Chapters 15-30

Okay, okay, I have to admit. I am finished with the book. The reading seemed to go really fast for me, and I just couldn't put the book down. I loved, loved loved it!!!! Where are you? How are you all liking the book? What do you think of the characters? Enzo? I know this is jumping the gun but if you would like to read my full review, please check out my personal blog review here.


What is everyone thinking for next month's read?

Chapters 1-15

How is everyone feeling about the book? It seems to be pretty simple reading so far. The following questions are from the Discussion Guide that accompanies the book...

-Some early readers of the novel have observed that viewing the world through a dog's eyes makes for a greater appreciation of being human. Why do you think this is?

-In the book's darkest moments, one of Zoe's stuffed animals—the zebra—comes to life and threatens him. What does the zebra symbolize?

-In the first chapter, Enzo says: "It's what's inside that's important. The soul. And my soul is very human." How does Enzo's situation—a human soul trapped in a dog's body—influence his opinions about what he sees around him? How do you feel about the ideas of reincarnation and karma as Enzo defines them?

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Here we are in February! I really enjoyed The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and I am really excited about starting this novel for February's book of choice. This book is a lot longer so we will need to dedicate a lot more time to it than the last one. There is a total of 59 chapters and four weeks in February. That means that we need to be reading approximately 14.75 chapters per week. I will be updating on Sundays again. I know that is a lot but I know we can all do it. I am really enjoying all of your comments so far. Please feel free to add anything any time. Also if you have any suggestions, please please please, let me know. You can email me (Michelle) or Rachel at randmbookclub@gmail.com.

Happy Reading!!!

February Book

What do you think? I have been wanting to read this one for a while. Give me your thoughts!

From the Back of the Book:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Any Ideas?

We will be looking for the Groundhogs shadow before we know it. There is no set book for February. Any ideas? I have a few that I am throwing around. Here is a list of books that I have been wanting to read. Do you like any of these, do you have a list of your own? Let me know!

- Thirty-One Songs by Nick Hornby
- The Sinner's Guide to Confession by Phyllis Scheiber
- While I was Gone by Sue Miller
- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Just a couple. Of course the list is in the hundred's but who has the time?