Customer Reviews: Read 495 more reviews...
 Wonderful story!!! Funny and truly heartwarming January 8, 2009
Carmen Lost (North Carolina)
One of the sweetest tales I have listened to in awhile. Love the fact that it's narrated by the author...this adds to the genuine feeling of the story. Have not seen the movie, but after the book, I am content with the tale I have been told. I recommend this for people of all ages...especially recommend it for the animal lovers out there!!! :) The perfect mix of truly heartfelt emotion and comedic antics. Perhaps a new favorite!
One for pet lovers everywhere January 8, 2009
Adam (Minneapolis, MN USA)
I don't think there is too much I can say about this book that has not already been said by many reviewers to date. I grabbed this book from the library over the Christmas holiday and finished it in about two days. It is truly a remarkable work. John Grogan has a very personable writing style that, despite it being an autobiography of his experiences with his dog, makes you feel as if he is talking about your experiences. Many pet owners should be able to identify some of the struggles, and also the joys, that come with raising an animal, starting from a wildly goofy childhood (puppyhood, kittenhood, etc.) to adulthood and then old age. I consider it almost to be a good reflection of life in general, the turmoil and yet the happiness. I am sure one can imagine what the end of such a story would mean without me having to elaborate, and it is certainly one that will bring tears to the eyes of someone who has been in the same saddening situation. However, in the end, I really got the feeling that the message of the book follows the old adage "It's not the destination that matters... it's the journey getting there."
I would strongly recommend this book.
Good Book But Make Sure You Also Learn January 6, 2009
Adrienne Dolhun
I had a Lab when I was young. I loved the puppy, but due to circumstances with my parents it had to be given away. I was crushed. So this book did bring back memories because my pup was unruly. Unfortunately I never had a chance to work with her.
Anyway this book touches on how a dog can affect people and how much responsibility comes along with being a pet owner. Though Marley seemed to get into problems and was less than well-behaved, ultimately Marley is a sweet and lovable dog and shows what dogs are all about..loving and caring companions.
I do agree with the reviewers that mention that some of the actions taken by the owner were not the best way to raise a dog and in later years when I had another dog our approach was rather different and seemed to work. So if anyone is looking to get a dog, keep in mind that Labs are great animals and take care of them properly.
So the combination of the good parts of this book, plus keeping in mind some of the failings of the owners, makes it worthwhile. Just do not blame Marley.
This book really makes you smile! January 6, 2009
B. Duncan (Portland OR)
I had read the book several years ago and recently purchased it before the movie came out so my husband could read it. He couldn't put it down. All dog and pet owners can relate to something in this story. Although the ending is sad, it's a part of real life we all have to deal with. One week after we saw the movie, our 15 year old dog went missing, alas, not to be found. We know he is in doggie heaven romping with Marley and the rest. A must read!
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog January 6, 2009
Helen K (Philadelphia, PA)
I laughed and I cried! John Grogan wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and I always enjoyed his columns, and missed them when he left after Marley and Me became his new gig. I've wanted to read his book, but just hadn't gotten to it. Since the movie is out, I decided that I wanted to read the book, before seeing the movie. I was trying to get a hard copy to no avail. I ordered two (2!!) times, and both stores wrote back telling me that they had no copies left. Then I went ahead and ordered the paperback movie addition, which has a note from the author in the back, AND a peek at Grogan's new book The Longest Trip Home. I'm happy that I did.
|
