Book Reviews
Bruce suggests: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008).
If you've ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you, those times when he's surely trying to tell you something, this book will be an eye opener.
In the twilight of his life, Enzo the dog is reviewing the things he has learned, and in the process willing himself to remember all of life's lessons because he is sure that this time, his soul is coming back as a person--with opposable thumbs, no less! He adores his master, Denny, and the bond is only intensified when Denny meets and marries the love of his life, Eve. They have a daughter, Zoe, and when Enzo hears Eve tell him to "take care of her, Enzo", he accepts willingly.
If only he could speak (alas, his tongue and vocal chords are not designed for this) he could warn Eve that the terrible headaches she begins suffering are caused by something bad smelling that's growing inside her head (like mushrooms or decaying wood, he thinks).
The title refers to Denny, an aspiring and talented race car driver. Denny and Enzo (much of his education comes from TV) watch car races on TV together and Enzo comes to understand the many subtle nuances it takes to become truly great like Ayrton Senna, who knew how to race in the rain, or the great Michael Schumacher, seven times Formula 1 Champ.
Heartbreaking and funny, I liked this book very much for the way Enzo thinks, the things he does to get his point across, and the insight into how dogs view the world and what's important to them. You might never look at your dog the same way again.
--Book review by Bruce Boatwright, February 2009