Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center.

From Paul Doyle of the Columbia City Cinema: We discovered last week that a lot of people don’t know who Garth Stein is and what a treasure trove he is for the community. He gives tirelessly of his time, helps out at schools, appears at fundraisers. How could people not know who he is? Doesn’t anyone read anymore? No, he isn’t a famous country western singer, he’s the immensely talented, best-selling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain. He lives right here in Columbia City and just happens to be a publishing phenomenon at a time when there aren’t a lot of literary successes out there. Award-winning documentary film maker, film producer, race car driver and celebrity author, Garth is warm, funny, friendly, successful and at the top of his game right now. It’s a joy to meet him and hear him speak. Does anyone know how hard it is to write a warm, touching, beautiful story featuring a talking dog about to reincarnate as a human? Garth has done it. Come and support this local citizen and find out what it is like to be atop the New York Times best-seller list for like a thousand years.  And to have a movie made out of your book. It’s coming soon starring Patrick Dempsey. Garth will read, speak and answer questions. You’ll fall in love with him and  with the dog Enzo. Tickets are going fast. Get them online and save some money.