Jennifer
Rating:
Review
This story is told by Enzo, a dog that wants to come back as a man in his next lifetime. Enzo watches all the educational television he can, so he will know how to be a wise man next time around. His owner is Denny, a frustrated race car driver though a very smart and talented person, according to Enzo. In the usual course of life events for a human, Denny meets and falls in love with Eve, and they have Zoe, their little girl. Enzo isn't so sure about giving up his undivided attention from Denny for the addition of a family, but Enzo is happy that Denny is happy. Then one day, Eve gets very sick. After the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny is put to the test by Eve's parents – the Evil Twins – as Enzo calls them, as they fight for custody of their granddaughter. Enzo is instrumental in not letting Denny give up on the fight. This story is classic in several ways, with love at the beginning, despair in the middle, and then everything turns out okay with a happy ending. But, the twist of it being told by the family dog makes it unique and very sweet. I suspect you won't be able to put this book down, and it will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling, I promise. It might make you think a bit differently about your pooch hanging out by your side as you read, too. As I judge all good books, I was sad when this one ended.
Best Line:
"To be a champion, you must have no ego at all".
Kim
Rating:
Review
Set in Seattle, this story begins and ends with Denny Swift as told from his dog Enzo's point of view. We quickly learn that Enzo hopes to be reincarnated as a man the next time around, and figures he has a pretty good shot at it since he's been an excellent dog in his current life. He is also looking forward to having human thumbs too, which quickly endeared him to this reader. Moving along in the story, Denny meets and marries Eve, their daughter Zoe is born in short order, and Enzo is crazy about her. The Swift's idyllic family life is shattered when Eve is diagnosed with a fatal disease, and ultimately dies midway through the book. If life isn't already tragic enough for Denny, Zoe and Enzo at this point, in steps Eve's parents with plans for their granddaughter that don't include Denny. Interwoven throughout this story is the unmistakable philosophy of how a race is won, which is fitting since Denny is a semiprofessional race car driver, though it's not overwrought or overdone. It probably would have been too cute of a story had the narrator been human, but Enzo is a perfect voice here, and the Ferrari link to his name is noted as well.
Best Line:
"That which you manifest is before you," Denny said softly."
Suzanne
Rating:
Review
I never thought I'd like a book about a race car driver, but I like this one! The fact that Denny Swift's story is told by his dog, Enzo, is definitely what did it for me. Enzo is completely endearing, a super companion, and a wonderfully compassionate narrator. You can see how much Denny loves him, too. Enzo is convinced from watching a TV show that dogs can be reincarnated as men when they're ready, and he is very ready. As Denny's dog, he's also totally enamored with racing and always hoping for Denny to get his big chance to emerge as the champion that he is. When Denny marries Eve, it's a big change for Enzo, but he's faithfully loyal and up to the challenge. Later Enzo loves and protects their daughter Zoe nearly as much as Denny himself. The tale turns sad when Eve dies and her parents, dubbed The Evil Twins, instigate some nasty finagling to get control of Zoe. Humanity's ugly side is front and center; at the same time, how to hold steady through life's tragedies and darkest moments is interlaced throughout the novel in terms of race car driving tips. It's a classic good story, and a tearjerker.
Best Line:
"I piss on their settlement, too."(pg. 267)
