Dog Novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain & The Adventures of Edgar Sawtelle

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Interested to hear if others have read either of these books, both of which could melt the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

 

Although different in approach, they each convey the undeniable bond between dogs and humans. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, tells the story of Enzo, a retriever raised by a race car driver who goes on to marry and have a child - and the subsequent problems encountered following a change in the domestic relationship.  What's unusual about "The Art of Racing" is that it's told from the standpoint of Enzo - but it is done so magnificently and genuinely.  Truly amazing how Mr. Stein captures what many of us honestly do believe our animal friends are thinking.  Personally, I read this book a couple of years ago while on vacation and was so absorbed in the story I enjoyed it more than sightseeing!  As for the plane trip home, when I finished the book, all I can say is pity the passenger beside having to listen to my sobs and be splattered by my tears!  This is not to say that the ending, which I naturally will not give away, is sorrowful so much as it is uplifting and hopeful.

 

The Adventures of Edgar Sawtelle  by David Wroblewski is a much more cerebral piece of literature, more focused on character development and issues yet clearly captures the unique quality and lure of companionship dogs are able to provide.  The story is set for the most part in the 1950's and involves a linegage of dogs being bred and trained for their intelligence and obedience.  There are more intricate interpersonal entanglements this book concentrates upon, and the ending may be viewed as disturbing - more to human-lovers than dog-lovers (which could be a *good* thing!) but what I found fascinating was the skill and commitment involved in the day to day training of the emerging pups.

 

If I were to recommend one book over the other, it would be the former, more so due to the light-hearted and engaging prose and the gifted way in which the author expresses day to day life occurances through the eyes and mind of a very bright, precocious, emotional dog in whom we can all see qualities of our own 4 legged friends. 

[Colleen]

I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was a wonderfully written book. I did not have a dog at that point, never had, but I fell head over heels with the book and the dog. Several months later, my family and I rescued our very first dog (Murphy) from the Town Shelter and I often think back to this book, and wonder what my Murphy is thinking.

Recommend the book to everyone.

[Jessica & Lucie]

I TRIED to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" but I just couldn't! It was too sad... I usually read before bed and I kept going to bed crying over what had happened. Needless to say I got about 3/4 though and just stopped, I didn't anticipate it getting any last sad. I did really like how it was from a dogs perspective though.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Aw, Jessica. I know - dog books can be so hard because we have a hunch how they may end. I understand your tears. There was also the human story that got a bit tearful at times, too, but there was a rainbow to be found at the end of that storm. In the end, I found "The Art of Racing in the Rain" to be very uplifting - in fact, it helped friends of mine shortly after they lost their Cocker Spaniel. A feeling of hope and "we'll meet again" in time in one form or another. However, if a book is bringing down your heart rather than lifting it up,,,wise to put the book down instead.

(((hugs)))
Susan

[Camilla and Darwin]

I loved this book. Many parts of it were sad and sort of heavy but it was still a very pleasant read.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Yes, I just finished The Art of Racing In The Rain and I loved it!!  When I finished it I drove it right up to my father's work so he could have my stepmom read it!!

I have One Good Dog , but haven't had time to read it. Ever since Enzo's story I look for dog books everywhere to add to my wishlist.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Jennifer & Camilla,

So glad you enjoyed this book and hope any others you recommend it to do as well!  Another book you'd probably enjoy is "A Dog's Purpose". I've been trying to find something similar to those two but I think they'd be hard to beat.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I agree, I've had my eye on A Dog's Purpose it was on sale at Target but I;m trying not to buy anymore before I get causght up on all my other books. I think lack of willpower will win though.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I hear you, Jennifer - I used to react the same way....until I thought, "Duh....library!"

(I checked out Outlanders which was recommended to me on the Book Loving Doodles group here and even though I'll have to pay overdue charges it'll still be less than having had to purchase it).  Just a possible alternative consideration...

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thanks, I'll write that down! The LIBRARY what a great idea

[Lynda Kamrath]

Gosh, I can't believe that nobody has read Merle's Door yet.  It is probably my favorite dog book.  The Art of Racing in the Rain was a great book and I loved the fact that it was written in the voice of a dog, but I actually preferred Merle's Door.  It is a novel, but I believe written from the experience of the author.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thanks Lynda, I never heard of it! I'll check it out.