaud Garth Stein the most for.

Through realistic writing, an amazing character depth, and an overall amazing plot, the author has made one of those rare books that you just need to read. Heart-wrenching, yet funny and ultimately uplifting, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a wonderfully crafted and enthralling look at the mechanics and mystery of life... As only a dog could tell it.