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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
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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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Beautiful Audiobook

This was the first fictional book I’ve purchased on Audible and I’m so glad I did. Beautifully read, as though the narrator is enjoying the book himself.

Seven hours of joy for me whilst driving up and down the UK in my van (with my dog!!).

Enjoy!

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Really got into it

Took me several chapters but it really gets going and I looked froward to listening

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So much more than dog cliches

Enzo the dog articulates his passion for life, family, films and racing in this absolute tearjerker. It reminded me of times when I felt so enthused or passionate about something but couldn’t find the words to explain. Enzo finds the words.

I’m not really into to car racing but his enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. On another level, the observing, reflecting Enzo learns some great life lessons, and provokes your own thoughts on good ways to handle life based on racing metaphors.

As is heavily foreshadowed in the book, death is a central theme and normally that would put me off. But it’s dealt with more emotionally than in a depressing way, and also draws out the themes of love, family, loyalty and many more.

The narrator here is great, effectively using different voices for different characters and perfectly capturing the enthusiasm, fun, opinionated and loyal Enzo.

Get it. I’m struggling to think of a better book.

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Initially sceptical but loved it.

I set to play as I set off to drive home about four hours away. 5 minutes in I'm not sure. 10 minutes in it's getting interesting. at the end of my journey I want to keep going. By the end of the book I loved it and am sad to finish such a different story.

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Ever loved a dog? "You'll love this!

What a fabulous story of fortitude and love. Beautiful. If you've ever loved a dog and even if it's only in your dreams you'll love this!

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Great story, music interlude needs editing.

The story is wonderful, the narrator very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. However there is a strange interlude of music between chapters which is of such poor quality I thought my speaker was broken.

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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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    5 out of 5 stars

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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enjoyable

good listen however I really disliked the musical interludes Inbetween some chapters - it brought nothing to the story at all.

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You will want your own Enzo

From the first word spoken I was hooked. I loved the way the story is told through the dog. He’s simple outlook & his deep love & affection between him & Denny is so touching. Very well told & listened over one weekend! Some very funny moments & I will admit I sobbed at the end. I see the film which was good but nothing like the depth of feeling you get from the book. I loved it.

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