7/03/08

Between the Covers

Clever novel explores life through a dog's voice

by Mary Burns

The Art of Racing in the Rain

By Garth Stein

(HarperCollins, $23.95)

Enzo, the narrator of this fine novel, is not afraid of dying. He watched a National Geographic special about reincarnation and is convinced he will return as a human because he has led an exemplary life as a dog. He is looking forward to a new life with thumbs and a smaller tongue, which seem to be what is keeping dogs from being superior to men.

He has lived with Denny, a race car driver, for most of his life. Denny often watches videos of his races and talks to him about strategies of driving. He says that the visible becomes inevitable: the car goes where the eyes go. There’s a lot to learn from this and Enzo believes that humans would improve their lives if they would pretend to be a dog and listen.

The reader need not be a dog lover to appreciate the author’s insights into the thoughts of the dog Enzo. It’s pretty transparent that Seattle author Garth Stein led an exemplary life in his last one.

Mary Burns is owner of The BookWORKS, in downtown Marysville or online at www.marysvillebookworks.com.