Book 14 of 52: The Art of Racing in the Rain

I visited my sister and her family today (Easter Sunday). I am not a dog-person. Period. They have a dog. Evi likes to give kisses and share the love with visitors to their house. Dog slobber is disgusting, and shedding blonde hair does nothing to help my severely limited wardrobe of black yoga pants and black t-shirts. So when two people I know (Celina & Michelle) suggested this book, saying it was written from the perspective of a dog, I had to think twice before picking it up. It's funny that I finished this book this morning, just before heading off to her house.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is the story of a family's journey through life told through the eyes of their beloved dog Enzo. By telling the story from his perspective there's a beautiful innocence in the narrative voice. At times the voice is of a crotchety old man, and at other times a young child. He's wise, he's naive, and he is devoted. The family he is devoted to is made up of Denny, Eve, and their child, Zoe. Denny is an up and coming race car driver, but has to put this aside when his wife Eve is diagnosed with brain cancer. Eve decides to move into her parents home for the last weeks of her life and takes her daughter with her, while her husband and his dog Enzo are left alone. Even worse, Eve's parents, Zoe's grandparents lauch a custody battle after their daughter's death. The book has a bit of a Hollywood ending that seems too good to be true, but I certainly enjoyed the journey to get to the ending.

For a book written from the perspective of a dog, this is one of the most human stories I've read in a while. It was also quick read -- perfect for the long weekend!