THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
by Garth Stein
Harper Collins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061537936

Enzo loves nothing more than racing around a racetrack with his master, up-and-coming race car driver Denny Swift. Enzo has been with Denny since puppyhood and the two share a heartwarming relationship. Enzo is Denny’s best friend and confidante and Enzo dreams of one day returning to Earth as a human with hopes of meeting Denny in that form.

The book begins on the eve of Enzo’s death, and from that point backtracks to the life shared by a caring man and his dog. We read about the changes in their lives as Denny marries, has a daughter, loses his wife to an early death, then his daughter to her grandparents. We’re part of Denny’s angst and frustration as he determinedly tries to regain custody of his daughter, whom he lost due to unjust allegations. And through it all, his dog Enzo, by his side, grieving with him, rejoicing with him, ready to help his master any way he can. The plot moves like life: up and down, filled with intense pain and great happiness.

Enzo’s take on life is refreshing and insightful and the analogies he makes between life and race car driving are poignant and eye-opening. Be sure to keep plenty of tissues handy, because this is a book that, although heart-crushingly sad, is at the same time uplifting and touching.