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The Art Of Racing In The Rain (2008)

by Garth Stein(Favorite Author)
4.16 of 5 Votes: 5
ISBN
1554681723 (ISBN13: 9781554681723)
languge
English
genre
publisher
Harper Collins
review 1: I found this book by accident, looking for another book, but the combination of auto racing and dogs, two subjects dear to my own heart, intrigued me, so I picked it up. From the first page, I knew it was going to break my heart. I read on anyway. Stein's writing has a sort of poetry to it, it draws you in, wraps you up in this family until you truly feel a part of it. Telling the story from the dog's perspective was pure brilliance, and the smooth dance from story to racing metaphor and back really kept the stage and tone set throughout. I could scarcely put this book down, and when the end did come, I'm not ashamed to say it had me in tears as no other book has done in quite a long time. I am so glad I found this gem of a book!
review 2: I didn't finish this
... moreone. Not because it is badly written – it isn’t – but because the premise of the book rings so false to me. The tale is told by a dog – great. But this dog can’t wait to become man in his next reincarnation. He readies himself for ‘the next step up’ by watching lots of National Geographic specials on television as well as the racing channel. On his ‘master’ sharing a packet of peanut butter crackers with him he muses: “What a shame to waste something so wonderful on a dog! Sometimes I hate what I am so much.” Good thing that in the next instant he is distracted by a beautiful car: “A 1974 Alpha Romeo GTV in pine green with a factory installed fabric sunroof in mint condition.” Right. I’m sure my dogs have a secret appreciation for tiny vintage cars, even if they can’t tell colors. On the face of it they seem to prefer riding in big old smelly trucks for comfort and leverage. Here’s the truth: I work hard for their Kibble while they play. I clean up their messes while they make more. I lie awake worrying while they snore in peace. The only thing they envy me is my ability to open the refrigerator. I can’t wait to be reincarnated as a dog as the ‘next step up’. I ready myself by watching my dogs living blissfully in the moment every day. less
Reviews (see all)
msoftver
Just liked it. Listened to it in the car, and welcomed heavy traffic.
Toby
Absolutely wonderful! A quick, heartfelt read!
leo
Quick read. Tear jerker.
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