That 'Reader-Writer Conversation'

“I'm a writer because I love reading. I love the conversation between a reader and a writer, and that it all takes place in a book-sort of a neutral ground. A writer puts down the words, and a reader interprets the words, and every reader will read a book differently. I love that.” – Garth Stein

Born in Los Angeles on this date in 1964, Stein is the author of the best-selling novel The Art of Racing in the Rain.  He also has earned accolades for his work as a documentary filmmaker, playwright, teacher, and amateur racer.

A graduate of Columbia (where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the latter in film) Stein started his career as a filmmaker, co-producing the Academy Award-winning short film The Lunch Date in 1991. He also won wide acclaim for his documentary about his sister's brain surgery, When Your Head's Not a Head, It's a Nut.   

     In the early 2000s, he turned to creative writing, so far producing several well-received books, headed by The Art of Racing in the Rain – not only a Number 1 bestseller but also winner of several awards and adapted into a major motion picture.  The story follows the life of Enzo, a race car-obsessed dog who believes he will be reincarnated as a human.  The idea is not that far-fetched, says Stein.

“Anyone who has a dog knows that they have some very deep thoughts, that they have moods and emotions, they get their feelings hurt. It's not a far reach to give them opinions and values and long-term desires.”

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