Department of Book Reports 65: The Art of Racing in the Rain

UPDATE: The Art of Racing in the Rain has been chosen as the #1 Booksense Pick for June! My faith in my fellow indies is restored! The book is available at all bookstores now, but I urge you to buy it from an indie and help drive up those bestseller numbers!




I had to submit my Booksense blurb for this book back in March, and I just can't wait on this book report any longer!
The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (Harper, $24.95) Narrated by the big hearted Enzo, this story reminds us of the grace of everyday, the preciousness of each moment. “In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life." Enzo, watches everything, the untimely death of Denny's wife and the 3 year battle with his inlaws for custody of their daughter, doing all he can to keep this family intact. Heartbreaking and achingly perfect this book is really impossible to describe. Enzo is a dog who can explain what it is to be human.

This is a book I'm going to be evangelical about! Really. You must read this one. Yes, it's about car racing. Yes, it's narrated by the dog. Trust me here. There is plenty of heart in this novel, and a compelling story with characters that will stay with you long after the read. Don't forget the Kleenex™.

The Northwest Booksellers gave Garth the annual book award for his last novel, How Evan Broke his Head. That's another recommended read. We usually run into Garth at our regional trade shows, in the bar at the end of the day. Last year, he was in Portland to race the next day and stopped by with his dad to see the booksellers. There was finally good news about his manuscript, after much passing around publishers, HarperCollins had bought the English only rights. For a nice chunk of change. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

My friend Jenn over at Shelf Awareness is also a fan and has a video trailer. Click on: "The Art of Meeting an Author in a Cafe" or scroll to the bottom for her article.


I was disappointed they didn't pick my Booksense blurb, and also surprised that The Art of Racing in the Rain wasn't even on the list. More people need to be told to read this one and I want to go on record as having told you first, before you see this book in every Sta®bu©ks™ in the universe next month.


UPDATE: SeattleDan has been quoted in the paper!

P.S.: Celebrating with Kevin O'Brien after Garth's wonderful May 13th signing launch in Madison Park.