If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama.

zzz's impression (10.06.2011.):
It's not I disliked the book. Not AT ALL. It was OK read. I didn't mind the fact dog is narrator of the story nor that he was shockingly eloquent. I mean, why not? hey, this is work of fiction after all.

The story itself was kind of weak, kind of melodramatic, kind of the story for housewives with several (I guess for them) confusing islands about racing and mentality of the race driver (something that is by default manly topic).

I found that "emotional kick" was very unsubtle, very intentional not spontaneous and I'm afraid not convincing. In the end it didn't kick me emotionally *shrug*. But I nevertheless I think it would be lovely book for a beach (or something); as if you're watching some TV-film for Sunday afternoon (kids are OK to be present).

And the end. Oh the end (*semi-spoiler alert*) was just dreadful. I was thinking "oh come on! this is ridiculous" but then that was the perfect end for Sunday afternoon TV-film kind of novel so hey I guess from that perspective it's OK. It's just I really prefer those film for after midnight (and no, I don't think about porn... only).

Off to Sunny. I hope you'll like it :)
Hugs

LOL Saw your review of this on FB and wondered if you were reading for me :)
Thanks for sending Zeddy xx

Read this lst year but hung onto it, as Miss Sunny wants to read it