Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
(From Publisher).
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Garth Stein is the pen name of Comet, a golden retriever mutt who dictates his profound and brilliantly plotted novels to his owner, the real Garth Stein, who likes to take credit for Comet's brilliant work and insights into canine minds.
As for Garth, the author of New York Times bestselling literary novel The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008), he's been busy touring independent bookstores and writing his next, as yet untitled novel (with Comet's help). Published in 23 languages so far, The Art of Racing in the Rain has received a 2008 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and has been made a #1 BookSense selection and a Starbucks book selection. Garth's previous novels include How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, which also won a PNBA award and was a BookSense pick, and Raven Stole the Moon. So far, Comet (the real genius behind these books) has enjoyed all of the awards and critical acclaim, but wishes they came with dog biscuits.
With an M.F.A. in film from Columbia University (1990), Garth worked as a documentary filmmaker for several years, and directed, produced, or coproduced several award-winning films. Garth also took the time to write a full-length play, Brother Jones.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle, Garth's ancestry is diverse: his mother, a native of Alaska, is of Tlingit Indian and Irish descent; his father, a Brooklyn native, is the child of Jewish emigrants from Austria. After spending his childhood in Seattle and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle, where he currently lives with his wife, three sons, and their dog, Comet. |
