Author: Garth Stein, 336 pgs.
I read this book in less than 36 hours and loved every single minute of it. Narrated by the loyal lab mix, Enzo, "Racing" tells the story of race car driver Denny Swift - his successes, his failures, his loves and losses, and the undying dedication of his faithful companion.
The story begins with Enzo looking forward to his own demise, and what he believes will be his eventual reincarnation as a man, including opposable thumbs and the ability to speak. Tracking back, we learn of the whirlwind love affair between Denny and Eve, the birth of their daughter Zoe, and Eve's heartbreaking illness that only Enzo could predict.
In the wake of Eve's death, Denny's life quickly falls apart. His (assumed) past catches up with him and his disapproving in-laws vie to take everything away from him.
"Racing" is touching, often sublimely hilarious, and perfectly appropriate for any reader - animal lover or not. The ending was by far the best ending of a book I've read in the last 15 years. I absolutely adored it and cried when I was finished, more because it was over than anything else.
Even if you detest NASCAR, this book will not disappoint. The race car driving aspect of the story is minimal and never overly dragged out, and I promise that if you are a dog owner, you will look at your pal(s) a little differently after reading this book and think, "Hmmmm."
I highly recommend this book!
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