One County, One Book

And the Winner is...

The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein

The results are in and the winning title for the 2013 OCOB Community Read is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Start reading today and check back for program updates.

About the Book:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

About the Author:

Garth Stein is the New York Times bestselling author of three novels: The Art of Racing in the Rain, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, winner of a 2006 PNBA Book Award, and Raven Stole the Moon; he has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones. He worked as a documentary filmmaker for several years, co-producing The Last Party, starring Robert Downey, Jr. In addition, he has directed and/or produced several other films including When Your Head’s Not a Head, It’s a Nut, which aired nationally on PBS and was awarded a gold medal by the International Epilepsy Foundation. Garth teaches fiction to writers from second grade to adult. He makes his home in Seattle with his wife, three sons, and his dog, Comet.

To find out more about Garth Stein, visit his website www.garthstein.com

Book Kits

Does your group need multiple copies of the book in various formats? Customize a book kit today. Choose from regular and large print books, audiobooks on cd, and the children's adaptation. All kits will contain discussion guides and bonus materials. Book kit request forms may be picked up at any SCP Library or downloaded here.

View highlights from our previous OCOB programs.

For more information, contact:
Karen Bradley at 518.388.4533 or kbradley@mvls.info

OCOB is made possible with funding from The Friends of Library