Unlike most books, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, is told through the eyes of a very different type of narrator. This story is seen through a family dog named Enzo. Named after Enzo Ferrari, the famous luxury car designer, Enzo the dog is also very interested in cars and car races.

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” begins with Enzo being an old dog about to pass away, he recounts memories of his life with the family since the beginning when he was a puppy. Enzo’s owner Denny is an aspiring car racer who has competed in many races and has been offered many opportunities to keep competing. However, Denny has to tend to his family after his wife Eve is diagnosed with brain cancer and his responsibilities around the house increase.

Zoë, the daughter of Denny and Eve, is a smart young girl and Enzo promised Eve he would look after her if anything were to happen to her. Eve’s cancer takes a toll on the family, as Denny is forced to stop competing in order to stay in Seattle and take care of the family. Eve’s parents are concerned and ask Denny to keep Eve and Zoë together in order to make Eve’s passing easier. Denny agrees to keep the mother and daughter together as these might be the final days of Eve’s life.

After Eve’s death, Zoë’s grandparents decide that it would be best for them to have full custody of her. However, Enzo knows that the grandparents don’t treat Zoë as well as Denny. Max and Trish, the evil twins as Enzo calls them because they often wear matching clothing, are wealthy and are willing to hire the best lawyers and do whatever it takes in order to keep Zoë with them. But Denny is willing to fight in order to keep his daughter by his side.

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” indicates that dogs know about human souls better than we know about ourselves. Enzo conveys thoughts and emotions better than anybody telling this story, and it was both emotional and enjoyable.