As a dog lover, I will be surprised this fall if Oprah doesn’t bring up a great book that came out just before she went on summer hiatus—The Art of Racing with the Rain by Garth Stein.   O, and how we all know how Oprah loves her dogs - so I can’t imagine that it wasn’t on her summer reading list.  It’s narrated by a dog and I’d have to say, it’s the best darn canine dialog I’ve ever read.  And, not one single bark in the book!

“Racing in the Rain” makes another popular cult dog story—Marley and Me—seem like a yawner.  And, that book is evidently being made into a movie starring a dog, Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson.  Check out the movie trailer at www.marleyandmemovie.com.  Hmmm.  It kind of sums up the book . . . hopefully, they are holding back in the trailer.  Marley needs to meet Enzo, the main dog charater in “Racing in the Rain.”

So, back to the point of this post.  As many of you know, I review books for a popular morning show (www.oshouldknow.com/river-reader-book-reviews) and I have to tell you how excited I was to finally find a decent book this summer.  Usually, the shelves are full of great beach reads.  But, this summer has been slim pickings for some reason.  Everything that looks interesting to me was from last summer.  When I was given a copy of “Racing in the Rain,” I was not excited. 

I love dogs, but wading through pages of doggie thoughts just didn’t sound appealing.  Thanks goodness I took the book on our California “micro-cation.”  I finished the book ON THE BEACH on day two.  And, it truly is a story that only a dog could tell.   That’s what the publisher says.  I’m not sure how he came to this conclusion (which is part of what turned me off).  Maybe he was a dog in former life.  Anyway, here is a bit about the book to entice you (as summed up by the publisher who thinks like a dog):

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: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny’s wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. 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 Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

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.

Yes, they sort of give the book away on the cover verbage—Enzo dies.  Stein does a good job of making the book interesting and surprising in the end.  And, I’d have to say . . .I hope that if my dog had to write a book about his life with my family, it would be just like this story.  I do feel the need to point out that I highly doubt “O’s” dogs could relate because Enzo does get to ride in a race car and a regular car, but never a limo. 

Now, if you REALLY get into the book. . .join the “Go Enzo” Flickr group.  Your uploaded pictures will automatically appear in this gallery.  O super cool!