Ashley

__Marley and Me__ __ ** Summary: ** __ John Grogan weaves a story about his pet that will literally have you in stitches as he recalls life with a "ninety-seven pound steamroller." One cannot help feeling every disaster, every moment of development and ongoing love that radiates throughout the book. Marley not only is a big disaster, but he also creates many memories for the Grogan family. Grogan writes with a style that captivates the reader from the moment the first page is open. You will have your nose stuck in it the moment you start reading it.  Marley entered the life of the Grogan family as a wiggly yellow fur ball. John and Jenny Grogan were a young, newly wed couple and decided that a dog would complete their lifestyle - walk alongside them in the park and play in the yard - but they found that their idea of life with a dog and Marley's understanding was a whole lot different. Right from the beginning, Marley arrives home as an adorable, little puppy with “unbridled exuberance and joy,” gulping down bowls and bowls of puppy chow. Labrador retrievers are meant to be laid-back, easy-going and quiet in their general presentation, which Marley turns out not to be. As a puppy he was sweet and affectionate, but as he grew, although still lovable and affectionate, he was also very naughty and hyper. The Grogans decided that obedience school was the best option for Marley, but that was short-lived - he was expelled for humiliating the headmistress, called the “dominatrix” by Grogan. John was determined to train Marley and prove the “dominatrix” wrong. Before long, the Grogans discovered that Marley had a fierce phobia of storms. He destroyed every room he was kept in while they were gone. The Grogans would dread coming home everyday after a storm because of the destruction that Marley would do. Marley would not only tear a few toys or rugs but he would tear the wall and sheetrock during a storm. The Grogans tried very hard to help Marley through his phobia. The Grogans purchased a steel cage, but Marley managed to mangle that as well. Marley steamed through his days, eating anything that was unfortunate enough to be left within his path. Marley would trample around the house looking for anything to get his mouth around and call it dinner; whether it would be a gold necklace or shoes, and even kid toys. There was a time when Jenny was so stressed out with a new addition, a baby, as well as Marley in the house that she ordered him gone, but later relented when she realized that she had not been herself. This book could be called a celebration of Marley's life and the joy and humor he spread wherever he went. His escapades are often hilarious and his affection and capacity for love is both boundless and infectious. The Grogans learn that unconditional love comes in many different kinds of forms. This story will cause many dog owners to look at their dog and think "wow, he's not so bad after all"! Marley and Me is definitely summed up as “life and love with the world’s worst dog” which can be felt throughout the book.

**__ Themes: __** Throughout the novel, Marley and Me, there are many themes that are conveyed to the reader. Those themes include love, loyalty, and commitment. No matter what obstacles in life the Grogan’s are confronted with, they always seem to come out of it strong. At the end of the day, Marley is always happy to jump and lick his masters’ faces. I believe that many people have dogs as pets because they love you unconditionally. No matter what you look like or act like, they will always be loyal and waiting for you. Dogs are faithful to humans and love you no matter what. Dogs are the true meaning of unconditional love. Marley is definitely loyal to his family. When the Grogan’s had their first baby, Marley is a changed dog. He shows loyalty by laying beside the crib at night and protecting the baby. When the Grogan’s also find out that the house across the street was a crime scene, Marley is the one who conveys a sense of security and protection. At the end of the day, Marley is a rambunctious, loving dog. The commitment that this family has is superior. From day one they were ready to tackle this life-long and hard challenge head on. The Grogan’s knew that this would be one long, hard task but they were ready, or so they thought. From the family training the dog from dusk to dawn and from day one to the end, this family has a strong commitment. Although they do fight, they, at the end of the day, are still going strong. I think that love and compassion is the foundation of this family. The Grogan’s seem to be all fighting for the same cause. Through thick and thin the family is always there for each other, including Marley.

**__ Opinions: __** I really enjoyed the book //Marley and Me//. I laughed throughout many parts of the book until the point where he became old and brittle. Towards the end when Marley became aged and fragile it was hard to read. I didn’t like how the book had to end, but I know that that is the cycle. I cried a lot at the ending. If I had written that book I would have changed the ending. I would have made it more as a “happily ever after” book. One part that made me laugh so hard that I cried was when the Grogans take Marley to an outdoor restaurant. They tie Marley up to the table leg and one moment they see the table and another moment it’s tumbling down the street. I did enjoy the detail, imagery, and figurative language that John Grogan used. Grogan shows his great work throughout many parts of the book including the destruction that Marley did. I find it very fascinating that the author, John Grogan, wrote the book from personal experience. I can relate to many of the events in this book. I have had puppies growing up and they aren’t just cute and cuddly, they can be a big handful. One of my past dogs was terrified by thunder storms and fireworks. She would become destructive trying to find a way to hide from the noise, just like Marley did. I believe that this book is so popular because many people can relate to it. Whether they have had a dog or known someone who had or has a dog, many people can connect their experiences to this story. I think that this is a great book for any audience to read. It is an all around wonderful book. I think that this book could not be duplicated. John Grogan, with out a doubt, sets a high bar and standard. Everybody should definitely read this book!

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Katrina's Wiki page review of Marley and Me

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Marley and Me movie trailer

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