“Sometimes bad things happen. Sometimes things change. And we have to change too.” Five-year-old Zoe Swift makes this observation in Garth Stein’s novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain, a story that shows readers that not everything in life goes according to plan, and that people have to be ready to adjust to whatever life may throw at them. This coming-of-age book is narrated by Enzo, a dog who shares an affinity for racing with his owner, Dennis Swift, a race car driver. Enzo stands by Denny’s side through painful moments in his life, including the loss of a loved one. By doing so, Enzo reinforces their relationship and helps Dennis maintain hope that tomorrow can be a better day, proving that dog really is a man’s best friend.This book is perfect for animal lovers, and anyone looking for a book that addresses the many hardships in life and how to overcome some of the worst of these problems.