Friday, December 4, 2009

The Art of Racing in The Rain

To my beloved Cisco and all canines I have known who have brought such bliss and meaning to my life.

The Art of Racing in The Rain by Garth Seth chronicles one family's story as told through the eyes of their dog, Enzo. We are first introduced when his owner Denny Swift returns from work to find Enzo lying on a kitchen floor in a pool of urine, trying with increased panic to stand, mortified and determined to retain dignity. Enzo nearing the end begins his story, reflecting the personal meaning of this lifetime. He started as a young pup living with Denny in Seattle Washington. Denny has a vision of succeeding in the world of race car driving. They daydream of moving to a location closer to the action, perhaps even Europe. He and Enzo are well suited for each other and spend many happy hours watching races on TV, running in the park and letting the world unfold in all it's many splendid ways. Soon Eve enters, and their lives shift and expand to three, then four, with a little girl named Zoe. Dreams are replaced by a sweet reality, followed by ups, downs, tears, laughter, inconceivable events and heart wrenching outcomes. The Art of Racing in the Rain is one family members perspective while trying to come to terms with dramatic personal changes, family dynamics and the reality of adult life. For anyone who has ever loved a dog this is an exceptionally moving read.

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