Night Music: Taimane Gardner

Book Review: “The Art of Racing In The Rain”

“The Art of Racing In The Rain” by Garth Stein is definitely not a book I would have chosen for myself. But it was strongly recommended by a great friend, and he even lent me his copy to read.

It is a sometimes tragic love story between a Seattle-based wannabe racecar driver, his dying wife, and their daughter Zoe. What makes it special is that it is narrated by their dog, Enzo. Enzo is a student of philosophy (via National Geographic TV specials), and motor racing, totally frustrated by is inability to communicate with his human family beyond doggy gestures, and certain he will be reincarnated as a man.

The novel takes us lightly but brilliantly through Denny Swifts’s marriage and career, his wife’s illness and death, the endless and bloody custody battles with evil in-laws, until we reach the final moment of redemption for both Denny and Enzo. It is full of wisdom from both a dog’s point of view and from a deep understanding of race car driving, especially  in the rain.

I loved it and thoroughly recommend it.

Another Medical Hiatus

Well, my hope that I would get back to posting in real time foundered on some major infections and a week in Mount St Joseph’s Hospital who discharged me today. At least I can now add their wonderful staff to my praise of the BC Medical profession.

And thank goodness for the images, music, poems, and certain celebrations that I tend to pre-schedule sometimes weeks in advance for keeping the blog ticking over.

Finally back at home, I am keeping my fingers crossed.