Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain

In Garth Stein’s, Enzo the dog is narrating a heart-warming story. Enzo is frustrated because he cannot communicate as he would like to, by talking with his family, but to overcome this, he pours his thoughts and spirit into this book. Enzo tells us about his ageing body which makes him feel helpless, he also shares his longing to be human, and bad memories of his ‘puphood’ which he spent at a farm. He also expresses his everlasting love for his human family, including Denny the racer, his wife Eve and daughter Zoe. Enzo is a dedicated television viewer and he takes comfort in a documentary he watches about Mongolia that tells him he will be reincarnated as a human. The Art of Racing in the Rain seems promising initially but falls short towards the end. It is expected to be more intense or practical or something that will take the reader to a deeper understanding of human nature or the world along with some humour. Still, it turns out to be more of a beach read with some elements that would bring tears to your eyes and a few smiles – nothing life changing.

AUTHOR: Garth Stein