Memoir by the Dog

Our next bookclub choice came right before Hurricane Ike, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I was happy for an easy good read. I loved that the book was told from the dog's point of view. AND an exceptional dog Enzo is. Given that peculiarity, I got a little bored in the middle of the book. There was a predictable portion of the plot (how can I not have a spoiler here ?!!). I found myself skimming through the entire trial scene knowing how it would turn out.

I loved the racing descriptions of the book. I've never read about auto racing, and I found it interesting and artistic.

Good easy read - no hidden messages here.

Blurb: 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 Zoë 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,