60 pages 2 hours read

Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Chapters 7-10Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 7 Summary

Enzo recalls how Denny started working longer hours to support his family. In addition to working as a mechanic, Denny teaches driving at a track. Both jobs are unfulfilling. During this time, Enzo is left alone in the apartment. Previously there was a sense of belonging, of being a part of the family, but it’s quickly washed away by a feeling of abandonment as Enzo is left with nothing but the television.

Denny leaves the TV on one day, and Enzo develops the autonomy to watch it by himself for a change. The days go by faster with television, and Enzo is able to educate himself.

On Zoe’s second birthday, Denny reveals that he bought the family a house. Eve still doesn’t entirely trust Enzo around Zoe, but Denny comes to Enzo’s defense. 

One day, Enzo smells something bad coming from Eve’s head. He praises canine senses as being stronger than any medical machinery, and feels guilt over his inability to warn anyone of Eve’s condition. No one can protect Eve as effectively as he does Zoe. 

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By Garth Stein