Overall Rating and Opinion of The Art of Racing in the Rain

[PluviophileReader]

Wow, I have to say that this novel really caught me off guard emotionally. I had heard about the book before but it wasn't until an acquaintance lent me the book that I had a desire to read it. Stein manages to create a successful novel that is race car themed AND narrated by a dog. I mean what are the chances of that? Well, he absolutely nailed it.

The Art of Racing In the Rain is a story about human resilience, love and what people will do for the people and things that truly matter to them. I really struggled with a few scenes within this book, especially <spoiler> after Eve died and Denny gets tangled in a serious offence that he didn't commit. I also really couldn't stand Eve's parents! I had to physically put the book away when they started to try and take Zoe away from Denny after everything that he had been through.</spoiler>

I truly felt that Enzo was the perfect narrator for this story. Extremely likeable, kind and supportive. Just like a dog should be. I also really appreciated the dog behaviour as explained by Enzo, like when he <spoiler> tore up the Zebra </spoiler>. He also offered some amazing pieces of advice because, as Enzo puts it, he listens.

"Here's why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot talk, so I listen very well. I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own."

Enzo summed up the essence of the novel with these next few quotes:

"There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose."

Enzo never gave up on Denny, and Denny never gave up on Eve and especially not on Zoe.

"The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles - preferably of his own making - in order to triumph."

I was so thrilled with the ending, I don't know what I would have done if things had ended poorly! As an animal lover, I would also like to believe <spoiler> that when animals die they are reincarnated as people </spoiler>. The thought of that really makes me smile. Overall a highly recommended, feel-good novel!

[hareid03]

I haven't actually finished this book yet. Though, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure I will. It's a great book, I love how its written and the description absolutely blows me away. But I'm having a hard time with some of the subject matter. I'm just very frustrated and angry over the custody situation in the book and its taking away from my enjoyment of the story as a whole. I can only get through a few pages before I get angry again and have to put the book down. I do want to finish this book but it may take a long take, and I may just end up coming back to it at a different point in my life. Overall I gave it a two, although I wish it could have been a two and a half because it truly is very good despite the parts that make me mad.

[Noeld]

I haven't read this book, but after reading these reviews I will definitely add it to my "to read" list.

[freelancer101]

It was definitely a good read. I agree with Scott in regard to the author's efforts to keep it from a dog's perspective. My favorite character was 'Zoe' as she was sweet, intelligent and pulled through really well when her Dad was struggling with the court hearings.. Also the story ended on a happy note so it is a win-win scenario for me. I will certainly recommend it!

[melbuhtoast]

I loved this book! It really pulled at my heartstrings. Having lost a family pet, it hit close to home - especially given that it was narrated from the point of view of the dog. I was given this book as a Secret Santa gift, and decided to read it on a plane ride for work. I had no idea that it would cause me to bawl on the plane! Thankfully, I didn't have anyone sitting next to me to weird out entirely! I absolutely give it 4 stars!

[TammyO]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain. I have never read a book such as this one before. Reading a story from a dog's perspective was a nice change for me. The Art of Racing in the Rain was a great read. I did not want to put this one down! It made me laugh, cry, and at certain times angry. This book evoked so many different emotions within me. When a book has the power to make me react in so many ways I definitely consider it a must read and would surely recommend it to others. I must say, however, that I fell in love with Enzo from the very beginning and it only evolved as the story progressed. The book itself was not a very long one. However, it managed to accomplish everything superbly in those short pages. 4/4 stars!

[colemaba]

I thought it was a pretty good book, Ive never read a book before from the perspective of a dog. It was well done.

[Lilapo9]

I really enjoyed this book. Narrated from the perspective of a dog with specific car racing knowledge adds depth of character. More than once I found myself being sucked into the moment with Denny and Enzo experiencing things as they did. I would recommend this book to many I know.

[ct-95]

I think this wonderful book is light reading but heavy in ideas. Thought provoking.

[ananya92]

I'm usually not a fan of this genre of books, but I really enjoyed this one. It was well written to make the reader laugh and cry at intervals along with Enzo and it seemed apt to narrate the book from the dog's POV.

[aaa1234]

Stein is a fantastic author and should be read by anyone who enjoys reading to a large extent. The book is based around a dog named Enzo who watches tv quite a bit. Good read.

[bookowlie]

A mark of a good book is when the story and characters stay with you long after you've finished the book. I read this book over a month ago, and I find myself still thinking about Enzo from time to time

[aaa123]

Overall, I think this was very well structured.

[Bookl0ver657]

I loved "The Art of Racing in the Rain". I was a bit hesitant when I heard that the book is told from the perspective of a dog, but I decided to try it anyways. This novel is about the life of Enzo (the dog narrating the story) and the experiences he and Denny (Enzo's master/human) go through together.

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. I never really thought racing cars to be extremely exciting, but Enzo's passion and detailed information regarding racing changed my perspective. However, racing cars is not the only subject that is discussed in this book. There is humor and drama; sadness and joy. Also, this book has wisdom and lessons that can be applied in life today. So, you may want to read it more than once. Or find yourself marking important passages to read later.

[Duende Knocking]

Forgot to rate this one before discussing it in other threads...

Quick, fun read. I wasn't very interested in the racing bits (I never felt that it was "about" racing though), and I'm not normally a fan of family dramas, but I did enjoy this book! I'm not sure if the dog narrative was what won me over (like I said elsewhere, I was worried about it being gimmicky, but I found it enjoyable), or if it was just the easy-going nature of the voice and the characters, but I'd give it a 3.

I always cringe when I start reading dog books because are there any dog books without animal death? Luckily the way this one was written was not nearly as sad as others I've read. Definitely not enough to deter me from giving it a 3!