I did it...I read "Art of Racing in the Rain"

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

For those of you who have not read this, no worries, I will try not to give anything major away. 

 

All I will tell you is that "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein may be one of my favorite books of all time.  I resisted the urge to read this for a few years (because it is an animal book and we know how these can be emotional!).  However, my sister and mom both read it over the past few months and passed it along to me as a "MUST READ".  Again, this book came out in 2008 but I really have an "anti-sad-dog-book" mentality.  This book was extremely uplifting though! 

 

The book is about Enzo, a lab-terrier mix, who basically tells the story of his life. With his humans: Denny, his "dad", a race car driver (not in his prime), his "mom" Eve and "sister" Zoe.  Again, without going into too many details, it is quite an emotional journey - I found myself laughing out loud at times, wondering "does Peri study my every move like this???" or "oh, that's what she must mean when she does that!".  I found myself tearing up at times thinking that even though this is a work of fiction, our loyal companions MUST know our emotions inside and out, before we even know them fully.  It really shows the beauty behind these companionships we form with our furry friends.  Although they are not with us long enough, they touch our lives more deeply than we can ever imagine.  To think my life with Tacky started out as a fluke - supposed to get his brother Pepito, him (Tacky) seeing me, running to me, licking me, CHOOSING ME - that was only the beginning. And Peri was a much more deliberate "purchase" (if you want to call it that).  The day I finally picked her up - I remember it like it was yesterday. Even then, I could not imagnie the joy she would bring to my life over the next 31 months.

 

My wise younger sister told me "just trust me, you will never regret reading this book and the end is magnificent".  Well I finished it last night.  I read until 1am, then laid in bed with tears of joy in my eyes thinking of how wonderful these creatures are that we call a "dog".   No wonder that backwards it is spelled "g-o-d" because they are a true blessing!  Of course my extensive meditation began after I went to Peri's bed and cuddled with her, while she looked at me with such annoyance, and after I spooned with Tacky under the covers LOL.

 

I know this is a vague and random blog, but I just want to put it out there:  if you have not read it, consider doing so. I would like to think that if all of our doods could write, their musings might be similar to Enzo's. 

 

Oh, but if you are worried that you humanize your dood too much, don't read it...you will only humanize them more!

[Jodi and Stella]

Now try "A Dog's Purpose"!

[Lauria Orr]

I think we have discussed this before, but Hatchi is another one...heart gripping.

[Adina P]

Oh yeah Marley and Me was definitely a tear jerker...the movie had nothing on the book though.  Marley was much more developed as a character in the book.  So if you cried during the movie, don't even think about the book! 

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Like Allyson, I sobbed and sobbed and couldn't stop during Marley and Me (the movie).  I have resisted seeing "War Horse" because I am afraid something will happen to the horse.  "A Dog's Purpose" and "The Art of Racing in the Rain" were wonderful books.  I just can't take the stories where something terrible happens to the dog after you have fallen in love with it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I read this book awhile ago based on a recommendation by another member of DK. It was a lovely book. Loved your blog, Allyson!!

[Suzanne & Jack]

So glad you read this.  It is one of my favorites too.  I've recommended it to several friends who are dog lovers.I loved the perspective.  At the time I read it I had an old schnauzer that was on his last legs.  It made me feel better about letting him go.  I am usually not a fast reader (actually fall asleep after two pages), but this one I read in a day and a half.  I also read A Dog's Purpose.  Again a great perspective, and even though it is fiction, it has a unique POV

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good for you!!! I read it awhile back and still stop to think "what are they thingking/saying right now" too funny. A wonderful story.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sue - oh lordie, Marley and Me - you can forget it. Watched it once, came home and cried for hours. I flung myself on the floor with choodle and sobbed. Dh thought I had lost all control. Never again.............

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have read both and still prefer "A Dogs Purpose". My DD has the same ban on sad dog books mentality and it took her years to finally watch Marly and Me". But both books are worth your time to read. I haven't had time to read for the past year or so but I do hope to get to "The Art..." someday.

[Doris]

I loved this book!!!  I read A Dog's Purpsose over Christmas break - you need a box of kleenex for that book, but it was good.