Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein


My guest blogger for July's Bloggy Book Club is Lauren, my future Daughter-in-law and she loves reading as much as I do.


The Art of Racing in the Rain
was a pleasant surprise and probably not a book I would have picked up on my own. I have a bad habit of sticking with the same authors and I am trying to branch out. The story is written from the family dog’s perspective which presents a completely different light to the triumphant and tragic events this family endures. Garth Stein does an incredible job capturing what the dog feels; a difficult task when the character is not capable of talking. You fall in love with the characters and find yourself crying when tragedy happens and rejoicing when grace falls upon them.

I believe that anyone, not just those who love dogs, should invest in this book. There are a great number of lessons learned along the way that anyone can relate to. One that I took away with me was you will stay here on Earth until whatever it is you are supposed to do is accomplished. Sometimes people die unexpectedly and no one really understands it, but just as the dog learns in the book it merely means their job here is done.

As a dog owner, I often wonder how my dog views the world in which he lives. He experiences my life in the most unfiltered way possible. He is a witness to fights, growing in relationships, tragedies, and triumphs. I am able to be vulnerable in front of him because I do not have any fears of him judging me. He loves me unconditionally and never questions the things I do wrong. Maybe this is because he cannot talk? Or maybe not? I truly believe that dogs are sensitive, caring creatures and that even if they could talk they would help you learn from your mistakes and, just like a mother or a sister, be behind you every step of the way.

10 comments:

Rhonda said...

Great review Lauren!! I totally agree! I loved it as well!

Justine said...

Wow, I can't even imagine a book narrated by a dog. It must have been pretty difficult for the author to get inside the canine mind. Great review!

Justine :o )

Ronda's Rants said...

I loved...loved this book! Great review Lauren.
My dog Riley literally got me through empty nest...I poured myself into her and she loved me right back!
I adopted Miley from a family who couldn't keep her anymore and while it was a bumpy start...she has turned into another love of my life.
I love all people but I love dog lovers the most...
they understand how much "humanity" there is in a dog!
This is a great read and it is told in an unexpected way!

Unknown said...

wonderful review-now I want to get the book!

Kathryn Magendie said...

I've wondered about these books written in the POV of dogs! I'll check this one out - it sounds like something I'd enjoy...and I love dogs!

Betty W said...

I saw Rhonda´s review first and you both have made me really curious to read this book now. Sounds great!

Jeanne Estridge said...

I have a couple of friends who are major dog-freaks. Sounds like a great birthday-or-Christmas gift!

Anonymous said...

Great review, Lauren!

You sold me on it. Well, really you had me as soon as you said it was from the dog's perspective. I too tend to read the same authors....or even the same books over and over. I need to branch out too! I will definately put this one on my list.

mommy4life said...

Sounds interesting. I'll add it to my list to check out!

Thanks for stopping by on my special SITS day yesterday!

Jennifer said...

The dog's perspective--sounds interesting!