"The Art of Racing in the Rain" - Garth Stein

This book was recommended to me on two fronts - by my boss, Rick, and by Scott Schmidt and his fiancee Jen (Scott also known as the guy who races the Austin Healey Sprite). It was a natural for both parties as it touches on auto racing. Interesting twist, though; the story is told from the perspective of a dog... a very peculiar dog with a very old soul and the heart of a racer.

I think I was led to believe that it was much more about racing than it is, but the surprise was not an unhappy one as the story is really about human relationships, the importance of never giving up on one's dreams, staying true to one's morals, and the impermanence of life.

It's an easy read, really a summer book, but with a real heart to it. Good stuff, and compelling.