A good look at dog's life

When my brother passed along to me "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein, I didn't know what to expect.

He told me that it was one of the best books he had read in the last year. Since college textbooks are all he has been reading lately, I had my doubts.

First of all, there was a picture of a dog on the book jacket. This left me wondering. Next, I assumed the story would be about race car driving. Why else would racing be in the title?

But finally, I listened to my brother's advice and dove in. Soon, I had forgotten my earlier doubts.

This novel takes place in rainy Seattle. Elderly Enzo is looking back on his life. He remembers both the good and bad parts, and all the things he has learned along the way. He recalls the years spent living with Denny and his wife, Eve, and their daughter Zoe.

There's just one twist to this story: Enzo is a dog.

Surprisingly, this added element not only makes the story unique, but interesting as well. Enzo describes life as a dog in a very humorous way. He complains about not having hands, being forced to use a leash when outside, even gives a detailed explanation of his doggy education from watching various television programs.

You will laugh while reading of his attempts to communicate with the human world. It may even leave you wondering about the truth behind your beloved pets. Maybe they are smarter than we think?

Enzo gains plenty of wisdom throughout his years. He discovers many car-racing philosophies have also become his life philosophies. He learns you are the creator of your own destiny. By taking this viewpoint, Enzo is able to overcome his life challenges in a very human-like way.

Denny is forced to overcome several challenging problems -- ranging from his wife's death to a bitter custody battle over his daughter and his attempts at becoming a professional racecar driver. Enzo is there to witness it all.

Garth Stein writes about each problem Denny faces in elaborate detail. This made me feel like his triumphs and setbacks were my own. I have not read such an imaginative yet serious novel in a long time. And it's probably one of the best books I've read in a long time as well.

This novel was exceptionally well-written. By its bittersweet ending, I found myself shedding tears. Now, I plan on passing this book on to my sister. Maybe she will enjoy it as much as my brother and I have.

* Lisa Garrigues attends Naches Valley High School.

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