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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
medium-paced
The Art of Racing in the Rain offers a unique perspective as it's told by Enzo.... the Swift family's dog. While this book handles some very dark life situations (death, illness, loss of family), Enzo's voice gives it a humorous frankness that had me laughing out loud. It's a rare book that manages to have your heart aching and laughing at the same time. Even though I know absolutely NOTHING about racing, the author simplifies it and uses it more as a metaphor for life that we can all understand.
The one negative to this book, is the fake sex offender/rape charges brought against Denny. Any fake charge of this nature is damaging as it invalidates truthful claims. However, the author manages to handle this with grace and adds a depth to the characters through this situation. Despite this one minor flaw, The Art of Racing in the Rain is beautifully written and very endearing. "The car goes where the eyes go" (Stein, 2008, p.218).
The one negative to this book, is the fake sex offender/rape charges brought against Denny. Any fake charge of this nature is damaging as it invalidates truthful claims. However, the author manages to handle this with grace and adds a depth to the characters through this situation. Despite this one minor flaw, The Art of Racing in the Rain is beautifully written and very endearing. "The car goes where the eyes go" (Stein, 2008, p.218).
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
This book was recommended to me by another dog owner while we sat at the dog park, prefaced by “I don’t usually read books like this,” because its written from the point of view of the dog. Which makes it sound like a children’s book. But it’s not! It’s witty! And wrenching! It’s good. This has officially started my reading books “like this” phase.
Next up, Cesar Millan. So far, it's hilarious to read a Cesar Millan book after The Art of Racing in the Rain, since the dog in this book is pretty much a human in a dog's body. He is extremely annoyed that he doesn't have thumbs; he watches too much TV; he plans to be reincarnated as a man then find his owner and shake his hand. Cesar Millan’s book, on the other hand, dedicates a lot of time to articulating “He’s a dog! Not a human! You’re confusing the dog!!”
Next up, Cesar Millan. So far, it's hilarious to read a Cesar Millan book after The Art of Racing in the Rain, since the dog in this book is pretty much a human in a dog's body. He is extremely annoyed that he doesn't have thumbs; he watches too much TV; he plans to be reincarnated as a man then find his owner and shake his hand. Cesar Millan’s book, on the other hand, dedicates a lot of time to articulating “He’s a dog! Not a human! You’re confusing the dog!!”
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A delightful, quick read about a dog and his family. It will make you wonder what's going on in your own dog's mind and will make you forever thankful for their companionship.
emotional
medium-paced
Poetic and relatable for any dog/pet owner. Tense third act was resolved in a very satisfying way.