Department of Book Reports: The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (HarperCollins $14.99) I told you about this book last year, when I said "Heartbreaking and achingly perfect this book is really impossible to describe. Enzo is a dog who can explain what it is to be human." I told you I was evangelical about this book and I still am. You must read this book. I'm not alone, the Pacific Northwest Bookseller's Association thinks so too.

My friends Village Books twittered recently:

Sign of a good book: When you tear up as you're telling someone about it.

and oh, yes, I've teared up in writing this book report.

Garth also twitters while he's on the road:

There's a goldfish swimming in a fish bowl on the floor outside my hotel room. Why?

Being the smart-ass I am, I couldn't help re-tweeting with the advice:

/U must be @ a Klimpton.It's a loaner pet, not sushi

Which was met with this poetic reply:

This is just to say. I have eaten the fish that was in the fish bowl and which you were probably saving for breakfast

forgive me. it was delicious. so sweet and so cold.

One of my favorite memories from just before we left Seattle was attending Garth's premiere signing. My date that night was the lovely and talented Kevin O'Brien. We went out for burgers and beers afterwards and I asked a gal to snap a pic for me. I forwarded it to the guys the next day and mused "why do we lean in, when we know perfectly well a digital camera can capture the entire room?" Garth replied "We lean because we love."


Jackson Street Books has paperback copies and Signed & Dated, First Printing hardcovers with publisher promo pieces laid in (and buttons!) If I didn't convince you last year, Go! Now! Read this book.