From the beginning, we know we love Denny best because Enzo does. And we learn to love Zoe and Eve as he does, too. But the grandparents – particularly Maxwell – we’re not sure about. Until – you guessed it! – we see him feed Enzo.
“Want a treat, boy?” he asked, holding out a pepperoncini.
Oh, and did I mention that Enzo is a dog?
And this is how the pepper goes down: I took the pepper from him and immediately felt a prickly sensation on my tongue. I bit down, and a burning filled my mouth. I quickly swallowed and thought I was done with the discomfort…but that’s when the pain really began. My throat felt as if it had been scraped raw.
I could go on about how the pepper also felt coming out, but I won’t; I’ll just share the lesson Enzo learned: Since that time…I have never accepted food from someone I didn’t fully trust.
Since we all know that you can tell everything about a person by the way he treats animals, I can’t think of any better way Stein could’ve given insight into this character and also set the stage for the entire second half of the book. I almost feel like I should’ve written *spoiler alert* because that one pepperoncini scene tells so much!
So I think I’ll have to stop there or else I really will ruin the ending for those of you who haven’t read this book yet. And I will think of Enzo every time I pass a Papa John’s from now on :)
Poor Enzo! I feel bad for him. :( I really need to read this book. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book though it's on my list.
ReplyDeletePoor Enzo!!
I'm reading "The Get Rich Quick Club" with my son and they had hotdogs for lunch.
ReplyDeleteWas reading 'Christopher Churchmouse' to my daughter tonight and he had swiss cheese :)
ReplyDeleteThe Art of Racing in the Rain is a hysterical novel about life through the eyes of man's best friend. As one sees the world like Enzo, the story's canine narrator, one can't help but laugh at how funny the ordinary human really is without even trying. Through all of Enzo's trials and triumphs, through the love and hate that occur throughout his life,you can't help but take away a new view of the world, a new way of thought, and some great advice on racecars and life. You will never look at your dog the same way again.
ReplyDelete