Book Loving Kiwis discussion

Please leave a comment below if you intend to read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein during the month of April.

Participating:
Angie
Kathleen
Ella's Gran
Erica

Yay! I've been wanting to read this one for ages. I'm expecting it to drive me to tears. I have three fur babies, and they bring me so much joy. One to read at home, I'm picking!

My audio copy has just landed from the library so it will be my first read inn April. And I agree Angie, it'll be one for home - certainly not a travelling read I think.

Here's a few questions to kick start a discussion.

Some would say viewing the world through a dog’s eyes makes for a greater appreciation of being human. Do you think this is so and why or why not?

In the book's darkest moments, one of Zoe's stuffed animals, the zebra, comes to life and threatens Enzo. What does the zebra symbolize?

If the novel was told from Denny's point of view, how do you think it would be different?
Would it be different?

Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently after reading this novel?

How many tissues did you use?

my library doesn't have it!!!!

What's with waking up at 5:30 am on a Sunday?!? Routine, I guess. At least this early start provided me with some guilt-free reading time.

I finished The Art of Racing in the Rain, and gave it 4 stars. I didn't find it as emotional as I expected, and was grateful for this. The final chapter was also a pleasant surprise, as the book could have finished without this. I'm not a racing fan, so I struggled with the over-riding car racing metaphor. It was fine, but I would have been more engrossed in the story if the metaphor was about one of my hobbies. I felt Denny and Enzo's frustrations and pain frequently throughout the book. Stein is certainly in touch with his inner dog.

In response to your questions, Lesley. I think the zebra represented Enzo's unrestrained dog nature. He was trying so hard to be human and controlled. The zebra appeared when he was ready to snap, I guess it could be described as the devil on his shoulder, taunting him to do what came naturally. Most of the time, Enzo went with the angel on his other shoulder.
I'm not sure that I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did if Denny had been the narrator. Being told from Enzo's POV was its point of difference.
I don't find myself looking at my dogs differently now. I've always been convinced there is more going on in their heads than meets the eye, especially with my golden lab!

Agree totally with pretty much all your observations. I don't think the story could have been told with the comparisons between human and dog as well if it had been told from Denny's point of view.

I thought the episode with the zebra depicted the demon residing in in all animals (human included) that surfaces when the psyche snaps. I thought Enzo showed many human tendencies but I wasn't surprised at this. All dog owners know that dogs have the same thoughts and feelings as their owners - don't we?

Like you, I don't look at my dog differently now. I know she understands everything I say and do, as I do her.

Tissues - a small clutch was used when Enzo finally passed from this 'mortal coil', but otherwise like you, I didn't find it as emotional as I thought I would.

I just got a copy of this out from the library...should have some time during Easter to read it. looks good!

My darling Lucy (black lab) has been missing since midday Saturday :( She went off for a walk with her big sister Seren (golden lab). Seren came home early Sunday morning. They have done this before. Last time, Lucy went from being a four-legged dog to a three-legged dog. Trying to stay positive, but it's not looking good as we head into MIA Night #3.
Damn dogs, they wrap themselves around your heart and squeeze it tight.

Oh dear Angie, that isn't good news. I uess you have taken Seren out to see if she would lead you back to where they went. I will cross everything for a good outcome for you. ♥

Oh no Angie. Hugs xx

Super news. A three-legged black labrador greeted me as I drove up my driveway this evening. She was very spritely, and super excited to see me and Seren, as we were her. Both labs are now curled up in front of the fire. Thanks for all your thoughts. Things were looking pretty grim after four nights.

Strange that a bitch would roam. Dogs are hellions for that. I am so pleased your Lucy got back. We do get so attatched. I remember the death of every one of our dogs and I still miss them, permanent ache.

Loved the book! The dog reminded me so much of my old dog Jess (a beardie). Especially how frail they both became at the end. I agree the book would have been far less interesting if it had been told from a human pov. I too am not a car racing fan at all but I thought that choice of sport fitted well in to the story of a dog. Thank you to whoever nominated this book, was such a nice story :)

I loved this book when I read it a couple of years ago. I enjoyed the different point of view and think it added a dimension to story. It wouldn't have been the same if it hadn't been told by Enzo. I found the characters really well drawn and authentic as well.
But all the chatter on here makes me think I am going to be doing a re-read as I have forgotten some bits. Adding it to the list.
Oh and pleased to hear the 3 legged wandered returned.

A little late but I just found this as an audio at my library so am reading/listening now :)