The Art of Racing In the Rain is a story about human resilience, love and what people will do for the people and things that truly matter to them. I really struggled with a few scenes within this book, especially <spoiler> after Eve died and Denny gets tangled in a serious offence that he didn't commit. I also really couldn't stand Eve's parents! I had to physically put the book away when they started to try and take Zoe away from Denny after everything that he had been through.</spoiler>
I truly felt that Enzo was the perfect narrator for this story. Extremely likeable, kind and supportive. Just like a dog should be. I also really appreciated the dog behaviour as explained by Enzo, like when he <spoiler> tore up the Zebra </spoiler>. He also offered some amazing pieces of advice because, as Enzo puts it, he listens.
Enzo summed up the essence of the novel with these next few quotes:"Here's why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot talk, so I listen very well. I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own."
Enzo never gave up on Denny, and Denny never gave up on Eve and especially not on Zoe."There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose."
I was so thrilled with the ending, I don't know what I would have done if things had ended poorly! As an animal lover, I would also like to believe <spoiler> that when animals die they are reincarnated as people </spoiler>. The thought of that really makes me smile. Overall a highly recommended, feel-good novel!"The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles - preferably of his own making - in order to triumph."