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Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog [Paperback]

Garth Stein
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (368 customer reviews)

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Book Description

May 3, 2011 8 and up 720L (What's this?)

Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking?

Meet one funny dog—Enzo, the lovable mutt who tells this story. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: most dogs love to chase cars, but Enzo longs to race them. He learns about racing and the world around him by watching TV and by listening to the words of his best friend, Denny, an up-and-coming race car driver, and his daughter, Zoë, his constant companion. Enzo finds that life is just like being on the racetrack—it isn't simply about going fast. And, applying the rules of racing to his world, Enzo takes on his family's challenges and emerges a hero. In the end, Enzo holds in his heart the dream that Denny will go on to be a racing champion with his daughter by his side. For theirs is an extraordinary friendship—one that reminds us all to celebrate the triumph of the human (and canine) spirit.

This is a special adaptation for young people of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling adult novel The Art of Racing in the Rain.


Frequently Bought Together

Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog + The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel + A Dog's Purpose
Price for all three: $29.89

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Garth Stein is the author of three novels, The Art of Racing in the Rain, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, and Raven Stole the Moon, and a play, Brother Jones. He has also worked as a documentary filmmaker and lives in Seattle with his family.


Product Details

  • Age Range: 8 and up
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins (May 3, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0062015761
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062015761
  • Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (368 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Garth Stein is the author of three novels, The Art of Racing in the Rain, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, and Raven Stole the Moon, and a play, Brother Jones. He has also worked as a documentary filmmaker and lives in Seattle with his family.

Customer Reviews

I would highly recommend it to any animal lover to read. Rebecca Schiermeyer  |  57 reviewers made a similar statement
This book is a really good sad book that makes me want to hug my own dog right now. K. Karl  |  47 reviewers made a similar statement
What a story about a dog, family life, racing, love, the afterlife. PaintaKiss  |  54 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 64 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
As someone who is involved with racing, I can tell that Garth has done his homework here. As a general animal-lover, I couldn't imagine how the title could relate to a dog. This is easy to read - short chapters that consolidate various thoughts and actions. In fact, I couldn't put it down. I read the entire thing in 2 sittings, starting on the flight home from a race, irritated that I had to turn my Kindle off during landing.

The story involves a guy who is an amateur racer - SCCA and that type - but still has a day job. He dreams of hitting the big time, and shares his thoughts and dreams with Enzo, his dog. The two share life's trials and tribulations, through Denny's marriage and what comes afterwards. All through Enzo's eyes.

The story takes some harsh and unhappy turns. I found myself thinking that it was a sad story, but after I finished, it somehow stayed with me. I kept thinking about it, and it grew on me. I ended up thinking what a great story it turned out to be. It does take a surprise turn at the last minute. I should have seen it coming, but didn't.

I would recommend this story, even if you're not a racer, or a dog. Easy to ready, good moral story, and more thought-provoking than you think it will be.
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Suprisingly Good! July 15, 2011
Format:Paperback
Racing in the Rain, My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein

This is a painfully poignant story narrated by a dog. If you like soupy books and love dogs, prepare your reading time with a full box of tissues.

This is the story of a family and their dog. A dog that just knows that his next revolution on the wheel of creation he is going to have opposable thumbs and vocal cords uses his insight and narrative skills to tell the story.

The story is moving and characterizes the value of perseverance, patience and tenacity. Love can not conquer all but love can sustain life. Driving race cars provide Denny and Enzo metaphors for living their lives. This story can teach compassion and a willingness to help others.

This is purported to be a kid's book and admittedly the reading level is hardly taxing. However it is emotionally charged and could be a bit intense for the younger reader. (Remember Ole Yeller?)

Although this book could easily be read by the literate first grader I would not recommend it for the primary grades. I think it would be fine for the upper elementary grades and on up. I enjoyed it but then there have always been questions regarding my maturity level.

I recommend the book, it is inspiring, sad and satisfying.
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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You For This Wonderfully Amazing Story!! May 7, 2011
By Christy
Format:Kindle Edition
I loved the adult version "The Art of Racing in the Rain", it's a book that will forever be on my keeper shelf! It was such a wonderful story that I was so excited to get this version for my son. He is a mature 12 year old but I felt more comfortable with him reading this one. He just keeps telling me how great of a book it is!! I will admit that both of us cried but it left us with smiles on our faces and an overall sense of happiness!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book in order to preview for my advanced-reader 3rd grader, knowing full well that this was an adaptation for young readers of an immensely popular adult novel that I had heard raved about. I have not read the original adult version, only this one (the kids' one).... Boy, am I glad I did! I, myself, loved the book (this one, for kids); it was a real tear-jerker, poignant, not really about a dog, liked it even though I'm not into car racing, etc. Everything all the 5-star reviewers said!

HOWEVER, the main premise of the story is so heavy and depressing, and I would imagine quite unsettling for the average 9-year-old, that I cannot fathom giving it to my children to read before they are at least in their teens. It does turn out happy in the end, which I'm glad for--otherwise I don't think I could have handled it myself--but it sure is a heck of a ride to get there. One that my children need not be exposed to at this point.

Here's my spoiling summary, in case you want to know what happens: It starts out with the dog old and decrepid and lying in a puddle of his own urine, near death, and ready to go--keep in mind he's got human thought processes being shared with the reader. Then it jumps back to the rest of the dog's life, during which the wife/mother ignores symptoms of a brain tumor, then finally gets diagnosed, the husband is duped into letting his wife live with her parents to live out her dying days (which turns out to be eight months), and even further duped into letting the kindergartner live with them too, under the guise of her spending more time with the dying mother. The husband is starting to be pushed out.
... Read more ›
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the **CHILDRENS BOOK VERSION** December 7, 2011
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the **CHILDRENS BOOK VERSION** which is exactly what I needed but its not made very clear in the description. Make sure you search for "art" in the title to find the regular version. That is all.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely NOT a children's book August 25, 2011
Format:Paperback
This book came highly recommended by a friend. And while my husband and I both loved the story, I really don't think it was intended to be a children's book. As an elementary reading teacher, I think my students would be very disturbed by some of the subject matter in the story.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Enjoyable right up to the end. The end was a little abrupt, but still a good read. Great for Dads who are racing fans
Published 12 hours ago by Derek Suter
5.0 out of 5 stars RACING IN THE RAIN
RACING IN THE RAIN will capture your heart and connect you to your soul. I LOVE this book and highly recommend it.
Published 17 hours ago by Joyce Y. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars racing in the rain
this is one of the most moving books I have read. I recommend it for all ages. An easy book to read.
Published 23 hours ago by Michele Mellon
4.0 out of 5 stars A lovable, wonderful story
This story really made me think, is that what dogs really think? It was cool to know what might be going on in my dogs head. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Grace Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK
You have to read this book.It is a very good book. It is only about ten dollars on a kindle.
Published 1 day ago by Samantha Autry
5.0 out of 5 stars Ahh......
I just finished this and am still smiling. Such a beautiful story and with such depth. It will likely be a while before I will sleep tonight.
Thank you, Mr. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Kim Knox
5.0 out of 5 stars great book for dog lovers
Fun book to read. I am sure this is what dog are thinking. It's a funny and touching book to read.
Published 5 days ago by joann bateman
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
Great read, I'd recommend to anyone! Interesting being told from the prospective of a dog! Anyone will enjoy this book!
Published 6 days ago by Caitlin Eno
5.0 out of 5 stars A great dog story
A wonderful read for any age dog lover. Jack (9) loved it. He found out dog's could write books too!
Published 9 days ago by Alicat
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I imagined my dog was thinking
I loved how this story is told from the point of view of mans best friend. Stein nailed it with this wonderful story.
Published 11 days ago by Regina G Trainor
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Topic From this Discussion
I dont get Racing in the Rain...is it the same book as the Art of Racing...
I believe it is the same book reprinted for kids?
Apr 6, 2011 by Todd Sturrock |  See all 8 posts
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