The Art of Racing in the Rain is a wonderful short novel. I don't think there's any point reviewing it in great detail because of the fact that all you need to know is that it's told from an old dogs P.O.V. and he takes on a sort of anthropomorphic persona, believing he is really a man trapped in a dog's body. Stein touches on many canine themes in his story, particularly the age-old "myth" (or undisputed truth?) that dogs have deep thoughts, feelings and emotions; not only that, but he taps into every dog owner's sincere belief that all dogs understand us and that all dogs are more than just eating/chewing/defecating machines. They are our best friends. They are our ears when we feel low, our cuddles when we need love and our playmates when we crave adventure.
This quick read won't disappoint, especially if you're dog lover.
4/5 Magical Monkeys
Read: Aug. 20 /2011
Reviewed: Sept 8/2011