The Art of Racing in the Rain

I'm one of those people that picked this book up simply because it had a cute looking picture of a dog. When I read the synopsis and found out it actually was about the dog in the picture, I was sold.

(really short and simple) Synopsis: Enzo is a dog. On the eve of his death, he tells the story of his human companions and the bond that he has and shares with them.

Review: This is one of the best I've read in 2009. It's such a unique thing to do to write a novel from the perspective of a dog. I liked it a lot! It was gut-wrenching, philosophical, funny, sad, and sweet all at the same time. But the best thing about it is how honest it is, talking about the similarities (and differences) between canines and humans. Add in the author's amazing job of making the situations and characters very realistic and also relat-able. And no, I don't think you need to be a dog lover exactly to love this book. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel to read.

Marley and Me

“LIKED” is an understatement. I loved it, not just because of the writing. Yes, you can tell John Grogan is definitely a writer. And an entertaining one at that. He knows how to get your attention right from the beginning until the end in his own casual, conversational way. But that’s not really it. Saying you “loved” the story is an understatement if 1) you like dogs 2) you have dogs.

I adored the story of Marley because he was not only the worst dog, he was also one of the best I’ve heard of, if that’s even possible. Maybe it’s because he’s a Labrador Retriever and they’re natural trouble makers and sweethearts at the same time, or maybe it’s just because Marley is Marley.

I have read several memoirs about dogs and their owners before, but this is my favorite. I understand why it deserves a place in the bestsellers list and why it was made into a movie. Sweet, funny, almost in an absurd way. You have to ask yourself by the end of the book, how could I be crying? It’s just a book. It’s just a dog.

Yeah right. Just a dog=)