Saturday, May 14, 2011

Review of Marley and Me by John Grogan



Synopsis in a Sentence: Dog owner and writer, John Grogan, tries to navigate life with his rambunctious and fun-loving Labrador Retriever, Marley.




My Thoughts:


First of all, this book was so much fun to read! The misadventures that Marley finds himself having are hilarious and endearing. Any dog owner and lover, will be able to find humor and appreciate this touching memoir...and see glimpses of themselves and their own pets in owner, John and dog, Marley.




Perhaps my favorite Marley misadventure is when he fails out of puppy class for behaving badly, but then years later, after being trained more thoroughly by John, is able to finally complete obedience class successfully! Also, it is so sweet at the end of the book when John is describing Marley's legacy and says, "He may not have been the best behaved dog in the world, but he knew exactly what it was to be loyal, and to be man's best friend." How can you not love a story about a big, drooly, loyal pooch?! I did, and I think you will too :).




What I liked most: I loved how this book was not just about Marley, but about the story of the Grogan family. It is truly the portrait of a family growing, changing, and learning to love life and eachother. Of course, as pets do, Marley is there to support, love, and add entertainment every step of the way!




What I liked least: Grogan possibly drags out the book a little bit too long. I also got the feeling that every once in awhile, he was exaggerating or even making up a few stories about Marley for comedic or dramatic effect. Oh well, only he knows for sure...you still finish the book with a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart. Warning: if you are not currently a dog owner, be prepared to have a sudden, undeniable urge to drive straight to the nearest animal shelter to bring home a new, furry friend! ;).




6 comments:

  1. I'm a huge animal lover so I loved this book!

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  2. I haven't read the book. I didn't know it was a book actually. I enjoyed the movie though. Great review.

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  3. I bought this book for my Aunt last year and keep hoping she'll offer to lend it me, I might have to be cheeky and come straight out and ask her!

    Louise
    www.book-bliss.com

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  4. I didn't realise this was a book as well as a movie (not that I've seen that either). It certainly sounds like a good read :)

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  5. Rebecca as a person who loves animals and a dogaholic this would be a perfect feel good read, have heard of both the movie and the book but never really paid attention to either until reading your review... Glad you had a fun time with it and maybe someday I will also, it reminds me of the the cartoon and comic book "Marmaduke"...

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  6. I want to read the book I have only seen the movie. My mother-in-law who read the book and has the same type of dog, his name is Dain. The dog has also gotten into the same type of trouble even to the point where he ran away and stopped a moving train. The police brought home in there car though. We laugh about it but it could have been scary.

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