The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain

By Garth Stein

13 ratings 16 reviews 21 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 9 - 12Grades 3 - 6n/a5.769306

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: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. 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.

Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN-13: 9780062015761
ISBN-10: 0062015761
Published on 5/3/2011
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 304

Book Reviews (19)

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I liked this book, and Denny almost losing Zoe made you wish with every single page that it wouldn't actually happen.

love dogs101 love dogs101

I watched the movie about this book and itwas amazing they are so diffrent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel Rachel

I love this story because I love all kinds of dogs and i just think there so cute

marissa marissa

i read this book years ago and really loved it im so glad i rediscovered it bc i think ill understand it a lot more now

ellie ellie

i love it

i would like to read this book it sounds interesting

I am reading the book Racing in the Rain right now and its pretty good so far. It gets kinda sad when the mom has a head injury but its been pretty good so far. I stoped reading it because right now im reading a dogs purpose but when im done with that book im gonna jump straight to this book.

Brian Smargiass Brian Smargiass

Simply the most amazing book i’ve ever read. Enzo tweaked my soul.

Maya Maya

Very good book!! It is heartwarming, sweet, sad, and funny. Definetly a good summer reading book! I love this book and do not remember an inappropriate, but this story id a harder read for some kids. This book makes you think deeper. Stay healthy!!

Panda Panda

I have just started the book, and it is really good so far, I'm only 11 but, I'm fine. The words are really meaningful, some of the words, aren't some words I would pronounce, but they make the story funny, I just now realized that there is a scene that is not very appropriate for kids, and what page is that on because I really want have a heads up on that scene. I really seggest this book, doubt the one scene, it is very heart warming, kind, and loving, if you animal lovers are searching for a book, I recommend this book.

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