The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (Book Review)

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a heartwarming and insightful story about a philosophical dog named Enzo that was raised by a loving and strong family who actually thinks and perceives almost like a human being minus the ability to talk. And it feels refreshing to read a novel like this, for it gives out a whole new perspective to its readers about the many wonders and quirkiness of human life as being narrated by a unique dog.

To be honest, I am a reader who does have this thing called Cynophia or “fear of dogs”. But through the years, I have slowly overcome such anxiety whenever I tend to be near one. The fear is still there but only to those dogs that looks a bit bigger or larger in sizes.

So what made me decided to read such a novel? It was because of the film adaption. Watching the trailer was somewhat intriguing and all; that I just had to read the book first before seeing it. And just on a recent trip, I went to visit this bookstore which sells a copy of this and brought it right away. 

Well the first half of the book wasn’t really that captivating at all. For it was a bit disturbing.

However, when I was halfway there into the story, it has gotten so thrilling and exciting that I just couldn’t put it down. That despite my work schedule, I would tend to bring it with me. Put in my work backpack and then read it during my free time. Yup, it has turned out to be so good at all!

By the time I was only a few chapters away by finishing it, I felt that melancholy within me because I’m about to know on what was going to be the outcome of Denny, his street-smart daughter Zoë, and of course! Enzo!

Then I’ve finished reading the whole book. But I have decided not to share out as to what I’ve felt about the ending because I don’t what to spoil it for anyone who still haven’t read it or watch the film adaption.

All I can say is that, I’ve learned a lot from this amazing dog named Enzo, and also from his strong-willed master Denny. And that is, it is our choice to be the kind of person that we wanted to be. Our Destiny. To never stop believing towards our dreams and to what our heart truly desires. Although there may be times that our patience will be put out to the test. But such determination and strong Faith to never give up are the things we need in order to get to where we wanted to be. And even if we may not see it right away. But eventually, everything will fall into place. Just trust the process and never stop fighting for it all the way. For the universe will truly align everything and will conspire for it to make it happen. The secret is to believe in it with all our heart.

Overall, it’s been such a great opportunity to read such a beautiful and inspiring story. So for anyone out there, who’s looking for a new book to read. I would definitely and highly recommend it to you to read such a novel.

Thank you so much for reading my book review.

God Bless us all.

And just a plus side for this blog, here are the following quotes that I’ve highlighted while reading the book:

“That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.”

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”

“The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles – preferably of his own making – in order to triumph.”

“You should shine with all of your light all the time.”

“The car goes where the eyes go.”

“People are always worried about what’s happening next. They often find it difficult to stand still, to occupy the now without worrying about the future. People are generally not satisfied with what they have; they are very concerned with what they are going to have.”

“We too, must shatter the mirrors. We must look in to ourselves and root out the distortions until that thing which we know in our hearts is perfect and true, stands before us.”

“I know this much about racing in the rain. I know it is about balance. It is about anticipation and patience… [it is also] about the mind! It is about owning one’s body… It is about believing that you are not you; you are everything. And everything is you.”