A heartbreaking story of cruel loss and triumph over seemingly-impossible obstacles, the Art of Racing in the Rain is a book that will rip your heart out and shatter it into little bits and pieces. Unflinchingly cruel in its capacity to make you bawl like a little girl, Stein has crafted a book that's completely down to earth yet packed with emotional tension the whole way through. Even as a dog, Enzo is an unforgettable narrator who invokes outpourings of compassion and hope from its readers. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a book that will cause any reader a reason to give in to tears. 
 In a smartly articulated, endlessly curious and completely authoritative method, Enzo narrates his life as he lives under owner Denny and his family - Eve and Zoe. You see, Enzo's not just any dog, he's a dog with ideals and passions and intriguing monologues on humankind. As Denny struggles to balance his high flying race car passions while managing a family he dearly loves, Enzo is his loyal companion, ready to tough it up with him along the ride. Enzo's a lovable, adventurous, one-of-a-kind dog, that no reader will or even can forget. As Enzo narrates his story, it becomes clear that man's best friend is really more than that - but an emotional pillar to push Denny in the right way. 
 Without pushing on the saccharine or the over-dramaticized, Stein crafts a moving tale of countless obstacles that seem to multiply. Denny struggles over and over to work for happiness for his family and himself - but sometimes it just isn't that easy. Yet, with Enzo's insight to life and true loyalty, maybe Denny can tough it out. 
 From page one to the last, The Art of Racing in the Rain reads as a fast paced book from short numerous chapters to events that unfold and illustrate various nuances of typical life - from Denny's racecar career to Enzo's TV watching. However, Stein's talent permeates the novel, adding emotional sadness to crush a reader's heart (in the good way of course.)