Nutgraf

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Nothing wrings the cry right out of me faster than a story about a dog. This one is narrated by the dog, and it’s about his own human aspirations, as well as the aspirations of his human. Enzo, the dog, is thoughtful, noble and full of that simple and unconditional love and unqualified admiration that makes us such suckers for his species.

Enzo bears witness to a long and miserable stretch in the lives of his humans, and the little guy does what he can to help, showing us what we look like through the eyes of another. And playing into every paranoid fantasy I’ve ever had that I’m being closely observed and judged when I’m at my lowest. So, thanks for that!

The book delivers a couple of good cries (including the requisite one at the tippy end), and earns a couple of eye rolls for some perhaps over-simplified characters and pat endings to story elements. But it’s sweet and charming and makes me think of the dogs I’ve shared my life with. Don’t get me wrong – I do love my cats. But they’re no dog. And I’m sorry to break this to you Priscilla, but neither is Bea. I don’t know what she is – she’s a total love, to be sure – but she’s not a dog. Perhaps she’s some kind of squirrel.

But back to The Art of Racing in the Rain – all in all a recommend.

• Do not start or finish this book when in public or otherwise in a non-cry-friendly situation.
• This book is a quick read, and is suitable for commuting on public transportation.
• People who don’t like dogs just won’t get it. But they miss out on a lot anyway.

Have you read it? What did you think? Comments welcome.

• Author Garth Stein’s Web site
  

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