Book Review: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Title:  Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Author:  A.S. King

Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Published:  October 12th 2010

Format:  Hardcover, 336 pages 
ISBN: 0375865861 (ISBN13: 9780375865862) 

Summary from Goodreads: 

"Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?"

Thoughts:

A Talking Pagoda

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King had a very unique concept of story delivery.  Yes it's very common to have multiple characters talking about their sides of the story in one novel, but this one did more than that - it did not just have people giving their insights, but an inanimate object as well.   It was also able to convey this really poignant feel without being too depressing as the blurbs would have us believe.  It showed objectivity but it did not detach the reader from the emotional quality of the book.

But...

...some parts felt dragging and too slow, often a bit too redundant.  I get it, Vera got screwed over by her best friend, but she still had to clear his name or she won't be able to live with herself.  Do I really want to read some slightly differed variations of this situation over and over before finally getting this issue resolved?  No, I already got the gist of it the first few times it was mentioned.

But then...

...at least I was able to enjoy Vera's dry wit and sarcasm and her father's labile behavior.  I poked fun at her dad's seemingly square personality and I was so angered at Jenny Flick's unbelievably nasty antics. 

Of course...

...I looked forward to reading about the book's resolution and whoah, imagine my surprise (and disappointment) that it got really fast-paced towards the end that although it was satisfying to see it end the way I liked it (not a spoiler, I do not necessarily always want a happy ending.  Again, NOT a spoiler), it just felt a bit hurried in the way that the original premise felt too slowed down.

And the verdict...

...I liked reading Please Ignore Vera Dietz, it had some awesome potential.  Maybe if I read it a few more times I'd get what Ms. King wanted the readers to see in her story.  But for now, I'd say it's OK.

Oh and by the way...

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way. 

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.


'Til the next book!

Mini Reviews (Because I'm drowning in books!) Part II

Part two of my mini reviews feature more YA fiction.  I know, some might wonder if I'm already crossing over to mainly YA books but it's just that there were a lot of YA books lying around in my TBR pile so I went ahead and read them to make way for some adult fiction (like True Grit by Charles Portis, which I'm very excited to read).

Girl, Stolen by April Henry
Henry Holt and Co., 213 pages
From The Boyfriend, bought from Fully Booked 

Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, their car is being stolen—with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes — now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?

Review:  After reading Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, it's no wonder that I would want to read something similar but entirely different, and in my opinion, Girl, Stolen by April Henry made that grade.  It was refreshing to read about a handicapped protagonist who, although burdened with a disability, was very resourceful and courageous.  It was great to read about someone that I know I and a lot of other people would want to look up to, someone who could be a role model.  Cheyenne deserves to be emulated by teens everywhere, as she tackles her situation and conquers her fear with her quick thinking, resourcefulness, and intelligence.  The second best character in this book in my opinion was not Griffin, but his father, Roy, who was so pathetic and scary and was nothing short of a monster.  I know that his presence - and the plot itself - might classify this book as from a darker YA genre, but there really are people like Roy who exist in real life, and his character was very spot-on.  Ms. Henry was able to write about a unique story with as much poignance, clarity, and emotion as possible.

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
Point, 288 pages
Received via Random Acts of Kindness from Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous  

Nina was beautiful, wild, and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, Nina disappeared. 2 years later, everyone has given up hope that Nina will return, but Ellie knows her sister is out there. If only Ellie had a clue where to look.Then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing. Determined to find Nina, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance - her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Lies. And the most shocking thing of all: the truth.

Review:  Obviously, this is one book I would place on my wishlist.  Why?  For its title.  I'm such a sucker for books that has characters with the same name as me.  So I really thank Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous for including this to the books she sent me for RAK.  

Moving on, I really thought Lynn Weingarten's Wherever Nina Lies was such a joyride I had to read it thrice after the first reading.  It was that good.  Sure there were some elements there that do not add up in reality, but those were exactly what made it more fun to read, because it was written with such convincing clarity you would willingly step into its fictional world and accept it as truth.  I also loved the characters and their unique personalities.  Really great read, and cover too!

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz
Bantam, 368 pages
Bought from Celina's Books and Magazines 

The news that he had incurable cardiomyopathy struck Ryan Perry as hard as any heart attack. The 34-year-old Internet tycoon felt that his days were numbered; but thanks to a transplant, he was able not only to survive but to move forward, enjoying every day with the gratitude of a true survivor. Then one day a gift arrives; a heart pendant accompanied by a Valentine's Day box of candy hearts. With it comes a chilling message ("Your heart belongs to me") and an even more frightening video. Suddenly, Ryan's healthy, throbbing heart has become the target of a madwoman.

Review:  I was really looking forward to my first-ever Dean Koontz book.  I was so interested in the story of Your Heart Belongs to Me that I did not hesitate to buy myself a copy.  The plot was awesome, the characters awesomer, the beginning was great, the middle was great plus one, but the end?  Not so much.  It began to get muddled and it was almost as if another story was spliced to the ending.  I thought that Mr. Koontz was trying to wax philosophical with this novel but it ended up being something entirely different.  Otherwise, I would still keep this book if only for the beginning and middle parts.

Wide Awake by David Levithan
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 240 pages
Bought from Celina's Books and Magazines 

In the not-too-impossible-to-imagine future, a gay Jewish man has been elected president of the United States. Until the governor of one state decides that some election results in his state are invalid, awarding crucial votes to the other candidate, and his fellow party member. Thus is the inspiration for couple Jimmy and Duncan to lend their support to their candidate by deciding to take part in the rallies and protests. Along the way comes an exploration of their relationship, their politics, and their country, and sometimes, as they learn, it's more about the journey than it is about reaching the destination.

Review:  Background Music:  Imogen Heap's 'Have You Got It In You'

Wide Awake by David Levithan could have been a prequel to Boy Meets Boy, where equality in all sexes was already prevalent; except some scenes from the latter were obviously more dated and occurred earlier than Wide Awake.  Emotionally-charged despite less heavy and traumatic scenes, the story happened in less than a week and tackled some dire issues heavily debated among communities such as homosexuality, religion, and politics (which I almost never talk about).  This book would really help the younger generation to become more self-aware and keep their eyes open for social issues confronting their times, at the same time maintaining that patented David Levithan intelligent humor and appeal that will certainly captivate its readers and advance their vocabulary.


*****
Four more books down!  


Check out my Mini Reviews Part One

Mini Reviews (Because I'm drowning in books!) Part I

Last time I checked, there were seven books that I needed to review, and as much as I would just like to not write anything, I thought it would be unfair to all those books (especially as I loved most of them).  However, Blogger gave me such a hard time that I gave up, and when I got back to this post, I already have nine books to talk about.  Nine.  I read way too fast these past few weeks but I was totally in a slump about what to write about books.  It's sad.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 266 pages
Bought from Powerbooks 

This extraordinary work chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, successful - but slowly going under, and maybe for the last time. Step by careful step, Sylvia Plath takes us with Esther through a painful month in New York as a contest-winning junior editor on a magazine, her increasingly strained relationships with her mother and the boy she dated in college, and eventually, devastatingly, into the madness itself.

Review:  I really loved The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.  It's like old school chick lit, but with more sensitive, more serious themes.  Esther was such a lively presence, even during the times when she was at her lowest.  The story just got to me and there were times when I had to pause because it got too emotional.  The voice just messes with your brain that you are led to believe everything, even the parts where it's obviously wrong but you get convinced otherwise.  Way to go Sylvia for your awesome story.  Too bad she's gone now. I would have loved to write her a letter.

 

Forget You by Jennifer Echols
MTV Books, 292 pages
Received via Random Acts of Kindness from Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous 

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Review:  There were some parts of the synopsis for Forget You by Jennifer Echols that was a bit misleading, but I still loved the overall story.  Some parts were a bit muddled, and sometimes I did not like Zoey all that much but the fact that I felt strongly about/against her just means that the writing style was very effective and made the novel really alive and realistic.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Penguin Classics, 453 pages
From The Boyfriend, bought from National Bookstore 

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.

Review:  Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was awesome!  It was funny, it was emotional, and most of all, it was powerful!  (OK enough of the exclamation points) I loved the dialogue, which was filled with humor and Jane's sarcastic wit.  She was snarky, smart, and had a lot of guts that had she been born in the present times she would have Girl Power written all over her.  The other characters were remarkable as well for contributing to a genuine feel to the novel.  The writing was a bit confusing at first, especially when Jane was describing what another person was telling her, but once you were able to wade through that, you're good.  I loved this book!

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman
Scholastic Press, 288 pages
Bought from Powerbooks 

June and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.

This is not that kind of love story.

Instead, they just hang around in each other's orbits...until eventually they collide. And even after that happens, they're still not sure where it will go. Especially when June starts to pity-date one of Wes's friends, and Wes makes some choices that he immediately regrets.

Review:  I've been looking for a copy of The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman for so long that I was so overjoyed when I found one and bought it right away - regardless how much it cost (it was pretty expensive).  Fortunately, I was spared from regretting the purchase.  The story contained within this book was worth every penny I paid for it; even though this is mainly a very light read, it had a lot of great moments and I loved that the romantic angle was uniquely executed.  The characters were the type you would want to be friends with had they been real, and the writing itself was simple enough that you can really focus on the story itself and not worry about other details. 

It should be noted that after I read this one, my Mom went ahead and devoured this book, and she was all mesmerized by the cover.

*****

Thought I'm done?  I'm just getting started.  Four books down, five AND MORE to go.  Watch out for the next mini review :D

Check out my Mini Reviews Part Two

Book Review: Across Eternity by Aris Whittier

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Across Eternity

Author:  Aris Whittier

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  298 pages

Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Aris Whittier

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"Born a genius; education, wealth, and prestige came easy to Logan Richards. Actually, there wasn't much that Logan couldn't learn or acquire. However, he knew there was more to life than money and power. Logan was determined to find the woman who he'd dreamed of his entire life and know what it was like to love her before he died.

Amber Lewis, a waitress for a five-star restaurant in, Dana Point, California, was overworked, stressed, and wary of life since her sister, Heather, had passed away. Then, one evening while working she fell hopelessly in love with Logan Richards, a chivalrous man who felt deeply familiar. 

For Amber, it was the beginning of a voyage of self-discovery and renewal. For Logan, it was the completion of life. For each of them it was the deepest sort of love."

Review

While I reading the synopsis for this book, Across Eternity by Aris Whittier, I had this slight feeling of deja vu as I thought it was highly similar to another book about reincarnation, My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares.  I was proven wrong when I began to read this book.

Across Eternity is all about two people, Logan and Amber, whose souls kept meeting every time they were reincarnated.  Logan, who meets a sort of 'imaginary friend' when he was younger, was told that this friend would be following him now to the present time but she would not remember him, although he would.  This 'imaginary friend' turns out to be Amber, a waitress and a very talented woman. 

I was very touched by this story.  It showed a unique mix of poignancy, romance, and humor.  Yes, humor.  Especially the part when Logan and Amber first meet.  The dialogue was very captivating in that it never experienced a lull, there were no dull moments in their conversations, and you can easily recognize each character from the things they say.  Each character's speech were very tailored to their personalities.  The voice was solid and entertaining, and authentic.  It did not try to mask any shallowness and it was very tongue-in-cheek.  The story was well-paced and easy to follow that even younger readers - or those who are typically not into this book's genre - will enjoy reading this book without any pressure to keep up with this book's own speed.

There are many books out there written about romance and reincarnation.  Many of them good, many are awesome, and many flopped.  But Across Eternity, with its unique twists and witty dialogue will distinguish itself from all of these titles and will surely carve a niche of its own out of this giant rock that is the romance genre.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Aris Whittier, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

   

Title:  Travels in the Scriptorium

Author:  Paul Auster
Publisher:  Henry Holt and Co.

Language: English

Format:  Hardcover

Pages:  145 pages

ISBN - 10:  0805081453

ISBN - 13:  978-0805081459

Source:  Purchased, Book Sale

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"An old man awakens, disoriented, in an unfamiliar chamber. With no memory of who he is or how he has arrived there, he pores over the relics on the desk, examining the circumstances of his confinement and searching his own hazy mind for clues. Both chilling and poignant, Travels in the Scriptorium is vintage Auster: mysterious texts, fluid identities, a hidden past, and, somewhere, an obscure tormentor. And yet, as we discover during one day in the life of the man--identified only as Mr. Blank--his world is not so different from our own."

Review

Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster left me hanging, speechless, and confused.  It's a story about an old man who wakes up and finds himself in a strange room, not remembering how he even got there in the  first place.  He almost could not remember anything about himself, his past, and why he was in the room.  As he tries to work out the how, what, and why, a camera is revealed to be watching his every move.  I thought it would be something action-packed, a suspense thriller.  So how the novel turned out was pretty surprising - and that is not entirely a good thing.

Needing answers, I searched some more about this novel and found that this was a book whose characters were from Auster's other books, as well as some future works.  That was when understanding dawned on me:  This story is partly autobiographical, I wish I could say more about this concept but it would ruin the suspense.  Now, if this was not my first Auster read, I probably would have gotten it straight away.  Therefore, advice to readers:  Read this if you have already read other books by Paul Auster; if you have some on your TBR, bump them up and make sure to read them first before this book.

So confusion and subsequent enlightenment aside, the story was strangely engaging as Mr. Blank, the protagonist, struggled with his memory, read a report of a man on a mission, and pieced together said report's missing ending.  A story within a story, the characters were equally intriguing and charismatic, although they seem more caricatures than real people - which is exactly what drew me to them, because they did not seem real, and never tried to be.

The writing style was very unique as Auster approached the narration as if watching from a surveillance camera.  The reader, as if a voyeur, witnesses Mr. Blank's constant battle  with his forgetfulness, the mystery of his room, as well as the bigger mystery of the people who calls and visits him during the day.  The only knowledge that the reader is privy to without having to resort to monitoring him through the hidden camera and bugs is the old man's thoughts, which the narrator slips surreptitiously into the story.

I really regret not having read any of Auster's novels before, as he seemed to write very interesting and unique stories, and as it would help me get in on the joke way before I even finished reading this.  In a way, it was funny to read something like Travels in the Scriptorium and find some very familiar names that you were introduced to and are now haunting you in this book.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Wild Child by Mike Wells

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Wild Child

Author:  Mike Wells
Publisher:  Mike Wells (Kindle); Athens Press (Paperback)

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  73 pages
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Mike Wells

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads:

"Briana Fox is the wildest girl in school. She and Kyle have been close for a long time...almost lovers. Kyle is afraid that if he pushes her, he'll have his heart broken and lose his best friend. When Briana discovers a mysterious "power drug" in a cave, two government agents are desperate to find the source and turn Briana into a human experiment. Will Kyle risk everything to protect his love?"

Review

Wild Briana Fox and level-headed Kyle Dunlap were close friends who love to hang around in Kyle's boat, until one day, an accident occurred that led Briana to discover a mysterious 'power drug' in a cave.  With government agents trailing on their heels, Kyle must decide how far he would go to protect his friend.

And that, dear readers, is Wild Child by Mike Wells.

This story was very fast-paced and urgent, you would never put the book down once you started it, which is quite easy since this novel does not have that many pages - 73 in fact, from the PDF copy I was given for review.  Besides, if this book was any longer, you would not really notice because it demanded your attention so much you just forget about the time.

Briana had such a strong presence in the book, although the story was mostly focused on Kyle and his race to protect his friend.  In my opinion, Briana is the strongest character in this book.  She may not have reflective moments in the book that Kyle had, but what was unsaid about her character was what elevated her and made her a lingering figure.  Which was probably because this story was mostly told through Kyle's point of view, and reading from the chapters, it is easy enough to understand that Kyle is in love with his best friend.  Their characters were very genuine and believable, and although most would say that they were flawed, that was exactly the point, and it was like just reading about a story of two real life people - except of course, that part about the magic drug. 

Mr. Wells' writing style was very easy as he told the story as is, no heavy doses of commentary and dialogue, just pure storytelling which is what most young adult readers prefer.  Caution, however, should be taken when this book is read by younger readers as there are some delicate scenes that they may need walking through by an adult.  No, I am not talking about graphic sexual or violent episodes, but as this is mainly a book suitable for older teens, there may be some parts that a younger reader might need help understanding, although once he/she gets past those, he/she will find that this book is quite an enjoyable read.

But although I was quite blown away by the story, the progression of the novel just left me with a lot of questions and although I know that there are some things better left as they are, I seriously think this story just begs for a sequel!

After all, more adventures equals more fun, right?

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Mike Wells, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

   

Title:  Tell-All

Author:  Chuck Palahniuk
Publisher:  Anchor

Language: English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  192 pages

ISBN - 10:  0307389820

ISBN - 13:  978-0307389824

Source:  Purchased, National Book Store

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"The hyperactive love child of Page Six and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? caught in a tawdry love triangle with The Fan. Even Kitty Kelly will blush. Soaked, nay, marinated in the world of vintage Hollywood, Tell-All is a Sunset Boulevard–inflected homage to Old Hollywood when Bette Davis and Joan Crawford ruled the roost; a veritable Tourette’s syndrome of rat-tat-tat  name-dropping, from the A-list to the Z-list; and a merciless  send-up of Lillian Hellman’s habit of butchering the truth that will have Mary McCarthy cheering from the beyond. Our Thelma Ritter–ish narrator is Hazie Coogan, who for decades has tended to the outsized needs of Katherine “Miss Kathie”  Kenton—veteran of multiple marriages, career comebacks, and cosmetic surgeries. But danger arrives with gentleman caller Webster Carlton Westward III, who worms his way into Miss Kathie’s heart (and boudoir). Hazie discovers that this bounder has already written a celebrity tell-all memoir foretelling Miss Kathie’s death in a forthcoming Lillian Hellman–penned musical extravaganza; as the body count mounts, Hazie must execute a plan to save Katherine Kenton for her fans—and for posterity. "

Review

If you are a big fan of Old Hollywood movies, Old Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and others, you best read this book as it incorporates into its fictional world the likes of Lillian Hellman, Hedda Hopper, and Walter Winchell.

Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk relates the story of fading Hollywood star Katherine Kenton and how Hazie Coogan, her personal assistant discovers a murder plot by the latter's newest beau Webster Carlton Westward III through his celebrity tell-all book about Katherine, which documents how Katherine Kenton dies.  This morbid story of celebrity narcissism is told through Hazie's eyes in a very unique way:  Its narration is aided by this 'camera' that 'shows' the reader what he/she needs - or does not need - to witness.  It's like watching a movie on paper.

At first, this peculiar way of narration sort of muddles the reader's thoughts and distracts them from fully getting absorbed in the story, but as the plot progresses and the excitement builds, this unusual method even helps in fully understanding not only what is shown and explained, but what is implied and hidden.

The ways that Hazie and Katherine did to deflect the threatening ways in which the latter would be killed were so hilarious and downright ridiculous, and the excerpts from the fictional memoir so outrageously sexual and disgusting it's funny.  This book is filled with astounding amounts of humor without even intending to.

Like Old Hollywood stars' hidden scandals and tightly-kept secrets, this story is not all that it seems.  The discerning reader would be quick to point out inconsistencies in this book - which are not of an editorial nature, but which would help in understanding the direction that the plot would be taking towards the end.  A predictably-unpredictably ending would surely leave the reader "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" as sung by Helen O'Connell backed by the Jimmy Dorsey band.  If you've read this book, you perfectly know what I am talking about.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

Title:  The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author:  Garth Stein
Publisher:  Harper Paperbacks 

Language: English

Format: Hardcover

Pages:  336 pages

ISBN - 10:  0061537969

ISBN - 13:  978-0061537967

Source:  Purchased, National Book Store

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"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. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

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."

Review

There's a new philosopher on the block, and he's got  four legs.  Meet Enzo, a lab terrier mix who considers himself a dog with a human soul.  An avid car racing fan who gains his education through his race car driver master, as well as through watching television, he believes in the Mongolian belief that once a dog serves his lifetime as a dog, he will be reincarnated as a man - which he learned from the National Geographic Channel and therefore must be true.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein gives us this lovable four-legged wonder who could probably give Deepak Chopra a run for his money.

Born in a farm and taken as a puppy to live with race car driver Denny Swift, Enzo is fond of relating the intricacies of car racing to dealing with everyday life.  It is a cliche, yes:  relating the art and science of complicated race car driving techniques to daily living is a common - if not pedestrian - premise, but use a dog as a narrator, as its prime preacher, a dog who could not speak, could not move his paws as human hands could due to lack of thumbs, then you have a pretty interesting inspirational fiction that will surely be appealing to readers of all ages.

If you are wondering about what your dog is thinking, then wonder no more and just read this book.  His obsession with opposable thumbs, his frustration due to his inability to speak, and his shame at being 'such a dog' was such a joy to read about, and his natural sense of humor will have you smiling as you turn the pages of this dog's story - which is not his story at all, not really, but the story of his brilliant master's life as only a dog can tell it.

The voice is sound and distinct, although the narration had something to answer for, because no matter how many times I go back and forth, I could not reconcile the parallelism of the first chapter to the last - yes the plot is still the same but the circumstances did not seem to align.  But maybe that's just me.  Otherwise, the hardships, triumphs and the life lessons from a dog culled from his knowledge of car racing will have you admiring the style of writing and the versatility of Mr. Stein to be able to write such a believable character.  The really rough patch that Enzo's master encounters in his life is a bit too tiring, dragging, and unrealistic, but the reader will get the point that as this is an inspirational book at its core, he/she must be able to always expect the worst in order to understand the teachings that this philosopher cum car racing buff dog imparts to this book's audience.

Makes me want to get a new dog more.  And of course, to read other books by Garth Stein.

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All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way. 

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