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The Art of Racing in the Rain cover art

The Art of Racing in the Rain

By: Garth Stein
Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch
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Summary

Soon to be a major motion picture, this heartwarming and inspirational tale follows Enzo, a loyal family dog, and tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart and what he did to bring them back together.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realises that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the racetrack, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life.

Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the listener to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve if we truly know where we want to be.

©2008 Garth Stein (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"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)

What listeners say about The Art of Racing in the Rain

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Loved it

Great book, good narration. Had me ( fully grown hairy workman) crying in my van multiple times whilst listening to this. 10/10 would listen again. Hit me right in the feels.

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4 people found this helpful

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my favourite book ever

God I love this book! read it for the first time about 10 years ago and have just finished listening via Audible. such a pleasure from beginning to end.

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4 people found this helpful

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loved it.

I loved this book, the story from Enzo's perspective was great, highly recommend. read it!!

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2 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars

Airport fiction with a problematic subplot

I had to read this for a book club. I wish I hadn't. Probably the worst novel I've read for some time. And the subplot with the 15-year-old girl . . . ick. You can tell this book was written by a man, put it that way.

The film is apparently even worse. That's saying something.

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2 people found this helpful

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Fantastic and thought provoking

A wonderfully well written book. Humanity, philosophy and how we can all be better, all from a dogs perspective.

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2 people found this helpful

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over egged

I persevered as this was a recommendation, the narrator is good but the story was over descriptive and repetitious . there are some elements to the story that kept some interest but all the guff about racing sounded like someone J'ing their own D a bit. the musical interludes were just weird and not necessary,nor was reading out each page number of the book. the court room part was just pure nonsense.😬

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1 person found this helpful

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Highly original and engaging listen

I listened to this engrossing story straight through. The author gets us into the mind of the dog Enzo and leads us gently through his life and interactions in the world in a totally believable narration.

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Outstanding

What an incredible story! I devoured this in 2 days .. I laughed hard at times (the zebra) and cried hard too .. fabulous story .. please don’t hesitate to add this to your reading list

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Such a beautiful, heartbreaking book!

I loved this book start to finish. Such a beautiful, heartbreaking tale. I would definitely recommend.

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Lovely listen, great book.

Really enjoyed this book, beautifully written. I may have something in my eye. Narration is perfect.

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