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sherryringa's review against another edition
5.0
Best book I have read since The Help. I didn't want it to end. I might just have to read it again!
meshsock's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this audiobook because it was available through the library and because it is told in the perspective of a dog. I love my dog and I often wonder what she thinks about our lives together, so I was interested to hear a story told from that point of view. From that aspect, I think it delivered. While the dog seemed way too intellectual for a dog and he seemed to understand everything going on around him with such ease struck me a bit inauthentic. There is no WAY my dog understands what I'm saying nearly as well. However, I suppose the book wouldn't be coherent if it wasn't like this so it was probably necessary.
I was unprepared for how much talk of racing there would be. I felt it was way too much and detracted from what I was interested in (the goings on of the family). Besides being one long metaphor for life I could have done without the constant racing references, most of which I didn't understand anyways because I am not familiar with F1 racing people, tracks, protocols, etc.
I was also unprepared for how sad it would get, or rather, frustratingly enraging. This was actually quite compelling. I found myself thinking, "Are they serious? That is so wrong!" through parts of the book. It elicited conversations between my husband and I as to what is acceptable in the face of loss and what isn't.
The end dragged on. I felt there were several places it could have ended in that last chapter and then lo and behold the narrator kept talking. It was like one of those songs that you think is over and then isn't. I get wanting to say something poignant at the end, but when you try to say 5 poignant things it loses it's effect.
Overall, I thought this book was entertaining and thoughtful. It was an interesting perspective you don't always hear from and I finished it without problem.
I was unprepared for how much talk of racing there would be. I felt it was way too much and detracted from what I was interested in (the goings on of the family). Besides being one long metaphor for life I could have done without the constant racing references, most of which I didn't understand anyways because I am not familiar with F1 racing people, tracks, protocols, etc.
I was also unprepared for how sad it would get, or rather, frustratingly enraging. This was actually quite compelling. I found myself thinking, "Are they serious? That is so wrong!" through parts of the book. It elicited conversations between my husband and I as to what is acceptable in the face of loss and what isn't.
The end dragged on. I felt there were several places it could have ended in that last chapter and then lo and behold the narrator kept talking. It was like one of those songs that you think is over and then isn't. I get wanting to say something poignant at the end, but when you try to say 5 poignant things it loses it's effect.
Overall, I thought this book was entertaining and thoughtful. It was an interesting perspective you don't always hear from and I finished it without problem.
dirtyd_27's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
madnabox's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
paohc's review against another edition
4.0
With unforgettable characters, this book is entertaining, heart breaking and an absolute must to any pet owners out there. Be warned you will see enzo's eyes reflected in your own pet's.
skmiles's review against another edition
3.0
Very sweet, kind of cheesy book. That being said, perhaps one of the more original and heartfelt renditions of a story told by a dog.
harlando's review against another edition
4.0
This was really good. Stein does a great job creating a narrator who is perceptive, but also believable as a dog.
I found the ending a little sappy. I think that being good at what you do generally works out, but also that few people reach that level of self-actualization and happiness without a lot of pain and suffering.
I found the ending a little sappy. I think that being good at what you do generally works out, but also that few people reach that level of self-actualization and happiness without a lot of pain and suffering.
fredav's review against another edition
5.0
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! I can't even really put into words how amazing it was.
Enzo was a witty and endearing narrator who really understood a lot more about life then many humans do. I also really loved all the racing metaphors and was amazed at how much racing could be tied to everyday life. Growing up around cars and my dads love for them made this all the more interesting.
This book made me laugh and cry. I also was so mad at how the "Twins" as Enzo called them treated Denny. It is so sad to think that this happens more then people realize.
A must read for sure and something that I know I will revisit in the future.
Enzo was a witty and endearing narrator who really understood a lot more about life then many humans do. I also really loved all the racing metaphors and was amazed at how much racing could be tied to everyday life. Growing up around cars and my dads love for them made this all the more interesting.
This book made me laugh and cry. I also was so mad at how the "Twins" as Enzo called them treated Denny. It is so sad to think that this happens more then people realize.
A must read for sure and something that I know I will revisit in the future.
hollmae's review against another edition
3.0
I don't care for cars or racing so all those parts were lost on me. This book was great but I kind of hated every second of it. It brought up terribly sad moments from my past of having to put down my aging dog. What's the point of trying to stir up those types of emotions... or maybe that is the point. The author was able to stir up those awful feelings of loss with his words. Again, it really is a great book but just not my cup of tea.