gilda_elise

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. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

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.

I wanted to read the book after seeing, and really enjoying, the movie. But while the book is entertaining, I felt that the movie was better. Some readers have bemoaned some of the plot points in the book, and in many ways I agree; they’re not in the movie, which shows how much better the story is without them.

But while the book held my interest, I didn’t find the characters, other than Enzo, to be fully formed. I suppose most of that is due to the fact that the book is in Enzo’s perspective. I think switching POVs might have helped. Having Enzo sort of figure out what the other characters were thinking just didn’t do the trick.

It was a quick read and a nice book, just not a great one.