Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Book I LOVED: "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein

A few nights ago, around 10 pm, I picked up Garth Stein's best-selling novel The Art of Racing in the Rain and began to read.

I didn't stop until THE END, 250+ pages later. It didn't matter that it was nearly 4 a.m. When I began reading, my eyelids had felt droopy and I had thought I would maybe be up reading for twenty minutes ... but, within the first few pages, I was drawn into the story and I lost all track of time. I could not stop turning the pages. The characters felt real. The narrator (a dog named Enzo) felt like a part of myself.

At the book's end, tears streamed down my face -- the good kind of tears, the best kind. I was reminded why I want to be a writer, the magic that good storytelling brings to our lives. I strive to write a book that touches people the way The Art of Racing in the Rain touched me.

If you want a fantastic summer read, read this book. If you are a dog person, read this book. If you want to fall in love anew with reading, read this book.

Have you read any books lately that have knocked your socks off? Please share!

6 comments:

Blair said...

I read this book two summers ago and was up at the cottage in Canada one night at 1am sobbing and sobbing. Alison was in the bunk bed above me, she leaned over, "So, was it good?" she asked, smiling. I had to get up and blow my nose before I could fall asleep. So Good.

VS Grenier said...

Sounds like a great book. I'll have to check it out.

I envy you for being able to read through the night. I remember doing that more than once. Nowadays, I wouldn't be able to function as mommy in the morning. LOL.

R Pecsok said...

I read this book a few weeks ago and felt the same way you did. I have been telling all my friends it is a must read.

Penelope said...

I loved the book, too! I believe it has the best climax of a book ever!

pageant_girlie said...

I definitely will check this book out- even though my Siamese cat might be a little jealous!

What a lovely blog you have, Dallas! I'm so glad that I've gotten to know you!

Dallas said...

Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to read & comment! And thanks, Lauren -- I'm so glad we've met!