The Art of Racing in the Rain Chapters 26-30 Quotes

The Art of Racing in the Rain Chapters 26-30 Quotes

How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)

Zoë Swift

Quote 1

"Sometimes bad things happen," [Zoë] said to herself. "Sometimes things change. And we have to change too." (27.9)

This seems like a pretty deep to be coming out of the mouth of a five-year-old, and like Enzo, we suspect that someone told Zoë this to help her grapple with the terrible news of her mother's illness and its aftermath.

Quote 2

"Do I have a lawyer?" [Denny] said to himself. "I work at the most prestigious BMW and Mercedes service center in Seattle. Who does he think he's dealing with? I have a good relationship with all the best lawyers in this town. And I have their home phone numbers." (29.121)

Sometimes money isn't as important as social standing, and in this case, Denny can use his job to his advantage by maintaining a good relationship with the lawyers who have the fancy cars he maintains. Sneaky move, Denny, but we like it. Sometimes connections can get you everywhere.

Eve Swift

Quote 3

"Today is the first day I am not dead," Eve said, "And we're having a party." (27.12)

It's important that Eve says that she "is not dead," not that "she doesn't feel dead." It could mean that she has felt dead up until this point, and now that she knows she will die, she isn't dead, because death isn't the end. That seems ironic—and really sad.