The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0007284764 Global Overview for this book
Registered by freelunch of Cairns, Queensland Australia on 10/7/2009
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1 journaler for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by freelunch from Cairns, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, October 7, 2009
“In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.

I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready.

I am ready.”


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.

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a marvellous book, and not just for dog-lovers or racing fans. I am neither but I found Enzo to be a believable and very likeable narrator.

http://www.unshelved.com/archive.aspx?strip=20080720

Journal Entry 2 by freelunch from Cairns, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, October 7, 2009
released to the COT Bookcrossing Zone

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