Review & Awesome Giveaway: The Art of Racing In The Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Publisher: Harper
ISBN: 9780061537967
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Terra Communications):

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, Zoë, 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 Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

The extended book trailer:




Garth Stein on The Art of Racing in the Rain




My Comments:

There are very few books that I have read that have captured my heart the way that "The Art of Racing in the Rain" did. This enchantingly beautiful story is told from a dog's point of view that seems so real, you really have to wonder if Garth was Enzo in a former life.

"The Art of Racing in the Rain" is truly a masterpiece that made me laugh many times, cry a few, and even created such an anger in me that I had to put the book aside and walk away for a bit. (It is a rare book that can do that to me). It has change the way I look at life and how I look at my own dog. Enzo will be a character I will carry with me for a very, very long time.

If you haven't read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" yet, you really must do yourself a favor and read it. You will never look at the world the same again.

Parental note: There is a bit of sexual content and  strong language.

About the author:

Garth Stein was born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle. His ancestry is diverse: his mother, a native of Alaska, is of Tlingit Indian and Irish descent; his father, a Brooklyn native, is the child of Jewish immigrants from Austria. After spending his childhood in Seattle, and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle in 2001, where he currently lives with his wife and two sons.

If you would like to read more about Garth, view some great photos, and find out where he'll be appearing next, just visit his website at: http://www.garthstein.com/

"The Art of Racing in the Rain" Swag & Book Giveaway

Thanks to Sarah at Terra Communications, I have a wonderful Swag bag full of goodies for one lucky winner. That winner will receive:

• a copy of "The Art of Racing in the Rain"
• a cloth tote bag
• a lapel pin
• a bookmark
• a notepad
• and a few more surprises!

To Enter:

1. You must be a follower of this blog.
2. You must leave your email address.
3. Open to US and Canada only (sorry!!)
4. You can earn up to 6 extra entries when

• you post about this contest on Twitter
• post my button on your sidebar
• post about this contest on your blog
• add me to your blogroll
• add this contest to your sidebar
• post about this contest to Facebook

Leave a comment for each entry with URL of your post.

Contest ends April 27th at 11:59pm. Swag bag will be sent directly from Terra Communications. Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to reply with mailing address. After 48 hours, if no reply has been received, a new winner will be drawn.

Thanks and good luck!


A review copy was sent from Sarah at Terra Communications for me to honestly review.