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Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain
With your help, I decided to go ahead and read The Art of Racing in the Rain.
I’ve been meaning to read this for a while and I actually bought it for my mother for Christmas this year. After stealing Lindsay’s copy for my reading pleasure and all of you telling me to READ IT, I did just that.
Synopsis via Amazon:
“If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein’s third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny’s old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny’s bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama.”
This is a really easy read-I mean it’s written from the point of view of a dog. Short, simple sentences and not much detail. I read the book in two days and really enjoyed it. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I loved the idea behind this book- a dog writing from his perspective about his family, and there were some really thought-provoking sentences throughout the book that made me stop and think about my own life. For some reason, and I can’t really figure out what that is, I just didn’t connect too much with the story.
I think it may have been the simple writing and the speed of the book. I honestly also have no interest in race car driving which is what some chapters were solely about. To be frank, I skimmed those and even skipped paragraphs here and there. Most people told me I would sob throughout the entire book (my mother included!) but I only shed a few tears. Again, I think it’s because I didn’t connect with the book on that level.
I would recommend the book, I did enjoy it after all. And if you love dogs, you will most likely love this book. It’s an easy and quick read and it’s definitely something different, which is refreshing.
That’s all the nonsense I have for now!
What are you reading??
16 Comments to Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Part of me is definitely tempted to read this book, but part of me feels like picking this up would be risky business. I love dogs SO MUCH and miss having one living with me SO BAD. From what I’ve heard, this book could be very dangerous to my fragile emotions haha.
Currently working my way through Unbroken. Talk about a book that makes you think/is emotionally distressing. Yikes. (But it’s so, so good. I honestly look forward to all my commutes and lunch [my reading times] so I can get back into it.)
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Kelsey Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
I am SUCH a dog spaz.. I want one so bad.
Ohhh I still need to get that!
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I’m glad you liked it!
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Kelsey Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Not giving it back!
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This is not an important contributing comment at all.. but I found this in an email I got this morning and I thought you would want to know it existed: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97222955/sale-book-wine-club-tote-bag-trademarked?
But to answer your question I’m currently reading the Creative Habit. Not a typical read for me, but as a creative person I find this kind of interesting so far
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Kelsey Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
OMG I LOVE THAT!
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I’m a crazy cat lady, so I need a book written from the perspective of a CAT. Meow.
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kilax Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Like
(ha ha ha, hope you get my joke
)
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Kelsey Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
LOVE.
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kilax Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:07 am
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I really liked this book! It was sad (a few tears, just at the end) but I just really loved the dog’s perspective. Made me look at Molly in a whole new light…
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Kelsey Reply:
February 5th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
You would.
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I want to read this!!! Although, like everyone else, don’t need the temptation of reminding me how much I want a dog.
Anyways…I’m reading, “The Tenth Circle” and am amazed by how much I like it. Serious subject matter but very addicting.
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I am reading “Still Missing” and flying through it. I got it in a book swap and I am a third done and I definitely recommend it.
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Sorry, I have to be a dick–Racing, not Dancing in the Rain
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Kelsey Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
HAHA I seriously LOVED this, I didn’t even realize this. THANK you for pointing it out! HA!
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