What I'm Reading Wednesday - The Art of Racing in the Rain

Last week I didn't have WIRW for 2 reasons. Firstly, MG was visiting that weekend so I was a bit distracted. Secondly I'm a slow reader and M has been busy. She's very important. She has many leather-bound books and her (our) apartment smells of rich mahogany.

Without further adieu, here's the deal on The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein thanks to GoodReads.com:

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. 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.

If you're a dog person, which I definitely am, you will appreciate this book. A lot. It has the fascinating perspective of a dog and now I frequently wonder if my dog picks up on stuff like this too. Maybe we don't give dogs enough credit, or maybe they really are just as simple as they seem.

I really don't know much about race cars nor do I care for them. I was a bit weary to read about that story line since it didn't appeal to me but it held the story together well and I actually found it interesting.

I laughed and cried and it made me miss my dog even more. Good thing I get to go see her tonight!

This was the one and only time I will ever dress her up!

Next up: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls