On my weekend up north in San Ramon (visiting my boyfriend and his parents), I decided to relax by the pool with a read recommended by my mom. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I knew it would be my style as I love books about quirky animals. This one is in the voice of the noble yet curious and human-loving dog. Man's best friend chronicles the hardships his master endures in a life of love, disease, and deception. All the while the dog, Enzo, is steadfast (like any dog should be) in where his loyalties lie. He lives and breathes the life of his Master--Denny, an aspiring pro race car driver.
As the book progressed I lost interest in the connection it made to race car driving--cars aren't my thing. It was not until the end that I loved the symmetry the art of driving and living gracefully created. I wish the novel had unfolded some of these larger insights earlier as I would have enjoyed it sooner however the culmination of life's ride is worth the wait.
Perhaps it was because of my love for dogs, or the fear of losing my own loyal canine that actually brought tears to my eyes. Enzo's pure desire to please, be honest, and do good unto others is what I imagine dogs want most. Apparently I'm not the only person who thinks their dog has intelligent thoughts bottled inside her head. Because she cannot speak them she acts them out by dancing and boxing and rolling over in delight of her belly being rubbed. And if she, like Enzo, hopes to come back as a human in her next life, she will be a blubber and star of a person. If you connect with animals, you should give this book a read.
Check out the Author's site and a more detailed description of the plot by clicking HERE.
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