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. 

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

Thank you Susan, maybe we should start of Doodlekisses Book Club, kinda like Oprah..?

[Linda Grim]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how it was told from the dog's perspective. I gave this book as a Christmas gift to my daughter and a friend.....along with a stuffed zebra. Also, I now have a breeding dog named Enzo. ~Linda

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I also gave the Art of Racing in the Rain to friends of mine in Tucson who had lost their 15 year old cocker spaniel Lucy a few months earlier. They actually said it helped ease them through the grieving process.
I love the idea of the stuffed zebra, Linda. So touching and healing.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I couldn't read anything for six months after Edgar Sawtelle. I found it painfully disturbing. I think the author had me feel a bit of what the story was about...many days and hours reading this amazing story...it is a long, detailed book, only to come to an end that left me feeling like all my hard work had been erased. I felt destroyed. This is a book I could only read once. I both loved and hated it; to be sure, I will not forget it.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I acutally checked the reviews on amazon.com after I posted this and see many share that view, as I had written about the ending being disturbing. In fact, I'd sent this book to my son and now I'm wondering why ?? Aside from the beautiful attachment the boy who was the lead character had with Almondine and some of the other dogs, I can't honestly say there's was much in the book that brings good memories to mind so definitely agree with you there, Linda :-(

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

The author is a software engineer, if I remember right, from my area of the country. I loved the boy's relationship with Almondine (for the most part) and the other dogs, and I liked his adventures when he left home. The dogs were amazing! I also like the mystery of trying to figure out who had killed his father. Reading about their dedication to the breeding and training the dogs was really interesting as well. I too, liked The Art of Racing in the Rain and agree with your recommendation.

[Jane & Molly]

I have read The Art of Racing, (will look out for the other one), and absolutely loved it, I have lent it to all my friends and told them, "you must read this, it's written by a dog".
Even might rather reluctant reader daughter read it (in a couple of days) and says it is one of the best books she's ever read.
Now I just have to convince my husband that it's not a girly chick lit book. I know he would enjoy it.

[Suzanne & Jack]

I also read The Art of Racing in the Rain several years ago. I think I first saw it at my Starbuck's. I am usually not a fast reader (I tend to fall asleep easily). This book I could not put down. I finished it over a day and a half, and I was sad when it was done. I wanted more! Although it is fiction it kind of helped put the concept of a dog's death into perspective. To this day whenever I hear about a dog that is nearing the end I think about Enzo.

I have the book Edgar Sawtelle, but I just haven't gotten into reading lately. Guess I need a vacation so I can sit with a good book (and my dogs).

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

So far "Art of Racing" has captured most hearts....but wondering if anyone has read either of these two books that I saw today at Barnes and Noble. The first is entitled "Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership With a Search and Rescue Dog" that looked good; also "Soul of a Dog" by Jon Katz. If anyone is familiar with either and has anything to report, I'd be interested to hear.
Susan (and Bosco, who we'll be selecting this weekend and will be coming to his "forever home" with us the end of the month!)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I used to love Jon Katz, but he really got nuts. He went on a quest to find the perfect dog, and he ruthlessly discarded one after another 'beloved" dogs who just one book ago had been his soulmate of the month. I cannot recommend him any longer. If you can get a hold of a copy of his "The New Work of Dogs", I highly recommend that one, but it's out of print to my knowledge. Avoid the rest of his books if you don't want to be upset at how casually Katz gives away and even euthanizes dogs he supposedly loves. I haven't heard of the SAR dog book, but I have a whole bookshelf full of "working dog" books, and anything about SAR dogs is usually great, the subject itself is so amazing.
Right now, I'm reading "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson; it got a great review in The Bark magazine, and so far it's pretty good. I've also been assured of a happy ending.

[Pam Byers]

I have read The Art of Racing in the Rain, Edgar Sawtelle, and One Good Dog.

Loved all three!!!!! I now find myself looking for "dog" novels.

[Lin D & Yogi]

I love dogs but didn't like The Adventures of Edgar Sawtelle book.