Pilotând în ploaie. Viaţa mea de căţel

by Garth Stein

Enzo este un câine special. Fan înflăcărat al curselor de maşini, el ştie o groază de lucruri despre Formula 1, pilotul lui preferat fiind Ayrton Senna. Cunoaşte ca nimeni altul natura umană, despare care are o groază de teorii. Şi continuă să înveţe despre noi. Pentru că este sigur că va renaşte ca om - aşa cum a aflat dintr-un documentar despre credinţele mongolilor - şi trebuie să fie pregătit. Până atunci însă, alături de stăpânul său, Denny, Enzo are de parcurs un circuit plin de turnante periculoase: viaţa însăşi.

Genres: Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

237 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2011

About the author

Garth Stein is the author of four novels: the New York Times bestselling gothic/historical/coming-of-age/ghost story, "A Sudden Light"; the internationally bestselling "The Art of Racing in the Rain"; the PNBA Book Award winner, "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets"; and the magically realistic "Raven Stole the Moon." He is also the author of the stage play "Brother Jones." He has a dog, he's raced a few cars, climbed a bunch of really tall trees, made a few documentary films, and he lives in Seattle with his family. He's co-founder of Seattle7Writers.org, a non-profit collective of 74 Northwest authors working together to energize the reading and writing public.

Reviews

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racing in the Rain, My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein

This is a painfully poignant story narrated by a dog. If you like soupy books and love dogs, prepare your reading time with a full box of tissues.

This is the story of a family and their dog. A dog that just knows that his next revolution on the wheel of creation he is going to have opposable thumbs and vocal cords uses his insight and narrative skills to tell the story.

The story is moving and characterizes the value of perseverance, patience and tenacity. Love can not conquer all but love can sustain life. Driving race cars provide Denny and Enzo metaphors for living their lives. This story can teach compassion and a willingness to help others.

This is purported to be a kid’s book and admittedly the reading level is hardly taxing. However it is emotionally charged and could be a bit intense for the younger reader. (Remember Ole Yeller?)

Although this book could easily be read by the literate first grader I would not recommend it for the primary grades. I think it would be fine for the upper elementary grades and on up. I enjoyed it but then there have always been questions regarding my maturity level.

I recommend the book, it is inspiring, sad and satisfying.

[Lisa Reale · Rating 5 out of 5]

review by my 8 year old daughter
I think Racing in the Rain is a very sad book. I like how the first few pages of the book are happy, but as you get further into the book it gets sad. Then at the end of the book it's happy again. My favorite part was when the owner of the dog, Denny, was working as hard as he could to get his daughter Zoe back. I loved the author's description of when Enzo, Denny's dog, got hit by a car. After Enzo got hit the story got a little more tragic and serious. In the story I loved how it was the dog narrating. I would like to read more books by Garth Stein.

[Bethe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bookaday #9. This book does not work for children on so many levels. It is a pale comparison to the second best dog book in the world, from which it was adapted, "The Art of Racing in the Rain". Although Enzo continues as the witty and philosophical canine narrator, his humorous anecdotes are few, interspersed between too many serious adult problems. I just don't see kids age 8-12 (as mentioned on the back cover) being interested in Denny's woes, which are very compelling and poignant to the adult reader. The traumas the family endures have been dwatered down for the young reader and one incident thankfully not included. I also see very few in that age group connecting to the sport of racing. Perhaps if the author had rewritten the story to focus on Zoe's side of all the problems, or focused on one of the traumatic events, or thrown in more funny dog stuff it wouldn't be such a dull mess.
The one good point that very much belongs in the book is the back matter - the author interview and photos are very child friendly.

[Viktorija| Laisvalaikis su knyga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knygą buvau pradėjusi skaityti praeitų metų Kūčių dieną ir kiti kūriniai vis išstumdavo ją. Iš pat pradžių, kūrinio pradžia atrodė kiek įprasta, nieko ypatinga. Tik prieš savaitę grįžo noras sužinoti kaip toliau sekėsi Enzui, kuris kartu buvo visos aprašytos istorijos pasakotoju.

Kuo toliau skaičiau - tuo kūrinys tapo įdomesniu, atsirado temos, kurios buvo viena už kitą įdomesnės, o kartu taip puikiai sukurtos situacijos, kad kai kada skaitydama šyptelėdavau, teko pasigraudinti ar pasipyktinti. Žavėjausi Enzu, kuris tiek mąstymu ar savo elgesiu yra nepaprastas šuo, bet buvo tikru draugu - tik negalėjo visko išsakyti garsiai. Enzas taip pat priminė seną tiesą, kad visi kuom bebūtų - turi jausmus.

Vertinu: 4,5⭐/iš 5⭐

[Kristi Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate to return a library book when it is still wet with my salty tears.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about this book before starting it although the name was vaguely familiar.

THE WORLD: Our very own world. We are situated in Seattle, USA.

CHARACTERS: The main character is Enzo, who is actually a dog. Yes, the book's narrator is a dog my friends but a very clever one who has very human-like thoughts. Enzo's owner is Denny Swift, a race car driver, and the one who makes Enzo fall in love with car racing by taking Enzo to all his races, watching TV together, etc. The beginning feels like the beginning of Marley & Me because at first it's only the dog and his owner and then who comes around? the woman. From Enzo's POV we get introduced to Eve and later on, Zoë. As simple as it may sound, things get precarious and there are many sad moments throughout the book in which Enzo wants to help but he can't because... he is a dog.

LOVE: There is complex familiar love in the book as well as the love Enzo/Denny feel for each other (not in a romantic way of course but you know... pet and best pal)

PLUS: I enjoyed all the book and I actually liked reading through the point of view of Enzo even though I was reluctant at first because I thought that a dog would not narrate the story as well as it could've been with a human narrator but I was wrong. The author did a brilliant job with it and made Enzo a complex character as well.

The second half of the book was sad to read but was actually my favorite too because that's when the character growth can be seen.

MINUS: It's not a huge minus but well... I thought it was just too simple. This book is quite simple, middle grader I think and although English is not my first language I found it really easy to read. I must say that this version of the book is simplified, I guess the actual book is a bit more difficult and probably has more complex language. Just make sure you get the original book: The Art of Racing in the Rain.

OVERALL: 4.5 stars. Overall I really enjoyed it and I'm glad Megan (the girl from US) brought it for me. I would've loved it if I was a middle grader and it would've been a favorite too but unfortunately I read it too late... still worth it though.

—P.S. I Love That Book!

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an absolute gem!

I picked it up under the impression that it would be a ‘fun’ read. A dog who is into racing cars instead of chasing them was bound to be an entertainer. But this book is so much more. I fell in love with Enzo while on the roller coaster of a journey that he was on along with his humans.

Heart touching.

[Jen Brodehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars- Great story and loved the ending!! (Which is rare for a dog book since they’re usually depressing endings.) A little grown up on the overall topics but more mature kids could easily handle it. Now we want to see the movie!

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the junior version of Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, which narrates the story of racecar driver Denny through the eyes of his dog Enzo (in case you are wondering, the dog is named after the great Enzo Ferrari). Denny is a talented young racecar driver but life continues to throw huge obstacles into his way, trying to prevent him from reaching his ultimate dream to become a professional Formula One driver. Life is thereby compared to a race, important life lessons expressed through the strategies a driver uses during a race. I read this book in one go, simply couldn’t put it down, because I needed to know whether life would ultimately reward Denny for his perseverance in following his dream and in fighting for those he loves. Even though I gave this book five stars because I absolutely loved it, I know that it will take a particular kind of reader to get hooked and enjoy it as much as I did. You need to love dogs, motor sport and stories that touch the heart (an interesting combination, right?). Having some prior knowledge about Formula One or the willingness to follow up where necessary is also beneficial.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo the playful mutt is different than any other dog, he learns about race car driving from his best friend Denny and dreams to race cars too. I loved this book because it showed you that you could accomplish any goal you want to achieve. I recommend this book to anyone who loves sad and heartwarming books about dogs and friendship.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very easy read (meant for people three years younger than me) but a sweet story nonetheless. Yes it is predictable but any book like this most likely is. Not to mention, I read it in a sitting lasting an hour and a half.

[Keira · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF (did not finish)
This book was just too weird and just not interesting for me to read 🤷‍♀️

[Vitalija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perskaičiusi knygą supratau, kad kaip man nelabai patinka kai filmuose kalba gyvūnai taip ir čia. Tikriausiai ne mano stiliaus knyga. Knygos pradžia nebuvo nieku įpatinga, toliau gal kiek buvo įdomiau. Kai kur knygoje teko nusišypsoti, kai kur susigraudinti, o kai kur ir pyktelti. Tačiau nieko įspūdingo. Aišku pabaiga kaip ir didžiojoje dalyje knygų – laiminga. Nelabai turiu ką pasakyti apie knygą, ši man nelabai patiko.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Narrated by a dog, Enzo, this story is a bit about car racing, but mostly about human nature, society, family, love, hate, and grief! There were moments where I wanted to fast forward so as not to feel the pain ... and moments where I savoured the joy of life through the eyes of a very extraordinary dog. RIP and welcome back, Enzo. ❤️

CW: cancer, death of a pet

Y10, Y11

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this to my 10 and 6 year old daughters and sobbed just as hard as when I read the adult version for the first time. I am so happy to share one of my favorite books with my children and hope they love it as much as I do.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tranen met tuiten, ook deze versie!

[Kathryn B. Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racing in the Rain is an endearing story about a dog, Enzo, who lived at a farm until he was picked out by Denny and taken to Seattle. Enzo was not altogether happy when Denny met Eve, and then they soon got married. He was jealous for Denny's affection. Enzo is very wise, but he cannot tell them his thoughts because his tongue is long and floppy so he cannot form the words he wants to say. Fortunately, because the reader can read his thoughts, we learn is depth about the family and the exciting developments from Enzo's perspective. We learn that Denny is a gifted race car driver, and is especially good at racing in the rain. We also get to know Denny and Eve's first child, Zoe. Enzo is a very smart dog (he learns much of what he knows by watching TV with Denny), and he feels very responsible for looking out for the family, including baby Zoe. All seemed to be going well until Eve got very sick. Things got especially complicated when Eve moved in with her parents, so they could care for her since Denny was at work during the day. Zoe soon joined them. Racing in the Rain is a story filled with humor, sadness, human frailties, and joy; it is tempting to read it cover to cover in one sitting! Racing in the rain is not just about race cars, but about loving one another and the obstacles we encounter in life.

[Trinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kid version of the book The Art of Racing in the Rain. This version is minus the adult situations (a man crushing on a coffee barista, a girl making sexual advances, etc.) But the topics are still quite serious.
A few years back I let my son read this book, my intent was to read it as the same time. Well, he completely blew through it and I didn't finish. I highly recommend that a parent or guardian read this book with/to your child. The topics of death, child custody and neglect are not easily understood by most adults, so I would expect a child to have lots of questions about this book. It could possibly be used as a learning tool, teaching the emotions around death of a parent. However, please be available for that child.
I asked my son what he thought of the book. He remembered it but it was not one he would read again. It has a happy ending but wow, it can be depressing...

****Not a cute puppy story book, although it is told from the perspective of the dog.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was given to me as a gift, and at the time I didn't realize it was adapted from a book written for adults. Now, I can't wait to read that book so I can see how the stories parallel each other.

Racing in the Rain is told from the perspective of the dog, which I think dog-loving kids will find very appealing. He sees himself as a person, and is frustrated when he acts like a dog. Hearing the story of his owners is powerful. A tear jerker for me, but I love that stuff.

Will definitely be recommending this book to specific students.

[Tammie Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lad-lit book told through the eyes of Enzo, a dog with amazingly human insight, was really a strong 3 1/2 stars for me. With lots of racing references, I could see a sensitive guy enjoying this along with women who like a good story-line with a mostly happy ending. It's a very quick read. I would caution you to not read the final 20 pages while using mass transit as you might shed a tear or two.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult version of my favorite book, The Art of Racing in the Rain. They took out the "bad" words and changed the accusation to something more "child friendly", but the rest was pretty similar. My eleven year old daughter read this aloud with me and we loved the lessons Enzo had to share. She especially loved the idea that the book was written from a dog's perspective.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book more than what I thought I would. It was a lil bit longer than what I would’ve loved but it was nice. I honestly can’t believe the grandparents did what they did. I was really mad, it was freaking unbelievable. But thank God Denny made it because that was so unfair. LOVED Enzo’s POV. Really awesome the racing tips and tricks.

[Victoria Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog books tear me apart, but I always read them. This is by far one of my favorite books, it is heartwarming and heartbreaking as well.

[Lecy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the children's version of my favorite book ever written. Of course, it's perfect.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely one of my very favorites!!!!!!!!

[Mya Doberstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s was really sad but it had a great ending.

[Kyla Bockholt]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Here's why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot talk, so I listen very well. I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own. People, if you pay attention to them, change the direction of one another's conversations constantly. It's like being a passenger in your car who suddenly grabs the steering wheel and turns you down a side street. For instance, if we met at a party and I wanted to tell you a story about the time I needed to get a soccer ball in my neighbor's yard but his dog chased me and I had to jump into a swimming pool to escape, and I began telling the story, you, hearing the words "soccer" and "neighbor" in the same sentence, might interrupt and mention that your childhood neighbor was Pele, the famous soccer player, and I might be courteous and say, Didn't he play for the Cosmos of New York? Did you grow up in New York? And you might reply that, no, you grew up in Brazil on the streets of Tres Coracoes with Pele, and I might say, I thought you were from Tennessee, and you might say not originally, and then go on to outline your genealogy at length. So my initial conversational gambit - that I had a funny story about being chased by my neighbor's dog - would be totally lost, and only because you had to tell me all about Pele. Learn to listen! I beg of you. Pretend you are a dog like me and listen to other people rather than steal their stories.”

“That which is around me does not affect my mood; my mood affects that which is around me.”

“The human language, as precise as it is with its thousands of words, can still be so wonderfully vague.”

“People are always worried about what's happening next. They often find it difficult to stand still, to occupy the now without worrying about the future. People are generally not satisfied with what they have; they are very concerned with what they are going to have.”

“I admire the female sex. The life makers. It must be amazing to have a body that can carry an entire creature inside. (I mean, other than a tapeworm, which I’ve had. That doesn’t count as another life, really. That’s a parasite and should never have been there in the first place.)”

“Those monkey-thumbs were meant for dogs. Give me my thumbs, you fu**ing monkeys!”

[Tarra Lyn | TLCBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I read this for O.W.L.s Magical Readathon 2020!*

Spoiler Free

**Disclaimer: I was about 100 pages away from finishing this book when I saw the line on the cover that said this was an adaptation for young readers. This has sort of influenced my review but I still gave it 4 stars because it invoked the same feeling and responses from me that I was hoping for.**

Racing in the Rain is a young reader adaptation of the book The Art of Racing in the Rain, both by Garth Stein. It tells the story of Enzo, who is a cute, mixed golden retriever (?) dog adopted by Denny who is a race car driver/mechanic/teacher. We follow Enzo’s life with Denny and get a glimpse of what it’s like to live as a dog with a family that you love. Enzo is extremely self-aware for a dog, and it is explained in the story as a legend (and that is all I’ll give you on that).

If you love dogs, this story is great. The lessons of love, and sacrifice for those you love, and following your dreams, no matter how long it takes are shown through a dog’s eyes and with the mindset of a race car driver, it is one that resonates with your soul. I will definitely be picking up the adult adaptation “The Art of Racing in the Rain” to see the differences within. Highly recommended for a younger reader that has a maturity about them, without diving too deep into the adult situations.

This book, in my own opinion, was very difficult to follow. The young reader version seemed very disjointed and either shortened or cut out a lot of details and parts of Enzo’s monologue that would have made it more understandable. There were still the key points that elicit the emotional responses that the author was trying to convey and once I understood the version I was reading, everything made way more sense.

[Hayden W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The book is better than the movie. The movie didn't make me cry but the book made me cry a little. It is about a guy named Denny and Denny who adopted a baby puppy. it didn't really explain what dog it was but anyway, the dog Enzo is more human than dog Enzo thinks. When Enzo gets older Enzo gets jealous because Denny has a wife now. one day the wife and Enzo were going on a walk, and then something happens and she has to go to the hospital. A couple of years later she dies of cancer. her little girl Zoe and husband Denny are devastated. when eve (the wife) died the father and mother of eve want zoe to be theirs. Will Denny get Zoe, Does he take a job in Europe, and when Enzo dies will he come back as a human-like a tv channel said. find out and read racing in the rain.