52 {Books} in 52: The Art of Racing in the Rain

First, I must give a huge thank you to Christina and Jey for recommending The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This was such a beautiful and compelling story that I highly, highly recommend reading it. This story is told through the eyes of Enzo the dog and starts on the night before his death. The story does not start with him dying, however, it is simply the basis for why Enzo is going to tell you the story of his life and the life of his owner, Denny the honorable race car driver, husband, and father.

Denny experiences a series of tragic events, one of which includes the battle over his daughter (why are the grandparents so evil?!), and through it all Enzo is a faithful companion and friend. Your only regret with this story is the same as Enzo's: if he could just speak, the truth would be known! But Enzo understands his place in the world and knows how to use his gestures to get his desire across. This is not just a story of Enzo telling Denny's story though; it is a story of self-fulfillment for Enzo as he inches closer and closer to finally being ready to be a man in his next life.

The end of this story is simply beautiful and one of the most wonderful scenes I have ever imagined. From start to finish, this novel is one about love, compassion, and perseverance. This tale of pet owner and pet is one that perfectly showcases the special place pets have in our human lives and how lucky we humans are to have their loyalty.

 

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
19.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein