The Art of Racing in the Rain
- 6 hrs 56 min
- Told by a dog
- Rated 4.6 ★ on Audible
J.C.’s Verdict
Told in the first-person voice of a dog, but never exaggerated or cute. It’s an honest, gritty look at the human condition with an optimism that prevails, and it’s a great listen from start to finish.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is told through the perspective of Enzo, a philosophical and opinionated dog who embarks on a soul-changing journey with his human family.
Enzo begins with his first meeting with Denny Swift, a young race car driving bachelor. His blunt and witty narration, paired with his pure heart, captivates you immediately. As Denny meets his future wife, marries and discovers the joy of a new baby, Enzo is a loyal and unwavering force for him, celebrating their triumphs and mourning their losses with startling perspective.
When a devastating sequence of events leaves Denny reeling, Enzo is the lone driving force that perseveres and fiercely defends him as he tries to reclaim his family and career. Auto racing is the undercurrent, as Enzo discovers that the principles required to succeed in racing are the same ones needed to succeed in life.
Christopher Evan Welch has an edgy, masculine voice that perfectly conveys the attitude and emotion in Enzo’s voice, and he was also the narrator of the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Enzo is ruled by selfless canine devotion at times and bitterness over his lack of opposable thumbs at others, and Welch adapts his performance wonderfully to each facet of his personality.
I often catch myself trying to emulate Enzo’s mantra: “That which you manifest is before you.”
The story is colored by Enzo’s staunch loyalty, which will have you alternately cheering and weeping. His sense of humor highlights the absurd moments in life we take for granted and will leave you with a smile. Because a dog’s perspective isn’t jaded or world-weary, you get a clairvoyant look at the significance of our routine actions and decisions.
This audiobook has altered the way I approach my life and even my relationship with my dog.
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Listen if…
- You love dogs, or stories told from an animal’s point of view
- You want a heartfelt story that makes you laugh and cry
- You like fiction that leaves you thinking about your own life
Skip it if…
- You want a cheerful, light read: it goes to some sad places
- You’re not interested in racing: it’s an undercurrent, but a steady one
Where to listen to The Art of Racing in the Rain
Audible has the Christopher Evan Welch recording.
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