auds_wright's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Animal death, and Vomit
Moderate: Violence and Murder
lana_e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
anjumstar's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
4.5
This book became known as "another one of those dead dog books", but really, I found that part of the book to be really well done. We were walked into it, and the author didn't twist the knife. It's sad, but it's appropriate. And before that, the book was was good as it was made out to be 15 years ago. A really easy pleasant read. The couple at the center of it are so pleasant to read about. They're not perfect, but they're so loving that the antics that could grate me as even just a reader come across as lighthearted. Plus, it was really something--especially for a book written in 2005, when usually heterosexual dynamics were written in pretty sexist ways--to read about a regular guy who loved his wife and kids so much and seemed such an authentic family man. I'm not sure if he made himself sound better in memoir than he actually was irl, but I actually found him an encouraging character. A wife guy before "wife guys", but with a more diverse identity between his job and dog as well.
I was nervous to pick this book up because of the reputation, but I found it enjoyable top to bottom. No wonder it was so popular.
I was nervous to pick this book up because of the reputation, but I found it enjoyable top to bottom. No wonder it was so popular.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
5.0
When folks keep recommending a book, you sometimes have to cave to the peer pressure and give it a read. I caved (and I'm a CAT person) -- and I sobbed. I'm going to give animal lovers a warning: yes, the book ends with Marley's end. Have Kleenex on stand-by.
thebookclubmks's review against another edition
"John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow fur-ball of a puppy. Life would never be the same."
That description from the slip cover, obviously written by an editor, does not quite do justice to the back-story, but does give a general idea of the premise for this story. John and his wife, newly married, decided to sharpen their parenting skills, which they thought they would soon need, by purchasing a dog. They ended up with Marley, a crazy, loveable Labrador Retriever. He wasn't only crazy, but also big, tipping the scales at nearly 100 pounds. He was also an active dog. Although, he was mentally unstable. He was the type of dog most people would have given up on.
Marley was soon accepted as a member of the family, constantly challenging the love and patience of John and Jenny. He shared the joys and pains of the family, even to the point of comforting Jenny in the aftermath of a heartbreaking miscarriage. This is my favourite scene, a very upsetting yet comforting. I can feel how sad and broken Jenny was losing her baby and at the same time I can see how Marley can show his empathy by leaning his head on Jenny's lap (like he knew that Jenny was so sad), showing that a big and active dog like Marley, could be a very gentle and heart-warming. At that moment, Jenny hugs Marley and cried, letting all her emotions go.
Marley & Me isn't the type of book that will change a life. But it will warm a heart and provide more than a few good laughs. Those readers who own pets, and dogs in particular, will probably nod their heads knowingly more than a few times. It is a tale of nearly infinite love and patience. It is the story of a man who loves his animal far more than I ever could. And I guess that is an admirable thing. Personally, I did have that kind of relationship with my dog, Happy. She was a Chihuahua. A tiny, very active one and her voice annoyed a lot of people. We spent 17 years together since I was in 6th grade (I was 11 yo) and she finally run freely to heaven in April 2018. I still believe that she was sent from God for me to protect and keep me sane in my hardest time. I can't tell you exactly what she did, but knowing that she was always there for me, I always feel better even when it was the worst day of my life.
I read this book first time in 2007 and I read it again in this 2020, and it made me feel that this kind of relationship is real. And I think it was a privilege to be chosen to have a pet.
*Review by Thata
That description from the slip cover, obviously written by an editor, does not quite do justice to the back-story, but does give a general idea of the premise for this story. John and his wife, newly married, decided to sharpen their parenting skills, which they thought they would soon need, by purchasing a dog. They ended up with Marley, a crazy, loveable Labrador Retriever. He wasn't only crazy, but also big, tipping the scales at nearly 100 pounds. He was also an active dog. Although, he was mentally unstable. He was the type of dog most people would have given up on.
Marley was soon accepted as a member of the family, constantly challenging the love and patience of John and Jenny. He shared the joys and pains of the family, even to the point of comforting Jenny in the aftermath of a heartbreaking miscarriage. This is my favourite scene, a very upsetting yet comforting. I can feel how sad and broken Jenny was losing her baby and at the same time I can see how Marley can show his empathy by leaning his head on Jenny's lap (like he knew that Jenny was so sad), showing that a big and active dog like Marley, could be a very gentle and heart-warming. At that moment, Jenny hugs Marley and cried, letting all her emotions go.
Marley & Me isn't the type of book that will change a life. But it will warm a heart and provide more than a few good laughs. Those readers who own pets, and dogs in particular, will probably nod their heads knowingly more than a few times. It is a tale of nearly infinite love and patience. It is the story of a man who loves his animal far more than I ever could. And I guess that is an admirable thing. Personally, I did have that kind of relationship with my dog, Happy. She was a Chihuahua. A tiny, very active one and her voice annoyed a lot of people. We spent 17 years together since I was in 6th grade (I was 11 yo) and she finally run freely to heaven in April 2018. I still believe that she was sent from God for me to protect and keep me sane in my hardest time. I can't tell you exactly what she did, but knowing that she was always there for me, I always feel better even when it was the worst day of my life.
I read this book first time in 2007 and I read it again in this 2020, and it made me feel that this kind of relationship is real. And I think it was a privilege to be chosen to have a pet.
*Review by Thata
jenleah's review against another edition
5.0
This book is perfect for people who love dogs, especially dogs who misbehave, slobber, stink, destroy, and generally make life more exciting. I completely identified with the Grogan family and their life with Marley, with Jenny and how overwhelming it can feel to take care of two babies close in age while caring for a high strung, needy dog.
I didn't know just how much I would love this book.
I didn't know just how much I would love this book.
vanessa_issa's review against another edition
5.0
My book has wrinkled pages because of my tears. Seriously, the ending of made my cry more than any other one I've read. Anyone who loves dogs can understand this feeling, but only those who went through the same experience can truly know much it hurts. Thanks John for writing your story. I loved it!