The Art of Racing in the Rain

A really good book with a major flaw… The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein.  I really loved the concept of the book, having just joined the ranks of dog ownership, I thought having the “man’s best friend” being the narrator of the story was brilliant.  The story, during the short life span of a dog’s life, is about Denny Swift, a race car driver who experiences the death of his wife, Eve.  Eve is diagnosed with a brain tumor after the birth of their daughter.  Enzo, the dog, narrates all that he has learned during the tumultuous days of Denny’s marriage, birth of his daughter, the dying days of his wife, and then the downward spiral following Eve’s death.  Eve’s parents choose to sue Denny as he has always been more absent, trying to secure a spot in the racing circuit.  Things get ugly after Denny’s fifteen year old niece, Anika, accuses him of rape.  Denny goes through all of his money (Eve’s parents are loaded and drag out the process trying to take all his resources away).  Of course, Enzo knows that Anika's allegation is a lie, he was there and she actually tried to take advantage of him – a longer story, you should read.  I was all over this book until one part… near the end, when Enzo (the dog!) is called to the witness stand to prove Denny’s innocent through the use of a voice machine! UGH!  You really had a great book until you used this technique Mr. Stein.  There certainly could have been another way, even having Anika change her story…   The story was very engaging and again had some nice lessons to be learned.  Interesting two days in a row reading death journeys – read Last Lecture tomorrow.  I can see how this one was a New York Best Seller.  A relatively quick read, though I actually listened to it!  A nice stocking stuffer/gift for a friend or family member.  Read this one!