Book Notes | The Art of Racing in the Rain
Like the classic Black Beauty, in which a horse is the narrator, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is narrated by a dog named Enzo. His master is Denny, who is especially good at driving a race car in the rain.
The book starts with Enzo reaching the end of his life. He thinks back on his life starting as a puppy, living with Denny, Eve, and their daughter, Zoe. Enzo philosophizes on the joys and heartaches in the full life they had together.
The title of the book is a metaphor for the scary times we face in our lives. For instance, when Denny meets and falls in love with Eve, Enzo says Eve is his rain. Soon, however, Enzo grows to love Eve as much as Denny does.
Enzo explains Denny’s racing philosophy, which is that your car goes where your eyes go. Never look at the wall you’re afraid you’re going to hit. Denny’s mantra is “That which you manifest is always before you.”
The race of his life
One of Denny’s driving instructors says, “There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you’re afraid of losing.” With Enzo’s help, Denny stays in the most important race of his life, which is not on the racetrack.
Although Enzo steals the show, the other characters—Eve, Denny, their daughter, Zoe, and Denny’s friends Mike and Tony—all play important parts. There are even two villains, the grandparents, whom Enzo calls the Evil Twins because they always dress alike.
Although some UMRA Book Club members at first thought they’d dislike the book because they were not interested in auto racing, they nevertheless ended up enjoying it. Women characters were not as well drawn as were Denny, Enzo, and even Denny’s friends. Even with these reservations, the members found the book heartwarming and uplifting and would recommend it to friends.
—Patricia Tollefson, Book Club member
Book Club to meet September 18
Fri, Sep 18 2020, 2pm
Joni Mitchell will lead the discussion of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein when the UMRA Book Club meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18.
The UMRA Book Club currently has 16 members, a number that works well for our discussions. Contact Pat Tollefson at [email protected] for more information, including suggestions for starting a new book club.
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.