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?