The Art of Racing in the Rain
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when
What you might want to know about The Art of Racing in the Rain
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
Enzo is a dog with the soul of a man, narrating his life with his Seattle race-driver owner Denny, Denny's wife, and their daughter Zoe. When tragedy hits the family, Enzo watches Denny fight for the people he loves.
Yes. A 2019 film adaptation directed by Simon Curtis and starring Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried was released, with Kevin Costner voicing Enzo the dog. The film follows the novel closely.
Yes. The novel is narrated by Enzo, the family dog, who believes he will be reincarnated as a human. The dog's-eye perspective is central to the book's emotional impact.
The Art of Racing in the Rain was written by Garth Stein, published in 2008 by Harper.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is 321 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, The Art of Racing in the Rain takes most readers 5 to 7 hours to finish.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a standalone novel by Garth Stein, not part of a series.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
