Staff review: “Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog” by Garth Stein

“Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog” by Garth Stein Warning: this is a story of a dog who dies. But it is not a sad book. Do you ever wonder what your dog is thinking? I often wonder how much my dogs understand.  This novel is told entirely from a dog’s point of view. Enzo, a loveable lab-mix, tells the story of his life: from leaving his mother as a pup to his last day on Earth. Enzo explains how he sees humans and the world around him in a funny way. He is extremely smart because he watches a lot of TV and pays close attention to people. Obsessed with his lack of opposable thumbs, and cursed with a long tongue impossible for producing words, he is certain that in his next life, he will be a human. Enzo is with his owner, Denny, through loss of family members, legal problems and the dangers of being a professional race car driver.   This book is adapted from the adult book “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, which is a great read for young adults.  “Racing in the Rain” is recommended for dog lovers in grades 4-7.  --Angie R., Headquarters