Better World Books Blog - Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Community Outreach & more » Garth Stein

Better World Books Podcast: Garth Stein

Dana — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:07:13 +0000

When an author hits the New York Times Bestseller List things change. He or she can become intoxicated by their new found fame… begin to demand a special kind of bottled water in his or her dressing room, and… oh wait… that doesn’t usually happen with authors. In fact, they rarely have dressing rooms.

But one thing that does happen is that all the new found readers rush right back to the bookstore looking for everything this writer had previously written. And that is exactly what is happening with Garth Stein. THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN has been a smash hit and has practically made Garth a household name. (Well, he might not be as well known as Kleenex, but he’s close.) Anyway, the point is all of this hub-bub has brought about the re-release of Garth’s first book, RAVEN STOLE THE MOON.

As with RACING, RAVEN STOLE THE MOON examines some complex themes and emotions like the death of a child, religious and mystical beliefs and more. The book was written in the dark ages – you know, the 90s, before cell phones were everywhere and Garth opted to keep it that way. But you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out what other changes he made!

Enjoy the interview!

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Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.

– Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

Better World Book Club: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Dana — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:56:15 +0000

Don’t forget to sign up for the Better World Book Club. We pick a new book each month that you can discuss with us here on the blog or take it back to your neighborhood book club. We even set you up with everything you need for your meeting…. a synopsis of the book, discussion questions and even a great recipe. You can sign up by going to manage subscriptions now.

You can also catch the selections AND discuss the book here on the blog and on the new book club page.

Our Latest Pick

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein

I don’t mind a little crying over a good book if then end justifies the tears. In this case, the ending and much of went on in the middle was predictable, but the book was ultimately worth the tears.

The story is told by Enzo the dog – who is nearly a human trapped in a dog’s body. Frustrated by his lack of opposable thumbs and his inability to speak, he makes an interesting observer and sometimes participant to the life of race car driver Denny Swift.

I found his loyalty and love for his family to be both doglike and manlike at the same time. The books deeper messages, couched in racing terms and dog thoughts were a bit like reading a novelization of The Secret. But who couldn’t use a reminder not to give up and to believe “that which you manifest is before you’?

For some book club discussion questions and a tasty summer recipe, check out the new book club page and feel free to leave some comments and let me know what you thought of the book!

– Dana