Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I am so leery to give book reviews.


About a month ago, I read the book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.... now let me preface, I read a lot, (a couple of books a week) & I keep the doors of the library constantly revolving... it errs on the side of dorky, obsessive, and "get a life" commentary. Now, I am always leery to recommend books because I am not all too picky when it comes to my literary choices. However,I am laying down my reservations and whole- heartedly recommending this novel. I adored it... however, I was utterly shocked when I found myself not able to put it down: It is about a technical race car driver and his dog, and it is written from the dogs point of view? I know, I know... but it is a beautiful story of dreaming, death, life, love, family, and courage... and I cried about 74% of the way through. (and it has nothing to do with me loving my dog) All this say, it presents a profound view on life that only through the lens of a dog can offer. It sincerely has changed my view on life:

"To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live. To feel the joy of life. To separate oneself from the burden, the angst, the anguish that we all encounter every day. To say I am alive, I am wonderful, I am. I am. That is something to aspire to". - Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain


On this note, For some reason, last night felt like the end of summer. Now in Texas, I am fully aware that this is not true... however Labor Day, in my little head, seems to mark the end of the sunny season. Without planning to, Ryan and I bid a great farewell to summer last night. We went to a park, swung high on the swings, raced in a field with Senga, named our states on the painted blacktop, made homemade strawberry lemonade, played games, and indulged in rich ice cream sundaes on the back porch.

I am reminding myself to "live every day as if it were stolen from death"... because, indeed it is...

Go grab this book, and if you hate it, its ok, you can blame me, and Garth. :)

2 comments:

Laura said...

i will definitely give it a read. p.s. your blog is my fave - always a little goodie to find here.

katie said...

loved everything about this post mrs. frazier. i'll be hitting the library tomorrow. hope everything is going well over there in the big city!