- Paperback: 356 pages
- Publisher: Harperluxe; Lrg edition (May 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0061562408
- ISBN-13: 978-0061562402
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.1 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (142 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,110,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Art of Racing in the Rain
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle .
Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Praise for The Art of Racing in The Rain:
‘The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn't only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then, I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them.’ Jodi Piccoult
‘The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and–best of all–the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book.’ Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants
‘The Art of Racing in the Rain takes you on an unforgettable journey through another kind of mind, through the eyes – and nose – of a dog. I found it fascinating.’ Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation
Praise for How Evan Broke His Head:
"An engrossing family drama." Publishers Weekly
"A powerful story" Seattle Times
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.Jodi Picoult
'A novel I can't stop thinking about'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This hilarious yet moving story has all of the epic elements of life, death, love, betrayal and loss but what makes it unique is that it is narrated by Enzo, the family dog. From his unique canine perspective Enzo describes the idyllic life he leads with his owners, Denny and Eve, until it is devastated by illness. Enzo, wise beyond his doggy years - which of course are seven of ours - describes the events that unfold as the family tries to cope with Eve's cancer diagnosis and the fall-out from it. The title is a reference to Denny's passion for Formula One driving which has many similarities to life itself. If you love dogs, cars or the concept of triumph over adversity this book will tick your boxes. It's a cross between Love Story and Marley and Me with some Kramer v Kramer thrown in along the way. I read it in one long train journey and loved every second.
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
It is impossible to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" without feeling emotion. Beautifully written, this is a heart-warming and gut-wrenching story of incredible strength of character against all odds.
Written from the point of view of the intelligent and empathic family dog, Enzo ("a good looking dog...a smart dog"), this is a story like no other. Genuinely impossible to put down, I actually resented being distracted from reading it from cover to cover in one sitting, and desperately looked forward to the blissful hours I managed to steal in order to have this delicious tale wash over me once more.
I am glad, however, that I did not take this book everywhere I went, instead choosing to complete it in the comfort of my own home. The strong - and sometimes surprisingly raw - emotion that this book often evokes in the reader, certainly caused me to shed tears on more that several occassions, as well as gasps of frustration and sadness at the characters' plights.
Completely believable, this is one of those books that gets under your skin. You will find it impossible to keep it to yourself. If you are reading this review and shaking your head, saying to yourself, "ah, but I'm not really a dog lover", then don't be put off. The fact that the narrator of the story is a dog only occassionally comes into the conversation - and a conversation it is between us and this highly intelligent and emotive animal, who wishes he were human and is eternally frustrated that he is not.
It is not a story about a dog, it is a story of human lives struck with joy, tragedy, failure, success, setbacks and ultimate triumph over incredible adversity. It is a story of life and death, and how the two are inextricably linked together in all our lives. It is an incredible love story, an action, a thriller - sometimes even a horror. It will reach out to you and demand you feel some emotion and gut human reaction. This book will change you.
Please read this book - and please, do not put it down.
Written from the point of view of the intelligent and empathic family dog, Enzo ("a good looking dog...a smart dog"), this is a story like no other. Genuinely impossible to put down, I actually resented being distracted from reading it from cover to cover in one sitting, and desperately looked forward to the blissful hours I managed to steal in order to have this delicious tale wash over me once more.
I am glad, however, that I did not take this book everywhere I went, instead choosing to complete it in the comfort of my own home. The strong - and sometimes surprisingly raw - emotion that this book often evokes in the reader, certainly caused me to shed tears on more that several occassions, as well as gasps of frustration and sadness at the characters' plights.
Completely believable, this is one of those books that gets under your skin. You will find it impossible to keep it to yourself. If you are reading this review and shaking your head, saying to yourself, "ah, but I'm not really a dog lover", then don't be put off. The fact that the narrator of the story is a dog only occassionally comes into the conversation - and a conversation it is between us and this highly intelligent and emotive animal, who wishes he were human and is eternally frustrated that he is not.
It is not a story about a dog, it is a story of human lives struck with joy, tragedy, failure, success, setbacks and ultimate triumph over incredible adversity. It is a story of life and death, and how the two are inextricably linked together in all our lives. It is an incredible love story, an action, a thriller - sometimes even a horror. It will reach out to you and demand you feel some emotion and gut human reaction. This book will change you.
Please read this book - and please, do not put it down.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have lived in households that have included dogs my whole life. I have loved and bonded with a few through the years, including my present companion, a robust Chocolate Lab. I was glad to discover this small masterpiece.
First of all, I love the title. The Art of Racing in the Rain, told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo (after Ferrari) is a moving tale of love, loss and betrayal -- of overcoming impossible barriers and ultimate triumph. Enzo's master, Denny Swift, is a talented race car driver. He is also husband to Eve, father to Zoe, and this core family is Enzo's Universe. Enzo has gained great wisdom and insight from his master and from watching TV, including among other things racing videos and the Weather Channel. Enzo tells the story of Denny's life with honesty and insight. Through Enzo's eyes we find a hero in Denny, a good man who doesn't look at the wall as his car (and his life) spins out of control, but at the track. This is perhaps my favorite racing metaphor on life: that Denny does not meet the wall, but regains the track, even when he is racing blind. For Eve, Denny's dying wife, I feel incredible compassion. Eve, so afraid to be alone she asks Enzo to stay with her through the night and protect her, then whispers "thank you" to her protector on surviving the darkness. Young Zoe is her father's spirit, a tender, resilient child who completes the family. This novel keeps is eye on the next turn and remains on the track.
What struck me in particular in The Art of Racing in the Rain was the great character development that emerged through Enzo's straightforward reporting. I discovered Denny Swift navigating his difficult life with constraint, faith, courage and passion; Eve as a tender soul who endures even knowing she is doomed; Zoe, a bright, innocent child whose understanding far outpaces her years; "the Twins," Maxwell and Trish, flat, shallow and despicably impotent. I felt that I already knew Mark Fein, the bright, bombastic attorney. This all seems so seamless, so simple and I am sure it was the hardest part. Mr. Stein, congratulations and thank you.
First of all, I love the title. The Art of Racing in the Rain, told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo (after Ferrari) is a moving tale of love, loss and betrayal -- of overcoming impossible barriers and ultimate triumph. Enzo's master, Denny Swift, is a talented race car driver. He is also husband to Eve, father to Zoe, and this core family is Enzo's Universe. Enzo has gained great wisdom and insight from his master and from watching TV, including among other things racing videos and the Weather Channel. Enzo tells the story of Denny's life with honesty and insight. Through Enzo's eyes we find a hero in Denny, a good man who doesn't look at the wall as his car (and his life) spins out of control, but at the track. This is perhaps my favorite racing metaphor on life: that Denny does not meet the wall, but regains the track, even when he is racing blind. For Eve, Denny's dying wife, I feel incredible compassion. Eve, so afraid to be alone she asks Enzo to stay with her through the night and protect her, then whispers "thank you" to her protector on surviving the darkness. Young Zoe is her father's spirit, a tender, resilient child who completes the family. This novel keeps is eye on the next turn and remains on the track.
What struck me in particular in The Art of Racing in the Rain was the great character development that emerged through Enzo's straightforward reporting. I discovered Denny Swift navigating his difficult life with constraint, faith, courage and passion; Eve as a tender soul who endures even knowing she is doomed; Zoe, a bright, innocent child whose understanding far outpaces her years; "the Twins," Maxwell and Trish, flat, shallow and despicably impotent. I felt that I already knew Mark Fein, the bright, bombastic attorney. This all seems so seamless, so simple and I am sure it was the hardest part. Mr. Stein, congratulations and thank you.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not your average cliche
Garth Stein starts off with a cliche. A set in stone 'no-no' of the writing school. NEVER WRITE FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF AN ANIMAL. I have a secret. I love cliche's. Read more
Published 25 days ago by V.R. Christensen
The Art of Racing
I enh=joyed it my teenage son enjoyed it my family enojoyed it and everyone enojyed it read this bok arrived pfromptly in fabulous condition thank you
Published 2 months ago by rdc
The Art of Racing in the Rain (paperback)
Very touching story in adult and child versions alike about life through the eyes of a dog and the ensuing family turmoil and tragedies faced by all. Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. Harrison
A genuinely lovely little book
This book was one of Clare Balding's picks on BBC2's'My Life In Books', and, I was somewhat unsure about it, thinking "it's a book about a dog" but it's so much more than that... Read more
Published 4 months ago by R. A. Davison
Zen meets racing and a talking dog but drops philosophy - a feelgood...
Stein's 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' appears to have been designed in a way to appeal to as many customer groups as possible. Read more
Published 4 months ago by AK
Unforgettable and unputdownable!
This is an absolute MUST READ - one of the best books I have ever read and one that I will go on recommending as long as I live! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Cathryn Small
Life affirming book, written by a dog who should be running the world
I started to read this book a bit reluctantly as it is after all written by a dog. I loved it, thought about it when I wasn't reading it and fell in love with Enzo
Published 5 months ago by Matilda
FOR DOG LOVERS EVERYWHERE
There is something so amazing about this book that is hard to put into words. It is a simple story about a simple family who have some dramas and difficult times - but then don't... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ms. K. Bremner
fantastic
wonderful story! Pulled at my heart strings for so many reasons close to home. Just highlights how close the realations ship between man and his best friend is. Recommended!
Published 6 months ago by Antonella
You will never look at your dog in the same way again!
Very good book!! Could not put it down!
Moving but a great insight as to what dogs may think.. great story.. could read it again and again!
Its a must read!
Moving but a great insight as to what dogs may think.. great story.. could read it again and again!
Its a must read!
Published 6 months ago by George Castle
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
