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 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.

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

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.

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 discussion 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.

Simply put, this is the best book I have read in years! It tugs at you constantly and in every direction. You must read it, you can not, will not, be disappointed

I'm a dog lover and wanted to like this story so much. I'm actually shocked it's gotten such wonderful reviews. Basically, it would be an okay book for a fifth grader, but unbelievably flat, boring, dull and silly for an adult. It seems like a middle schooler wrote it! The story is so lame and uneventful. I'm embarrassed to have finished it, but kept thinking (hoping) it could get richer/deeper. Sorry to say... you need to pass on this book... it's plain DUMB!

I loved this book. I also cried through the world book. It was a wonderful journey through life and death as seen through the honest eyes of a dog.

Inspiring, honest, and perfectly written!

I loved this book!!! A unique perspective on life from a canine point of view, which I found myself ageeing with more often than not. On my list of all time favorites and highly recommended to dog lovers everywhere.

I found this story one of the most charming I've read in a long time. I am the volunteer coordinator at an animal shelter, a dog show judge, and a dog breeder, and I am not normally enamored with a story written by the dog, but this one is the exception. If you have watched a beloved pet grow older and infirmed you will understand this character, the dog named Enzo. If you are a dog lover, a person whose dog is a member of the family, you will enjoy this book. If you are not a dog lover then it is clearly not a book for you. I am buying a copy of this book for each of my volunteers as a holiday gift.
Betty-Anne Stenmark

my favorite book so far this year. move over marley and merle! -shelly in snohomish

A GREAT BOOK AND A WONDERFUL READ. THIS IS FUN LIKE A MERRY GO ROUND.

The story is touching, minus the car-racing, but I must have been moved by the picture of the dog on the cover and forgotten how much I dislike anthropomorphizing when I chose this book at the library. I love animals, respect animals, which is why I don't think it's cute or endearing to read about, or watch movies, other than animated, where animals speak as though they were human. That's just my opinion, which is why the book didn't speak to me. Having the dog tell the story threw me off balance...it didn't feel right, as beloved as the dog was.

From the get-go this was clearly going to be my kind of book. But I had little idea how totally enraptured I'd become as I started to read. I generally cannot read books for too long a period of time anymore but I find myself gulping this novel down in huge bites. I'll be finished with it shortly and I am actually dreading that moment. I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute I am spending with this dog and his philosophical musings and his clear-eyed view of the actual simplicity of a very complex world. Mr. Stein has done has accomplished a great thing here. He has simplified the meaning of life and presented it in the guise of a wise but very "human" dog with the ability to communicate. That which we manifest is before us. He has clearly manifested a very fine read. Bravo.

OK, I NEVER write reviews. However, I (like another reviewer) picked up the book just because of the yellow lab (I have one) photo on the cover. Forget that the book isn't about a lab - the cover will hook you, and the story will finish you! The end is foreshadowed on page one, and I was already weepy - you know the dog is talking about his end. In between the first and last pages, however, is quite an adventure. If you've ever wondered what your dog might observe in between unconditional wagging of tails and covering your black clothes with yellow hair (or white clothes with black or brown, for that matter), this novel has great suggestions. Quick read, but worth it. HINT FOR MOMS (or maybe dads too): don't wait to read the final chapter while waiting for one of your kids to finish up a sports practice where you are in public. I had to pretend I had a bad cold, needing to blow my nose a lot . . . . But still a positive, good cry!

This is a MUST READ for anyone who has ever loved a dog. As Enzo shares his life story in his own words, you will laugh, cry, get angry and spend time with your memories of your best canine friend.

Enzo is intimately involved in the daily lives of the Swift family. He shares in their dreams, thsir struggles, their sadness, and their joys as only a dog can.

I found this a book I wanted to read and reread many times as well as one to share with my friends.

Grab this book and find a quiet place to read. Whether you are in front of a crackling fire, under the warm covers of your duvet or enjoying the umbrella of a large tree, you will laugh, cry and come away feeling your world has just opened up to new possibilities.

I enjoyed this book very much. Having the dog tell the story made for some interesting interpretations of what was going on. Very well written! With an ending that makes you wonder.

What can I say about this book? What can I say about Enzo? Ultimately all I can say is that this book is one of the most inspiring books that I have read in my 19 years on this earth. Never have I been more captivated by the imagination of an author than I have with Garth Stein. This was my first time reading any of his works, and I must say that it is almost certain that I will read not only this book, but his others over and over again.

What do I like about Enzo other than his wit and charm? His determination. His understanding. His ability to use his actions to show Denny what he couldn't otherwise simply tell him. I admire Enzo's affection towards Eve and Zoë, and ultimately his dream to become a human.

I've learned a lot through this book about every day life too. As Enzo tells us in the book, 'racing is about discipline and intelligence, not about who has the heavier foot. The one who drives smart will always win in the end.'

This book is a gem. A jewel. I can't recommend it highly enough!
I laughed. I wept.
I gasped out loud (not just once!)
I chuckled. I grinned.
I shouted "NOOOOOOO".
I mourned. I rejoiced.
All in a few short hours because this small book is one of the most wonderful reads I have had in a long time. Excellent.
Your dog wants you to read this book.
It hurt to finish it and I reread the 1st chapter again immediately, and it all gelled in my heart. This is a great book, a superbly heartfelt bit of writing. Garth Stein is magic.

This was a touching tale of a dog's life, written from his perspective. In a very funny, often thought-provoking and inspiring story, our hero not only understands his place in the world, he carves a place in the reader's heart. He teaches important life lessons in a simple, honest and straight-forward way. As is typical of his species, our narrator never is preachy, is rarely judgemental, and sometimes, like his human counterparts, falls in love with with a person he previously misjudged. His biggest yet most loveable fault? A sincere jealousy of humans' possession of opposable thumbs.
I predict you'll fall in love with Enzo and his story.

A wonderful, make you laugh, make you cry book. I would recommend it to all of my friends.

Being a dog lover all my life, it was wonderful to be assured dogs think and talk and reason just like we do. Loved the book. Telling all my friends. Linda Bussey

This is simply the best book I have read in a very long time. Tragic, thoughtful, funny and moving, Stein gets you from every angle. Will read it again very soon; have bought several copies and given it to my close friends.

One of the most memerable books I have ever read. Just finished it in one sitting, only had to pause when my eyes were too full of tears to see the text. This book is about life and death as seen through the eyes of one with perhaps more wisdom than we. Brings back memories of all the animals that have shared my life and the hope that we will meet again. I really hope and pray that there is a real " rainbow bridge" and we can all meet again forever. Punch up "rainbow bridge" if you do not know about it. Bernie

This is a wonderful story which brings together dogs, kids, loss of loved ones and racing. It is a wonderful story which brings about a deeper appreciation of life, racing and how struggles and battles in life define us all. I highly reccommend this book.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! It is so fresh and unique to be told from the dog's point of view, but it isn't a "cutsey" point of view but more like an old soul telling the story about the admiration they feel for their families, the pain they feel when we feel it and the happiness when we are happy. I read it in two days, then my neighbor read it in two days and then passed it on to her 17 year old son who also loved it.

I am not a racing fan in any way but that is not really what the story is about. You'll appreciate this book even if you aren't a dog lover BUT if you ARE a dog lover, you will absolutely cherish it and want to share it with everyone you know!! I wish I hadn't read it yet so I could read it again for the first time!!

It was a little twee in the beginning and I wasn't quite sure, but I kept reading and by the end I was weeping.

This is a lovely book, narrated by Enzo, the dog, and tells the tale of his life and his beloved master. We learn to love Denny like Enzo loves him, and feel for him like Enzo feels for him. Also had some charming quirky insights into how dogs understand our world and how they feel about us humans. Felt oddly believable.

I read this book in two days, it's a smooth, light read but packs a punch in the end. Highly recommended.

I took this book on vacation and while it normally takes me quite awhile to read a book I finished this one fast. It was not only an easy read but the story grabs you and you don't want to put it down which was funny because racing never interested me. I love, love, LOVED this book! It made me laugh, think differently about things and I also cried. I've been telling everyone to get it.

I have never felt compelled to write a review of a novel before now. I finished this book in a marathon of page turning bliss and sadness. I am a dog lover and am fond of racing , but above all else I am a human. The spirit to fight and live is shared in this novel and attaches itself to every tear fallen and every race won. I will warn those who are sentimental this may be one to many heart felt tales compiled in one book. If you insist on picking this up you will be led by the tail on a voyage of unforgettable size. This book allows us to see how we are tied together and depend so heavily on another soul. Thank you Mr. Stein for this wonderful tale. I do not know other how else to put this; my dog has seen me through some of the most unimaginable times and to this day stands beside me and reminds me of humility every day. She is a wonderful vessel placed her to help my family and I struggle and share in some of the most explosive times of both good and bad. You captured this so well and as her health fails I found the text very reflective. This book is a masterpiece and I believe deep within the text we can all learn about what is really important in our lives from the pages. It is as perfect as any novel I have read. You sir have delivered one very powerful and enduring piece of work. I recommend this one with gushing remarks just make sure your kleenex box is full.

I couldn't put this book down. I read it in one day. I laughed and I cried, sometimes at the same time. If you love dogs, you will love this book. This book looks at life (one family's life in particular) from a dog's perspective.

this was a fast read, very clever premise. starts off a bit depressing, but push on for a great story!

Simply, an outstanding book. I have been an avid reader since the age of 6 (and I am over 50!). This is really one of the best books I have read. Why? Well, whether you are a dog lover does does not really matter since Enzo is quite the philosopher; the story has twists and turns that get you hooked to the point where you can't put the book down; and it also very adroitly addresses and, in a very nice way, offers some answers to many major life issues. I hope to read more from this wonderful author.

It took longer than expected to receive this book and the dust jacket was not in good condition. However, when I told them about this - they immediately and graciously offered a 30% off discount - that I would like to apply to my next purchase. I hope they are true to their promise.

The book really hit home on the thought process and feelings that a dog may have. A heart warming story about a man, his dog and his family. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Marley and Me is also very good!.

This is one of the all time best stories I have read. If you are a "dog" person, it is a must-read. The story takes you to emotional highs and emotional lows. It gives you hope for all species...

I really enjoyed this book. Everyone with whom I have shared this book has loved it.

I love fiction like this. Fiction that is this well told, with well developed three dimensional characters, and a story that is thoroughly absorbing.

The story is told in the first person. The novel twist is that the first "person" is a dog named Enzo. Enzo is an astute observer of his master's life, and has a lot of wisdom to impart, if only someone could hear him.

Who knows if dogs really think this deeply, and wax poetic about life's ironies and victories and tragedies? I like to think that they do.

Enzo loves his master, Denny, a race car driver, very much. He thinks that Denny is amazing. His loyalty and love color his observations as he watches Denny navigate some enormous life difficulties and personal tragedies.

What would your dog say about you if he could speak? How do you know his small gestures aren't an effort to communicate his love and support and insight to you?

This is an engrossing and heartfelt book, and makes it onto my list of all time favorites.

C.A.Wulff - Author of Born Without a Tail

Enzo is more pragmatic than most humans. Yet his great desire is to be reborn as a man.

Enzo, you see, is a dog. Not just any dog, though. He's a real zen-master of a dog, providing some excellent advice for all--as well as enough laughs and tears to use up a box or so of tissues--throughout this thoroughly enjoyable book by Garth Stein.

There are a few places where you'll have to suspend disbelief but, remember, this is a novel and not reality. The gods grant fiction writers a little leeway in that respect, no matter what critics may say.

No need for me to get into the plot. Others here have already outlined that and it appears a majority agree Enzo is one of the most charming characters and this is one of the most pleasant reads to come along in recent years.

I am a dog lover, have three so that kind of proves it, and the fact that this book was narated by the dog "Enzo" locked the sale for me. I was in a small boutique bookstore owned by a friend of a friend in Sun River, Oregon, and wanted to spend some money to help them out. I love to read - really do, but life and work gets in the way and I find it hard to indulge in a good book when my laptop sits so close by buzzing away with the constant chimes of "new mail" coming in. So, I don't read as often as I would like to, but this book grabbed me. The writing is beautiful, engaging and I have thought about the hidden messages in this book for the last three days. I finished the book tonight after work, torn between doing my nightly chores, or finishing the last three chapters of this book. I honestly did not want the book to end. Can't wait to read more from this author. I am hooked. This is an awesome read and I will recommend this to all of my friends. Take the time to read this one, you won't regret it.

What a great book -- not in the sense of masterful literature but, rather, a satisfying "read" with a wonderful message. Check out the review by Jesse Kornbluth for a taste of what the book has in store for you that I wouldn't attempt to recreate. I read it 3 weeks ago during our vacation in Maine. Had occasion to describe it to a new-found friend we just met at dinner one night whom we learned happens to own a Doberman and gave the book to him (I don't want to disclose much about the ending except to say 'paying it forward' is a theme). So, why am I here? I'm buying another for my daughter who is about to get a "rescued" dog. Enjoy!

I'm not a dog-owner and I have no interest in race-car driving (or watching), but I still loved this book. Enzo's musings on life apply to all of us. He has some laugh-out-loud comments and moments -- as well as of course many heart-wrenching ones. (In fact, at one reading, I had to put down the book, thinking, "Oh, no, I think I know what's coming and I don't want something bad to happen to these characters I care about!") Enzo gains a lot of insights from watching television. My husband and I don't watch much tv and now I'm wondering if we're shorting our two cats!
--Kathie Hightower, co-author of Help! I'm a Military Spouse -- I Get a Life Too! 2d Edition

I read a review for this book in our local newspaper, written by a high school journalist. Like her, I do not find "animal" stories on the top of my list, so a dog on the cover would never have intrigued me. Like her, also, I found this story to be a human story, seen through the eyes of an animal. I absolutely loved it. My daughter loved it,too, and recommended it to my college age son. I'm also recommending it to my book club. Ran the gamut of emotions, laugh-out-loud and cry really hard. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful story whether you're a dog person or not. But it's especially meaningful if you've ever been adored by a dog like I have because you will understand and accept the deep bond between Enzo and Denny. It's Enzo's story to tell and quite simply, he adores Denny and the life he has with his family, and it's apparent in everything he does. Sometimes the story seems contrived but as a dog owner, I often think my own dogs express humanity, that they have a human 'voice", think human thoughts and would do human things if they just had those opposable thumbs.

Most of the story is about Denny's life, most of it rather tragic and rough, as observed by Enzo. The other characters - his wife Eve, daughter Zoe and his in-laws - are all superficial plot lines that allow Enzo to observe how other people interact with Denny. But in Enzo's center, it's always about Denny.

There's sadness from the beginning because you know that Enzo is dying so he deserves to tell HIS story HIS way. Enzo is satisfied that he lived a good life, one deserving of reincarnation to the next life which he fervently hopes is as a man. It's wonderful to believe that dogs can aspire to be more than what they are and this story makes you believe it's possible.

Keep tissues nearby. And read it with your dog.

If you only read one book this year, make it The Art of Racing in the Rain. I can't recall ever having read a book like this one. I noticed the book while at the cash register at Barnes & Noble; the cashier strongly suggested I read the book, and I'm so glad she did!!

This novel is narrated by a very intelligent canine, Enzo, who tells the tale of a few very difficult years in the life of his master, Denny, who is a race car driver. Enzo does the best he can to support and protect his family during a difficult time, and imparts to the reader life lessons gleaned from racing, a passion he shares with Denny.

It is a page-turner, and you'll be teary at the end; both because of the story itself, and the fact that the book is over!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I was drawn to this book, like others, because of the fact that the narrator was a dog. I was hesitant at first - either that device can work really well or really bad. But I wasn't disappointed. I checked it out from the library to see if I would like it and this book is one that I plan to add to my own personal library.

Enzo (the dog) lives with a race car driver and tells about his life with him. I love the perspective of a dog in this book and it made me wonder if our animals really look at us that way.

Be forewarned - it was a tearjerker, but don't let that scare you away. It was a wonderful story. And if you aren't a fan of racing, don't let that scare you off either. It's apart of the story, but not so much so that a non-fan would be turned off by it.

I read it. I loved it. I put it down. Picked it back up and read parts(especially the last chapter) over and over. It touched my heart in the very same way that only your very best canine friend can. I will always love Enzo, the perfect example of why dogs are man's best friend. This book is nothing like "Edgar Sawtelle" - don't be deceived by comparisons. Forget Oprah's opinion -- read this!

Boy, this is one of those stories you just didn't want to end. What a delightful story as told by Enzo the Dog. Emotional, compassionate, funny, suspenseful, this one has it all. I had not heard of the Author "Garth Stein" prior to reading "The Art of Racing in the Rain", but when I finish this review, I am going to do a search on Amazon and buy his other books. It was a great read from first page to last, and I am serious--Garth if you are out there--do a sequel about Enzo's life as a man--please? I bet he would be just a great guy!

I didn't buy The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was given to me by a dear friend, who knew all too well the relationship I shared with my dog Boomerang, a beautiful yellow lab girl, who died in April at the age of 13. I was at first apprehensive to read it, since I thought it would be too painful, and now I wish I had read it sooner.
Enzo is a character (no pun intended) and wonderful narrator of the life he shares with his human pal Denny with all their trials and tribulations. If only more people could be like Enzo, who has a dry wit and deep desire to be human, as he thinks humans should be. Funny, dramatic and spiritual, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Thanks Enzo for your reminders about kindness, truthfulness and love.

I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read. I picked this book up after seeing it featured at Starbucks, and absolutely loved it. It is very different from any other book about a dog I've ever read. Using the dog as the narrator made this very enjoyable. I recommend for all animal lovers everywhere.

I must highly recommend this book. I let it sit on the shelf for a few months because I thought I knew how it would end...all dog books end the same way don't they? So in September I got out a box of kleenix and started to read. Oh yes, I needed the kleenix, but the book soared...on so many different levels.
It triumphs, and the tears were tears of joy. Life is lived fully while racing in the rain.