Book Report: The Art of Racing in the Rain

One of the times I feel funniest, the most vulnerable is laying in bed sobbing as I finish the last couple of pages of a good book.

A few weeks ago a wonderful blogger/writer/teacher suggested The Art of Racing in the Rain to me.

After hearing some of my favorites Annie suggested that I try one of hers and I am so glad I did.

Stein's book follows the life of a man through the eyes of his most faithful companion, his dog Enzo. As Denny works to become a famous racecar driver, falls in love with a woman and fathers a child Enzo is his loyal companion who wishes for nothing more than to be human.

Following information he has seen in a documentary Enzo believes that when he dies he will become a human, with the capacity to shake hands and enunciate his feelings.

When Denny's wife gets sick and the family's life is thrown into termoil it is Enzo who pushes Denny to continue fighting to win the race.

In his last days Enzo realizes that to be a good racer one must not only see what will happen ahead but expect it, not only feel the track but join it. And not only drive the race but become one with it. By keeping an alert eye one is able to master the race and understand the outcome.

If you read only one book this month make it The Art of Racing in the Rain. The everlasting love between the man and his dog is enough to make anyone cry and is the most open, honest book I've read in a long time.

I found myself hoping that all love surpasses the struggles of every day life in order to find each other in the end.