One Book Bradford The Art of Racing in the Rain

By SANDRA RHODES

The new season One Book Bradford has gone to the dogs.

The OBB committee has chosen "The Art of Racing in the Rain," a New York Times bestseller by Garth Stein for its 2013 season.

The book is a poignant tale told from the perspective of a dog, Enzo, whose owner - race car driver - endures a multitude of hardships.

"We feel this book will appeal to a wide array of people," said OBB chairperson Pat Shinaberger. "There's something for animal lovers as well as racing fans. Most of all, this is a great book that we are excited to share with all of Bradford and beyond."

OBB is community-wide reading initiative where one book is chosen for community to read. The season includes several activities based on the book. Each year, the highlight of the season is a visit by the author.

Stein will be in Bradford to discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in auditorium of Bradford Area High School.

A new facet to this year's selection is that the book has been adapted for younger readers - "Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog" is available for junior readers. This is the first time OBB has chosen the book that includes a version for younger readers.

"It is our hope to spread the love of reading to a whole new generation that we have not had involved in OBB before," Shinaberger said.

Stein explained he got the idea for the book from a Mongolian film he saw on reincarnation.

"Lifelong friendships with dogs - or people - do not stop when someone dies, I think."

The book is available at the Bradford Area Public Library and Tina's Hallmark.

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