The+Art+of+Racing+in+the+Rain

**//The Art of Racing in the Rain//** Facilitator: Bill Brown Room Assignment: Student Enrollment:

__Themes from the Reading__ facing unpredictable situations sensing fear, grief or illness the simple joys of experiencing life manifesting what you will become the car goes where the eyes go passing on received gifts to others listening to people, rather than stealing their stories

__Possible Discussion Questions__ if you want to suggest others, email me at **bllbrwn423@gmail.com **

Have you read other stories told by an animal? If so, how does this one compare? How satisfying or unsatisfying is it for a dog to tell you the story of these humans? Do you experience insight, frustration, something else? Would this story grab you more or less, if it were told by a goldfish, parakeet or some other pet? Why?
 * The Teller's Position**

Besides being a dog, what qualities in Enzo make him a suitable narrator? Do you consider Denny a champion in his life--to go along with his being recognized as a champion driver? Eve does not want to see doctors, for fear of what they will find something wrong. Do you think she is more or less courageous than her husband? Does seeing Eve's parents in action help you explain her personality at all? In what way(s) are they "twins," and what effect does this label have on your perception of them? How much did you side with or against the grandparents' efforts to keep Zoe? How do the two lawyers' styles compare? Do you applaud one more than the other? Why did the first one leave the case?
 * Character**

Were you ever surprised by turns in the plot? If so, where? If not, did the predictably affect your enjoyment of the story?
 * Plot**

__Guided Reading Questions / Questions for Understanding__

What did you think of the zebra scene, when Enzo is left alone for three days? Did you laugh? Do you see a serious side to the zebra image? What sort(s) of advice do you find in passages that echo the book's title, //The Art of Racing in the Rain//? (Mark passages that help explain your answer.) What does Enzo detect about Eve well before all of the humans in the house? How does he do this?
 * first quarter**

What do you think of Eve's parents' bringing Eve and Zoe to live with them after Eve's fall by the water slide? For example, do you sympathize with them or Denny more? How does this fall lead to an important discovery about Eve's condition? As much as possible, Enzo assumes a human-like quality. What kind of "person" is he, and what particular "thoughts, "feelings" and actions make you say this? (Mark those spots for discussion.) Enzo finally gets a ride on the race track with Denny. How does he like it, and what do you learn about the art of driving a car this fast? Do any of these lessons apply to life off the race track?
 * second quarter**

How do Eve's parents explain their decision about custody of Zoe? Is this a decision clearly endorsed by Eve? What and who caused Denny to stand trial? What specific action of Denny's brought resolution to the trial? Mark short chapters, like chapter 54, that describe aspects of racing cars. In those chapters, underline sentences that apply to general life lessons elsewhere in the book.
 * second half**