Garth Stein - The Art of Racing in the Rain

Pros: Enzo, Zoë, Enzo's great ride, characters
Cons: The evil strategy was really mean; the weak fairy tale ending

Enzo, a most unusual dog, impatiently awaits the end of his life eager to move on to his human form. Readers know this to be true because Enzo, the philosopher and narrator, tells us in the first chapter. Capable of complicated thought he has no words ...

Pros: Hilarious and heart-wrenching, fanciful and pragmatic, totally engaging narrative
Cons: None worth mentioning

So, there I am, waiting for my iced caramel macchiato in one of those ubiquitous establishments that specialize in blending smooth music with caffeine jolts, and it beckons me -- a tastefully calming midnight blue cover with a hint of yellow lab and its ...