Readers Guide for "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

HEre are the reading guide questions taken from artofracingintherain.com, Garth Stein's site about his book. They definitely get you thinking!

* Some early readers of the novel have observed that viewing the world through a dog's eyes makes for a greater appreciation of being human. Why do you think this is?



* Enzo's observations throughout the novel provide insight into his world view. For example:


o "The visible becomes inevitable."
o "Understanding the truth is simple. Allowing oneself to experience it, is often terrifically difficult."
o "No race has ever been won in the first corner; many races have been lost there."


How does his philosophy apply to real life?



* In the book's darkest moments, one of Zoe's stuffed animals— the zebra— comes to life and threatens him. What does the zebra symbolize?



* Can you imagine the novel being told from Denny's point of view? How would it make the story different?



* In the first chapter, Enzo says: "It's what's inside that's important. The soul. And my soul is very human." How does Enzo's situation--a human soul trapped in a dog's body--influence his opinions about what he sees around him? How do you feel about the ideas of reincarnation and karma as Enzo defines them?



* Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently after reading this novel?



* In the book, we get glimpses into the mindset and mentality of a race car driver. What parallels can you think of between the art of racing and the art of living?



* The character of Ayrton Senna, as he is presented in the book, is heroic, almost a mythic figure.� Why do you think this character resonates so strongly for Denny?

Our meeting and the next book!!

Hello Readers,
Our next book has been chosen! You'll have to read to the end to get the name of it... We met this past Tuesday evening at Kathy's home. She made wonderful lasagna and sent us home with homemade pickles! I was in heaven! We talked about the book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" and it's inevitable ties to the deeper issues in life: loyalty, friendship, inequity, money, fear, and our deeper "demon zebra" self. Written from the perspective of a dog whose obsession with opposable thumbs is hysterical, the book is fresh and witty. I really liked it. It was a welcome change from some of the heavier books we've read lately. I'd love to hear what you thought... anyone read it? Becky, another member of our group, chose the book "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Piccoult. I've read it alreay but I will definitely read it again. Being a teacher, the story takes on a whole new life for me. I hope you will read along. It's a gripping story... one that you won't forget. Keep reading... Keep posting!

Next Book!!!

Hello, sorry for the delay in posting. I just started school and finished my Master's degree in the past three weeks so life has been kicking my butt! Needless to say, after another lovely wine-filled book club discussion, I am again thanking God for the gift of this book club! What a wonderful group of women. We did choose our next book entitled: The Art of Racing in the Rain. We chose this one especially becuase it's supposed to be light and fun (we seemed to have been a "serious" rut for the past 3 books so here's a change of pace.) The author's name is Garth Stein and it's about a dog named Enzo who tells his story and gives his take on humanity as seen through the eyes of a dog owned by a race car driver. Fun, yeah? So, happy reading... look for questions yet to come.