Art of Racing in the Rain, Chapters 29-36
There’s so much good in this book that I often have difficulty choosing what to write about each week. Even though the chapters we’re covering this week recounted a dark and difficult time for Denny and his dog, I was so enthralled by the expression of Enzo’s deep wisdom for human affairs that I could not wait to turn to the next page. Enzo’s account of Denny’s arrest, which was based on knowledge he gained from Law & Order and other TV shows, was humorous but might also raise the question as to what the real Denny might look like outside of Enzo’s admiring gaze. The Denny that Enzo depicts is nearly flawless — a hero in nearly every respect.
The depths of Enzo’s devotion to Denny become very clear at the conclusion of chapter 36 when Enzo speaks only of “we,” as if he and Denny are an inseparable unit.
Do you think that Denny really fulfilled Enzo’s portrayal of him?
Do you find that your pets sense when you are going through a life challenge?
If so, do you sense greater devotion from them during difficult times?
One of my favorite passages in this week’s reading is in chapter 34: being alone is not the same as being lonely…loneliness…is something that exists only in the mind, not in the world, and, like a virus, is unable to survive without a willing host. And, one of my favorite lines from the entire book: That which is around me does not affect my mood; my mood affects that which is around me. I realize this book is a work of fiction, but I still found myself wondering if Enzo spent at least some of his TV time watching Wayne Dyer on PBS. There is a tremendous amount of life-wisdom in the pages of this book!
Please be sure to share your comments on these chapters, I always look forward to reading what you found in the story. Happy Reading!
I’m having a hard time not reading ahead, so I cherish the days the discussions start. I do like the element of following along with the schedule and making the book last. This is my first time reading this book, and I’m loving it.
I’m the Susan who wrote entries on the first two discussions. Hi to the other Susans! I added my website last discussion and this time I’m Susan B. Anyway, for me, these chapters were so sad and hard to read. The unfortunate event with Eve’s cousin was foreshadowed in Chapter 25, but I still wasn’t ready for it. I love this line, “Beware the whimsy of Fate, I said to myself. She is a mean bitch of a lab.” Enzo understood.”He (Denny) had nothing left with which to fend off an attack.” In these chapters, I was especially intrigued by the use of rain. As in chapter 32, Skip, Denny’s co-worker, commented after asking if the policemen needed a car wash when they came to arrest Denny. “Rain isn’t dirty… Dirt is dirty.” And what the Twins do to Denny is dirty! It also drizzles at the funeral, but the Twins are “protected” from the drizzle by the tent. Denny and Enzo are “protected” from the lightly falling rain by a tree. And there is the constant reference to racing in the rain. Amidst it all, Enzo is there, non-judgmental and supportive. I like how you focused on the “we” in chapter 36, Seraphina. I haven’t had a dog since I was a teenager, but I was very close to my father’s dog as my father grieved my mother. He was six foot four and heavy as he aged. His dog was a small brown miniature poodle. Andy was there, faithful and by his side, always. A very sweet sight, his little angel. I wonder what his story would be.
Susan B, I love your insights about the rain. I didn’t catch all of these when reading these chapters. This is what is so great about a book club – each individual has their own insights and perspectives that bring the book to life so much more than when read solo.
In regards to what you wrote, Seraphina, about whether Enzo saw in Denny, “a hero in every aspect” is so true about having pets. They love us unconditionally. Giving care, love and devotion to our animals is minute compaed to what our animals give back to us. They are always happy to see us and are faithful and devoted. It never fails to lighten my day when I walk into the house greeted by one of my dogs. They are, and have always been. the highlight in my days.