Garth Stein chosen as a "Columbia River Reads One Book" author

Once every few years a novel comes along that touches its readers so deeply that it changes the way that they look at their own lives. Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, a heart-wrenching love story and a moving tale of redemption narrated in the opinionated and insightful voice of an extraordinary mutt, Enzo, is one such novel.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Praise for The Art of Racing in the Rain

"The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and—best of all—the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book." — Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants

"I savored Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and--best of all--the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair. Since finishing this engagingly unique novel, I've found myself staring at my own dog, thinking, Hmm, I wonder ..." -- Wally Lamb, author of She's Come Undone

"The Art of Racing in the Rain takes you on an unforgettable journey through another kind of mind, through the eyes — and nose — of a dog. I found it fascinating." — Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation

About the Author

Garth Stein is the author of New York Times best-selling The Art of Racing in the Rain. Now published in 23 languages, The Art of Racing in the Rain was the #1 BookSense selection for June 2008, the Starbucks spring/summer 2008 book selection, and an IndieBound bestseller. Stein's previous novel, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets won a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award, and was a BookSense Pick in both hardcover and paperback. Garth has directed and/or produced several films including When Your Head's Not a Head, It's a Nut, awarded a gold medal by the International Epilepsy Foundation. Garth makes his home in Seattle with his wife, three sons, and his dog, Comet.

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