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Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780061537936
ISBN number: 0061537934
Label: Harper
Manufacturer: Harper
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 336
Printing Date: May 01, 2008
Publishing house: Harper
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Sale Popularity Level: 148
Studio: Harper
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Product Description:
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. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his subsequent lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
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Rated by buyers 
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The Art of Racing in the Rain is the purported tale of a dog watching his master Denny grow up. Denny marries Eve and they eventually have Zoe. The dog watches this, sad that he cannot communicate his love, trust, and observations of life to those around him. A malformed mouth and lack of opposable thumbs doom him, he supposes. His master is a racecar driver (among other talents), and the dog and master love watching racing movies together. Trust, abandonment, renewal, redemption - life is all about that. It's like racing in the rain - exhilarating, but be careful of the slick curves you encounter.
Rated by buyers -
I'm a dog lover who is almost always disappointed in "dog books," but all the 5 star ratings got me to give this novel a shot. It did not disappoint. The story of Denny, a struggling race car driver and his wife and young daughter is one that drew me in even without the dog element. That this was comically and touchingly narrated by Enzo, their dog, made this an even better and more original book. This novel does not strive to capture how dogs really see their world (as happens in Edgar Sawtelle), but this is how dog owners like to think of their dogs as perceiving their world. The narration is done with just the right amount of heart and humor. This novel takes a major turn halfway through, suddenly becoming plot driven. At very first I was bothered by this, but it ultimately worked and added to the story. Overall, this is a sweet, funny novel. It's not great literature, but I really enjoyed this novel and was sad when it was done.
Rated by buyers -
If you liked "Old Yeller" you will love this heart warming story of a Dog and his Master, as only the Dog could tell it. I finished this book in 2 days !! a good book you will refuse to put down.
I laughed and than I cried, with a very lovable ending you will not forget soon
I highly recommend this book for everyone
Ronnie Stewart
Holland Texas
Rated by buyers 
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The author's choice of making the dog the narrator was refreshing. It takes a bit of an adjustment at the beginning of the book, but once you get into it you can identify with the dog. The dog is loyal, fair, a concrete thinker, and has wisdom to share without the ability of the spoken word.
The book was difficult to put down. It merges a dog, family, and racing.
The dog's intellect and primitive instincts were thought provoking.
Definitely a book to read for the story line and to do some reflective thinking. Would be a great book reading group choice.
Rated by buyers -
I was in SEATAC one evening waiting on my redeye flight when I saw this book. I am a really big pet lover and a racer so I felt like this book was written for me.
This isn't a reinvention of fiction as some of the reviews may have you believe but it is a fantastic story. I usually only read funny books as I am kind of a softie and don't like sad or dramatic books, but I had to read this one. It is a quick read (I read it in 3 hours and I am a SLOW reader) but I really enjoyed it, it has a great balance and the discusion of Enzo's tv fascination and encyclopedic knowledge of actors is wonderful.
I gave this to my girlfriend to read who is not a racer and even she absolutely loved it.
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