About the Author
Garth Stein is the author of three novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008); How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (Soho Press, 2005), which won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award, and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback; and Raven Stole the Moon (Pocket, 1998).
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?
Enzo's observations throughout the novel provide insight
into his world view. For example:
"The visible becomes inevitable."
"Understanding the truth is simple. Allowing oneself
to experience it, is often terrifically difficult."
"No race has ever been won in the first corner; many
races have been lost there."
How does his philosophy apply to
real life?
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?
Can you imagine the novel being told from Denny's point of
view? How would it make the story different?
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?
Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently
after reading this novel?
In the book, we get glimpses into the mindset and
mentality of a race car driver. What parallels can you think of between
the art of racing and the art of living?
The character of Ayrton Senna, as he is presented in the
book, is heroic, almost a mythic figure. Why do you think this character
resonates so strongly for Denny?
