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Friday, August 20, 2010

Book Club: The Art of Racing in the Rain


Calling all readers!!!  Today, we're talking about Garth Stein's novel The Art of Racing in the Rain.

(Want more information about the book and/or my club?  Just click here.)

Tonight, I'm having a real live book club at my house... It's going to be full of girls, dogs (maybe), wine, cheese, talking, crying (in a good way), and giggling.  I can't wait!

Here's what we'll be discussing tonight: (These questions mostly came from the author & publisher with some of my own adaptation.)

1.) On a scale of 1 - 10, how would you rate this book?  Why?

2.) Some early readers of the novel have observed that viewing the world through a dog's eyes make for a greater appreciation of being human.  Do you agree with this?  Why do you think this is?

3.) In one of the books darkest moments, one of Zoe's stuffed animals -- the zebra -- comes to life and threatens Enzo.  Why do you think the author included this scene?  What does the zebra symbolize?

4.) How would this story be different if a human character (like Denny) had told it?

5.) 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 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?

6.) Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently after reading this novel?  How?

7.) 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?

8.) Do you think this book is strictly for animal/dog lovers?  Would you recommend this to someone who doesn't have a pet?

SO... If you read, and you can't get to Roanoke tonight, you can still be a part of our discussion! 

To join my Blog Book Club, simply copy & paste these questions into your own blog post, answer them, & then link up below.  OR... Just leave your thoughts on the book in today's comment section! 

I'll be back with my responses tomorrow!  (I don't want to spoil it for my real-life friends that will be here tonight!)

Can't wait to see what you thought...

Neither can Addy... 

How much does she look like the dog on the cover?  That had NOTHING to do with my book selection, I assure you... ;)

2 comments:

  1. Addy looks like such a sweetie! I haven't read the book yet, but I ordered it on Amazon. I can't wait to read it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. E-
    I read the book with my book club and even though I have never owned a dog, I liked the book and even cried. I'm sure all the dog-lovers will love that book! I told Kris to read it. Have you read Jodi Picoult's latest "House Rules"? Michelle, Emily and I have, you definitely have to read it!
    -Maureen

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are what makes this thing fun! I LOVE to hear from you and do my best to respond to everyone! THANK YOU!


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