(This is a guest review by Heather. To submit your own, use the button in the column to the right.)

Link: amzn.to/y8S8aX

Grade: B

L/C Ratio: 40/60
(This means Heather estimates the author devoted 40% of his effort to creating a literary work of art and 60% of his effort to creating a commercial bestseller.) 

Thematic Breakdown:
50% - Family dynamics
30% - Auto racing
10% - Terminal illness
10% - Legal battle

Stein’s novel is full of surprises – beginning with the narration style and perspective. His language is eloquent, and he crafts a story that tugs at your heartstrings from the start thanks to the very likable and realistic main character.

Although it should have been obvious from the title, The Art of Racing in the Rain contained more auto racing information, descriptions and analogies than I anticipated. At times this angle was effective and interesting, and other times it seemed to be forced and caused the narrative to drag. Other than that, my only complaint is that the ending was rather jarring and jumped from flashbacks to the real-time conclusion too quickly. Even still, it did not stop my tears from falling as I read the last chapter.