The Art of Racing in the Rain

I had been on the library's waiting list for this book for awhile. By coincidence, my number came up shortly after my 20-year-old cat died. And a few years ago I said good-by to my First Dog, Keesha. So I melted as I read some of the scenes between Denny and Enzo.

But the book has haunted me for reasons beyond my feelings for the dog and the Seattle location. It's really about human sadness -- about a person who lives a life where he doesn't quite fit. Denny, the dog says, doesn't really belong in Seattle. His marriage never feels right. His job gives him a lot of latitude to pursue his racing dreams, but he really doesn't belong behind a counter. His in-laws are a piece of work.

Both Denny and Enzo lead pretty tough lives. Enzo has to spend a lot of time alone. On Denny's frequent trips, Enzo gets boarded with people who are kind but indifferent. He gets tossed in a garage and left alone in a house for three days. One temporary host - the Evil In-Law - cruelly feeds him a pepper and he gets a most, um, delicious revenge. I was cheering for him.

Denny's tragedies make him a candidate for a modern Job. It's a series of bad things happening to a very good person. There's an understated but strong commentary on modern life. False accusations are not uncommon. A deadly illness means coping with an indifferent medical system. Money counts. Yet, as a lawyer character says, Denny is a competitor. Quitting is not an option.

The novel really comes together when the dog realizes he is dying. He realizes some wonderful events will be taking place and, he says, "I won't be there to see them." Animals of course don't know they will die, but their owners do. And in that brief sentence, Enzo captures the essence of the human condition: the ultimate pain of recognizing that sometimes you really have to say, "Never."

As I get older, I find myself thinking, "I may not be there." Enzo loves his owner so much it hurts to watch. He isn't sad about dying: he wants to be there for Denny, not himself.

The last few pages of the book -- a sort of postscript -- are a little over the top. I wonder if the publisher asked for them.

But Garth Stein can write. Each word carries weight and the book's structure is flawless. The theme of anticipating a sad end, and the lyrical writing, reminded me of another "sadness with substance" book, I Heard the Owl Call My Name.

So when I think of Garth Stein writing another book, I have to say, "I hope I will be around to read it."

I read alot of non-fiction and fiction and alot about animals, because I love them, and because I am a dog trainer. Also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This author was right on about grieving issues and how the characters (man and dog)reacted to situations in the story. I loved that Enzo narrated the story. Couldn't put it down. What a guy (the author) and where did his sensitivity and creativity come from. Thank you for something wonderful out in the world of the written word.

Loved this book! Brought back so many fond memories of my little "POLO" who was with me for 14 years - may he RIP. Today as I walk the streets in NYC I find myself talking to dog owners and recommending this book. Truly enjoyed the journey, I laugh, cried, and laugh again. . . incredible. :)

I bought this book for my wife and I can't remember when (been married 41 years) I bought her a book that she couldn't put down. She didn't come to bed she read it almost non stop (she did put it down so she could fix my meals). Then she told me the story in such detail I did not have to read it. She loved it!

Outstanding book written very well, but so very sad. Enzo was the best. Makes you look at your own dog differently!