Book Review, Book Giveaway and Swag Giveaway: A little something extra while I'm away! THE ART of RACING IN THE RAIN by New York Times Bestselling Author Garth Stein

Now I know I'm a little late to this party, but better late than never right? I recently finished reading The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It came out in hardcover in 2008 and the paperback version was released in 2009. I reviewed an earlier work of his, Raven Stole the Moon and I thought that was fantastic. The Art of Racing in the Rain clearly exemplifies his enormous talent as a writer.

The story is told from the perspective of the family dog, Enzo. He is the narrator and inside the body of this family pet, beats the heart and soul of an old and wise sage. He is near the end of his life and desires to be reincarnated as a man. He watches as life takes its toll on his once happy and seemingly perfect family. That family consists of his master Denny, Denny's wife Eve and their daughter Zoe.

Enzo knows so much and wants so badly to offer his advice and assistance, but as a dog without speech and an "opposable thumb" he is clearly limited in his ability to help, especially when he knows trouble abounds and he can't let his family know. In spite of his limitations, Enzo does his best to protect and encourage those he loves.

We watch as Enzo enters Denny's life as puppy when Denny was a single man, as life transitions through marriage, childbearing and parenting and then sadly premature death. This is often a sad and a tragic story, but also one that offers hope and resolution. For those who haven't read it I won't say more because it's something you should read and discover for yourself.

As an interesting aside, let me tell you this. When the author, Garth Stein, proposed this story to his agent, the agent was not interested in representing a story told from a dog's perspective. What did Stein do? He promptly got himself another agent! He believed in his story and he searched until he discovered someone who did as well. Let this be an inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, in what you have written, forge ahead as much as you are able, to see it published.

Now to the giveaway. There will be the opportunity for one winner to receive the book as well as a nice little swag packet which consists of a cloth tote bag,  a notebook, lapel pin and bookmark. Become a follower if you're not already and leave a comment telling me about your favorite pet. If you don't have a pet, just say so, but you must mention something. Those who don't comment about a pet will not be considered for the giveaway. It's not fair to those who take the time to do it and comply with instructions. Thanks for your understanding. Please leave your email in the comment, so you can be contacted if you win. That is all.

The giveaway will end Saturday, July 17 and is open to residents of the US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen randomly using Random.org.

Thanks to Sarah Daily of Terra Communications for making the book and swag packet available.

Toodles!