The Art of Racing in the Rain
This was a book that intrigued me— a whole novel told from the point of view of a dog! “What an interesting idea,” I thought. Well, not only was this an interesting idea, it also did not disappoint me as I read it. The main human character, Denny Swift, is a race car driver. Denny picks his dog out of a litter of puppies, names him “Enzo” (after a famous Italian car racer) and they start their relationship together right then and there. During the course of this friendship Denny marries Eve and they have a daughter, Zoë. Enzo is very content with his family. He watches tapes of car races with Denny, he gains Eve’s trust and keeps her safe, and he plays fetch with Zoë. But what’s more important than these outwardly seen tasks is what’s going on in his thoughts and in his uncanny bond with Denny.
I will not tell you what happens to the Swift family. That would ruin the whole story within this book. I will say that Denny’s life and Enzo’s are inextricably bonded. There are tragic times ahead for Denny and his family. Enzo is his reliable buddy through this all. Enzo provides unconditional love and support and even advice for Denny. While they are watching one of their many car racing videos, Denny tells Enzo that “The car goes where your eyes go.” This becomes the mantra for their entire life together. The mind will believe what it wants and then certain reactions will follow —“The car goes where the eyes go.”
There are not many books that actually can touch your heart so much that you actually tear up while reading. This was one of them. I guarantee you will never look at a dog the same way. Even if you don’t have a dog in your life you will smile, laugh and cry at what goes on during the lifetime of Enzo and Denny. This is definitely worth the read. What are you waiting for?
Suzanne Franks’s review of The Art of racing in the Rain is rght on! She gave enough of the story line to make one wonder. Do dogs really think? I look at my dog in a differnt light after reading this heart tugging book.