The Art of Racing in the Rain

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Garth Stein, author of the New York Times best selling literary novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008), which was hosted by the Argus Institute. It was an added bonus to a book I thought I would never read!

For the better part of two years, from the time Cain was diagnosed with cancer, I have found it difficult to read anything about dogs that might stir my emotions, easily excusing myself each time a book has been mentioned to me with a wave of my hand, and a promise to read “someday”. Not too long ago, my friend Melissa Canaday (Executive Director of the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation), enthusiastically urged me to read this book, and it was Gregg Oehler, from Cesar’s Way magazine, who finally pushed me to make the commitment to read. I agreed with a promise to report back to him once I had finished.

I won’t give a bit of it away, but I will share what bestselling author Jodi Picoult said best, “The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs, that compassion isn’t only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end.” I finally understand why everyone has been so adamant that I read this book, and yes, at times it was difficult to get through, but the meaning within the pages far outweighs the tears. “Read it!” I promise you won’t be able to put it down.

Thank you Melissa and Gregg!