I'm SO excited for this movie! My mom called me about a week ago and said I HAD to order this book. I got it yesterday morning and didn't put it down until I was sobbing on the final page. My new favorite by far..
I was given a copy of your book yesterday and am halfway through which is a miracle for me. (I'm not an avid reader ususally) Thanks so much for sharing your family's story of Marley with me. I can't wait to see this movie too and just hope they do him justice.
Your book should come with a warning not to read the ending while sitting on the train surrounded by strangers! Tears streaming down my face, throat hurting trying to swallow my sobs. A remarkable story telling, so heartfelt, it will sit on my top shelf with my other lifetime favorites. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the enjoyable read. You have an amazing gift and I hope to see more books from you in the future.
I just finished your book last night I'm still crying! What a wonderful book thank you so much for putting into words what so many of us feel in our hearts you truly understand the love that is shared by a human and their dog! I have learned some of the most important lessons anyone can learn from my 5yr old lab and I cant wait to see what else she has to teach me. I cant wait to see the movie, and read the book again!
I have a kind of odd question. I just finished reading your book (it was great!) and I am wondering how old you kids are now. I am figuring that Colleen would be eleven (I have a sister about her age). Conor would be forteen, if my math is correct, and that would make Patrick... sixteen? Sorry if my math is way off. I am forteen years old, and just wondering age differences.
Marley looks like my Stoli,except Stoli is a female and she is 13 years old...loved the book,it reminds me of my Stoli throughout the years...looking forward to see the movie,even though there will be tears, I hope I still have my Stoli with me this Xmas...dogs are the best!
I am posting this because I realy loved your book. I am a portuguese teenager and I am also an animal lover. I was touched by your book and I can´t wait for the movie. Thanks for your lovely story.
A movie? WOW this is fantastic news, I cant imagine it will live up to the book, which is by far and away the best and most moving thing I have read. I finished it last night and cried so much I made myself vomit. And have cried lots today too. Its so rare to find someone who loves and understands their dog so much. Marley was not only a great guy but a very lucky guy to have you. I am afflicted/blessed with a subnormal English cocker spaniel called Randall. Boy is he dumb, clumsy and happy. He reminds me so much of Marley. Lindsay Dobson Blackburn, Lancashire England
Julie, you are so spot on! I am sure the people on my train, here is Bris Vegas (Brisbane) thought I was crazy. One minute I was laughing out loud (and this was even when I tried to stifle it), then I was crying. I just could not control my emotions. So well written and I just love dogs, and especially labbies!
Julie, you are so spot on! I am sure the people on my train, here is Bris Vegas (Brisbane) thought I was crazy. One minute I was laughing out loud (and this was even when I tried to stifle it), then I was crying. I just could not control my emotions. So well written and I just love dogs, and especially labbies!
Hi John, I loved, loved your Marley and Me book. It took me right back when I had my choc. lab. We are picking up our new yellow lab in two weeks and we can't wait. I too am going to try to train her but we shall see what she ingests!!!
Hi John, my name is Bruno I live and work in Brasil, the people here love your book. I have a Labrador too, her name is Julie, I go to the USA in the end of the year and my dream is visit the dog beach together my julie. She have the marley mambo!! Your story is fantastic and exciting, I see my dog described in your book.
congratulations!! I Would like to know your country and you!
Sorry for my bad in English and very good luck in the filming!
Send one e-mail for me, lordevanescence@hotmail.com
I am completely excited with the film, knows John, later whom I read the book, all time that I hear to say "marley and I" it gives a sad sensation to me and at the same time glad it knows, is strange!
Hi John I love your book so much i'm doing it for my book report for this month and I'm not done with the book but it is auwsome so far!! You should totally keep writing books!! I had no idea your books were coming to theaters!! I will beg to go see them!!! the reason i can't read the book none stop like I would like to is because time gets to me!!
John, I can't tell you how much I loved Marley and Me. It is the best book I have ever read. I literally thought I would die laughing. What's even funnier is about the time your book came out, I bought an AKC male yellow lab and named him Duncan. Big mistake. He should have been called Marley. If I believed in reincarnation, I would swear Duncan is Marley reincarnated! It's funny to read about your exploits with Marley but it really isn't funny to actually experience them is it?! LOL. I can't wait to see the movie.
Hi! Salam to you. I'm one of your readers, I just bought "Marley : A Dog Like No Other" 2 days ago and suddenly today, I realized that the movie is already being made (thanks to internet)! It's like, wow ... I haven't reach the sad chapters yet! C'mon!
Btw, I'm a distant fan from Indonesia at the South East Asia. You must be imagining me in my turban looking like Arabian saying "Salaam", but no, Indonesia use "Salam" as "Hello" and I look more like Bruce Li than Taliban.
I really hope more movie will be made based on stories like you wrote, animal stories are just inspirating and compassionate. well, say hello to the lady and your children for me :)
viva la revolucion! <- just kidding ^^;
PS : I'm afraid you will be troubled if you try to read my blog. It's not in english, and the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) I use is also full of slank words.
Dear john grogan how are you? i write from dublin, ireland!, but i'm portuguese!
your book is great , made me smile and cry, and made me hope to have another dog soon... and realise how i miss my dogs.. and how my life is sad without them...
i hope you and your family are ok. Kisses and hugs for your new lab!
That was one of my very favorite parts of your book! The scene looks just like how I imagined (with a heavier table of course)...I never laughed so hard.
I've read the book a couple of times now and laughed and cried each time. I'm really looking forward to the film, I don't know when it will be released in the UK but I hope it will not be long after the USA release. I'm hoping they don't change the story the way so often happens when good books become films but how will they find a "Marley". It's really disappointing that the message board has been closed, I'd just discovered it and it was great to find so many like minded people to discuss the book and other things with, what happened why was it closed?
Ours, blog was the search of its or site where it could communicate me with vc, I loved the book and I am insane person to see the film, I got passionate myself mainly for its history and for the Marley.I'm from Brazil.Marina e-mail:marina1988_15@hotmail.com
What a stupid movie. Didnt Gout go out of style in the late 90's. Anyone that sees this movie is a hipocrit. You should have named your Dog nasty after you and your training skills. You suck.
Hey your book was just too good but it makes me sad to think that I don't own a dog. My friends say that its not possible cause I live in an appartment and won't be at home for three to four hours a day. Still, wish a dog will teach me lessons of life, in the same way as Marley taught you. Good luck.
What's there to say that you haven't already read a thousand times? I've just finished your book, the funniest, yet most poignant book I have ever read.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for immortalizing Marley forever in the process.
Hi, John I'm from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and I've just finished to read your book . I have to tell you that at least for me "Marley & Me" is the best book ever!! I have a black lab and he's just like Marley: afraid of thunders, eats everything he finds in his way, childish and completely freaky! :) I just couldn't help crying in the end of the story, it's reeeally heartwarming! Hope you read my message! :) P.S.: Your book is very famous here and I just can't wait to see the movie! Raquel
Hi, John I'm from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and I've just finished to read your book . I have to tell you that at least for me "Marley & Me" is the best book ever!! I have a black lab and he's just like Marley: afraid of thunders, eats everything he finds in his way, childish and completely freaky! :) I just couldn't help crying in the end of the story, it's reeeally heartwarming! Hope you read my message! :) P.S.: Your book is very famous here and I just can't wait to see the movie! Raquel
I started reading your book and could not put it down. I read it in one day. Marley must have been a great dog. Although I do not have a large breed dog, I have a Mini Schnauzer that displays the same traits as Marley. Thanks so much for a great book!!!!
I started reading your book and could not put it down. I read it in one day. Marley must have been a great dog. Although I do not have a large breed dog, I have a Mini Schnauzer that displays the same traits as Marley. Thanks so much for a great book!!!!
I finished reading Marley & Me last week, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it! I thought it would be a nice, entertaining book. I cried through the last 3 chapters. Thank you John Grogan for reminding me that my crazy boy "Baxter" won't be with me forever and I should cherish every minute I have with him.
I've been thinking ... the longer i read your book, the more i get the impression of dog and family connection there. The title "Marley and Me" is already done, and it has the touch of personal feeling towards him. But inside the book, i found that your wife Jenny and your children are also a major part of the story. I think if the movie can be entitled with "Marley and Us", it will be more touchy especially for us the readers and the family members. Well, if the title is already done perhaps subtitle with more family touch is greatly appreciated.
Sorry if i seem to be teaching you, i just feel that the book isn't just about just you anymore. Marley and the rest are your family members afterall.
Hi John I agree with pawprintzz. I only discovered the message board towards the end of March, which must have been pretty close to the time it was reopened so I was very disappointed to find it had closed down completly shortly after that, although I contacted harper collins there was no reply/explanation. It also looks like your blog may be going the same way which is very sad when it is so obvious how many people have found that your book touched a chord in their hearts and who have embraced the Marley and Me site so throughly, I was amazed how many people are sharing their stories, and I was one, and who have and still are leaving comments on your blog. I do hope this will remain even if the message board has gone for ever as it seems it has as your contact links are now to the blog and to sharing stories while previously the link was to the message board.
This is an example of the reviews of Marley and Me that appears on Amazon's website. I think the author and his wife were abusive to Marley and cried when I read the book, not from happiness but because of the abuse that Marley suffered over the years; what a tragic way for this beautiful dog to die; how heartless you and your wife must be. "After reading several books on war and politics, I thought I'd treat myself to a bit of light reading. I thought this would be an uplifting story about a man and his dog, but how wrong I was. Instead, some of the things I read about how Marley was treated bothered me so much that I wish I'd never read this book. I feel strongly enough about this that I have written a rather long explanation of my reasons for saying this. If you are a real dog-lover, I hope you'll take the time to read this review before buying the book. If what you read below doesn't bother you, then you may just enjoy the book, but at least you'll know what you're getting in to before you buy it. Here are the 5 most important things that bothered me....
1. Despite the fact Mr. and Mrs. Grogan (read 'yuppies') had little space and less time for a dog in their lives, they chose a breed of dog that is well known for its size, hyperactivity, and desperate need for attention. Why? Mr. Grogan admits they chose a Labrador for no better reason than because they both enjoyed Gary Larson's "The Far Side" comic which depicts "urbane" Labs saying funny things. So with no thought to the reality or consequences of what they were doing, and with the immature and selfish mentality of spoiled children, Marley was purchased. Unfortunately, it was Marley who paid the price for their childishly irresponsibile choice.
2. Next we have the breeder, who in her greed to make a few bucks, conveniently failed to inform the Grogans of the special needs of a Lab and just as conveniently failed to inquire as to whether the Grogans could provide the kind of living conditions Marley needed. For this greedy breeder, making a buck was certainly more important than Marley's welfare, thus the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. I found this to be both shameful and sad. Again, everyone wins but Marley.
3. So what were Marley's first months or years with the Grogans like? The book highlights the time spent on walks, or playing with the dog after work or on the weekends. But what about the rest of the time while the Grogans pursue their careers? You'll discover that while the Grogans were working Marley was locked in their otherwise empty, one-car garage. This garage had a concrete floor and walls and presumably was not air-conditioned. Mr. Grogan himself refers to this space as "the bunker". Can you imagine how hot that garage must have gotten during the sweltering summer heat in Florida? Can you imagine what it must have been like for Marley, (this large, hyperactive, attention-craving dog) to be left alone all day, every day in a concrete walled bunker with no air-conditioning and probably little or no breeze. These narcissistic people seemed totally unconcerned about the physical and mental torment their dog must have experienced as he sweated away the endless hours of boredom in "the bunker", waiting for his masters to come home.
To make matters even worse, Marley reacted so badly to the frequent thunderstorms that swept the area that on several occasions he badly bloodied his paws and broke his teeth in terror as he tried to claw or bite his way out of the bunker. What he needed was the reassuring and gentle hand of a caring owner. What he got was a "doggie-downer" pill on the days the owners expected a thunderstorm, and then it was 'lock-up' time in the bunker. It breaks my heart to imagine this scene being repeated again and again and again.
4. At one point, Mrs. Grogan (apparently in a fit of post-partum depression) had had enough of Marley's destruction of the things in their house. She ended up "beating" Marley and demanding that Mr. Grogan get the dog "out of here". It seemed clear that the same woman that desperately had to have a cute little puppy didn't care how Mr. Grogan managed to get rid of the full-grown dog Marley had become. To his credit, Mr. Grogan didn't get rid of Marley or have him put down, as many people would have done. Instead, he resumed his on-again off-again attempts to make Marley into the docile house dog they really should have chosen from the beginning. It was painful to hear the description of the author's heavy handed (and I suspect, improper) use of the choke chain to accomplish this goal. This belated attempt at behavior modification never accomplished the impossible task of turning Marley into the docile house pet he could never be. And if it had been successful, to my way of thinking, that would have been even sadder. Again, how much better it would have been for Marley and the Grogans if they had chosen a dog better suited to their lifestyle, rather than try to fit a 'round dog' into a 'square lifestyle'.
5. Finally, I won't 'spoil' the ending by telling you in detail the most disturbing example of the selfishness, callousness and abandonment that the Grogan's exhibited toward Marley when he needed them most. But I can tell you that I wish someone had warned me off this book before I read how Marley met his sad, lonely, and unnecessarily painful end. This part of the book saddened me so much that I wish I had never read the book rather than to have in my head the image of that wonderful dog dying alone. So sad and so unnecessary.
Although it is strange to say, I really do believe that the Grogan's loved Marley very much, and that dumb lug of a dog loved them too. But it is so sad to think of how much pain Marley endured at the hands of these selfish, thoughtless people in exchange for the unbounded love he gave them.
I did not like the book and think Marley was not treated well by the author and his wife. What a sad life for this beautiful dog; what a sad and tragic way to die.
Dear John, I am French and I have just read your novel and I absolutely wanted to say to you to what extent it made laugh to me; and to what extent it also moved me. I know pain to lose a friend of always our dog...My english bull terrier " Tyson " died September 24th, 2007 and it was a real shock and every day i'm thinking about him.He was my best friend , and especially my shade ! So I really wanted to thank you for having made us share your love story with your superb dog Marley. Very sincerely, Aude
I just finished reading your book today. I giggled and I laughed out loud throughout the whole book. And of course, I sobbed uncontrollably at the end. I live in Boca Raton, Florida, so I could really relate to and laugh at the Bocahontas women.... and could clearly picture the scene at Mizner Park. I absolutely loved your book and I am so looking forward to the movie. Thank you for sharing your story of unconditional love with Man's best friend. As a mother of two boys, I now understand how important it is for them to get the chance to experience having a dog and growing up with such memories. It's in their near future for sure. Thank you, Mr. Grogan. Sincerely, Heidi
I just finished reading your book today. I giggled and I laughed out loud throughout the whole book. And of course, I sobbed uncontrollably at the end. I live in Boca Raton, Florida, so I could really relate to and laugh at the Bocahontas women.... and could clearly picture the scene at Mizner Park. I absolutely loved your book and I am so looking forward to the movie. Thank you for sharing your story of unconditional love with Man's best friend. As a mother of two boys, I now understand how important it is for them to get the chance to experience having a dog and growing up with such memories. It's in their near future for sure. Thank you, Mr. Grogan. Sincerely, Heidi
I just had to reply to Madelyn's extensive comment. I too read some of these reviews on Amazon and could only conclude that these people were reading a different book. However everyone is entitled to their opinion. As someone who owned a labrador for many years I completly related to how the Grogans looked after and loved Marley. Just a couple of thing in particular, Jenny did not beat Marley and when she told John to get him out of the house she was suffering from post natal depression. Secondly, Marley did not die alone, John took him to the animal hospital and was with him. The love these people had for Marley came over on every page, you only had to read Johns columm, his epithaph to his dog, to know this.
How horribly sad that so many found this book entertaining in any manner. A complete testament to human ignorance when it comes to properly caring for dogs. Marley's treatment by the Grogans was disturbing at best.
I loved your book and can't wait to see the movie! Great casting choices too!
I'm SO excited for this movie! My mom called me about a week ago and said I HAD to order this book. I got it yesterday morning and didn't put it down until I was sobbing on the final page. My new favorite by far..
I was given a copy of your book yesterday and am halfway through which is a miracle for me. (I'm not an avid reader ususally)
Thanks so much for sharing your family's story of Marley with me.
I can't wait to see this movie too and just hope they do him justice.
Wendy from Palm Beach,
Gold Coast Australia
Your book should come with a warning not to read the ending while sitting on the train surrounded by strangers! Tears streaming down my face, throat hurting trying to swallow my sobs. A remarkable story telling, so heartfelt, it will sit on my top shelf with my other lifetime favorites. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the enjoyable read. You have an amazing gift and I hope to see more books from you in the future.
Marley, I love you! You were a great dog!
Dear john grogan how are you?
i write from italy!your book is great and i hope to see the film soon!
i'll come back!
chiara
I just finished your book last night I'm still crying! What a wonderful book thank you so much for putting into words what so many of us feel in our hearts you truly understand the love that is shared by a human and their dog! I have learned some of the most important lessons anyone can learn from my 5yr old lab and I cant wait to see what else she has to teach me.
I cant wait to see the movie, and read the book again!
Perfeito. Acharam um ótimo par para fazer os "pais" de marley.
Fico esperando ansiosamente pela estréia do filme no Brasil.
Thank you!
I have a kind of odd question. I just finished reading your book (it was great!) and I am wondering how old you kids are now. I am figuring that Colleen would be eleven (I have a sister about her age). Conor would be forteen, if my math is correct, and that would make Patrick... sixteen? Sorry if my math is way off. I am forteen years old, and just wondering age differences.
your story is really heartfelt, i ended up cryibg thinking about marley and my jerry
Marley looks like my Stoli,except Stoli is a female and she is 13 years old...loved the book,it reminds me of my Stoli throughout the years...looking forward to see the movie,even though there will be tears, I hope I still have my Stoli with me this Xmas...dogs are the best!
I loved this scene in the book and can totally relate to it! My lab once tried to drag the picnic table acros the yard!
Can't wait for the movie. I hardly ever go anymore -- just wait for them to come out on DVD -- but I will be there on opening day for this one!
www.twobarkingdogs.wordpress.com
Heeyy!
I'm a brazilian fan of your adorable book.
I'm sooo happy to know that you're making a movie about it!
Just can't wait to watch it!
Congratulations!
Hello Mr Grogan,
I am posting this because I realy loved your book. I am a portuguese teenager and I am also an animal lover. I was touched by your book and I can´t wait for the movie.
Thanks for your lovely story.
:)
Eurico
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A movie? WOW this is fantastic news, I cant imagine it will live up to the book, which is by far and away the best and most moving thing I have read. I finished it last night and cried so much I made myself vomit. And have cried lots today too. Its so rare to find someone who loves and understands their dog so much. Marley was not only a great guy but a very lucky guy to have you. I am afflicted/blessed with a subnormal English cocker spaniel called Randall. Boy is he dumb, clumsy and happy. He reminds me so much of Marley.
Lindsay Dobson
Blackburn, Lancashire
England
Julie, you are so spot on! I am sure the people on my train, here is Bris Vegas (Brisbane) thought I was crazy. One minute I was laughing out loud (and this was even when I tried to stifle it), then I was crying. I just could not control my emotions. So well written and I just love dogs, and especially labbies!
Julie, you are so spot on! I am sure the people on my train, here is Bris Vegas (Brisbane) thought I was crazy. One minute I was laughing out loud (and this was even when I tried to stifle it), then I was crying. I just could not control my emotions. So well written and I just love dogs, and especially labbies!
JG, Major help is needed at the Marley & Me Message board on Donna pawprintzz
Hi John,
I loved, loved your Marley and Me book. It took me right back when I had my choc. lab. We are picking up our new yellow lab in two weeks and we can't wait. I too am going to try to train her but we shall see what she ingests!!!
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Hi John, my name is Bruno I live and work in Brasil, the people here love your book. I have a Labrador too, her name is Julie, I go to the USA in the end of the year and my dream is visit the dog beach together my julie. She have the marley mambo!!
Your story is fantastic and exciting, I see my dog described in your book.
congratulations!! I Would like to know your country and you!
Sorry for my bad in English and very good luck in the filming!
Send one e-mail for me, lordevanescence@hotmail.com
I was hoping that there was going to be a movie!!! I'll be buying it! I have my own labrador but nowhere as entertaining as Marley seemed to be!
I am completely excited with the film, knows John, later whom I read the book, all time that I hear to say "marley and I" it gives a sad sensation to me and at the same time glad it knows, is strange!
I would like that marley was here.
sorry my bad english, I´m Brasil
Can't wait to see the movie!!!
Hope this will be great as the book!!
Big hug from Brazil!
Hi John I love your book so much i'm doing it for my book report for this month and I'm not done with the book but it is auwsome so far!! You should totally keep writing books!! I had no idea your books were coming to theaters!! I will beg to go see them!!! the reason i can't read the book none stop like I would like to is because time gets to me!!
John, I can't tell you how much I loved Marley and Me. It is the best book I have ever read. I literally thought I would die laughing. What's even funnier is about the time your book came out, I bought an AKC male yellow lab and named him Duncan. Big mistake. He should have been called Marley. If I believed in reincarnation, I would swear Duncan is Marley reincarnated! It's funny to read about your exploits with Marley but it really isn't funny to actually experience them is it?! LOL. I can't wait to see the movie.
Hi! Salam to you.
I'm one of your readers, I just bought "Marley : A Dog Like No Other" 2 days ago and suddenly today, I realized that the movie is already being made (thanks to internet)! It's like, wow ... I haven't reach the sad chapters yet! C'mon!
Btw, I'm a distant fan from Indonesia at the South East Asia. You must be imagining me in my turban looking like Arabian saying "Salaam", but no, Indonesia use "Salam" as "Hello" and I look more like Bruce Li than Taliban.
I really hope more movie will be made based on stories like you wrote, animal stories are just inspirating and compassionate. well, say hello to the lady and your children for me :)
viva la revolucion! <- just kidding ^^;
PS : I'm afraid you will be troubled if you try to read my blog. It's not in english, and the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) I use is also full of slank words.
This post has been removed by the author.
Dear john grogan how are you?
i write from dublin, ireland!, but i'm portuguese!
your book is great , made me smile and cry, and made me hope to have another dog soon... and realise how i miss my dogs.. and how my life is sad without them...
i hope you and your family are ok. Kisses and hugs for your new lab!
Vanessa
That was one of my very favorite parts of your book! The scene looks just like how I imagined (with a heavier table of course)...I never laughed so hard.
I've read the book a couple of times now and laughed and cried each time. I'm really looking forward to the film, I don't know when it will be released in the UK but I hope it will not be long after the USA release. I'm hoping they don't change the story the way so often happens when good books become films but how will they find a "Marley". It's really disappointing that the message board has been closed, I'd just discovered it and it was great to find so many like minded people to discuss the book and other things with, what happened why was it closed?
Joan
Liverpool
UK
Ours, blog was the search of its or site where it could communicate me with vc, I loved the book and I am insane person to see the film, I got passionate myself mainly for its history and for the Marley.I'm from Brazil.Marina
e-mail:marina1988_15@hotmail.com
What a stupid movie. Didnt Gout go out of style in the late 90's. Anyone that sees this movie is a hipocrit. You should have named your Dog nasty after you and your training skills. You suck.
Dog abuser
Hey your book was just too good but it makes me sad to think that I don't own a dog. My friends say that its not possible cause I live in an appartment and won't be at home for three to four hours a day. Still, wish a dog will teach me lessons of life, in the same way as Marley taught you. Good luck.
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Dear John,
What's there to say that you haven't already read a thousand times? I've just finished your book, the funniest, yet most poignant book I have ever read.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for immortalizing Marley forever in the process.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Stephen.
Dublin - Ireland.
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This post has been removed by the author.
I just finished your book and loved every bit of it. I am very happy for your success. Thank you again for all the stories about dear Marley.
Hi, John
I'm from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and I've just finished to read your book . I have to tell you that at least for me "Marley & Me" is the best book ever!! I have a black lab and he's just like Marley: afraid of thunders, eats everything he finds in his way, childish and completely freaky! :)
I just couldn't help crying in the end of the story, it's reeeally heartwarming!
Hope you read my message! :)
P.S.: Your book is very famous here and I just can't wait to see the movie!
Raquel
Hi, John
I'm from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and I've just finished to read your book . I have to tell you that at least for me "Marley & Me" is the best book ever!! I have a black lab and he's just like Marley: afraid of thunders, eats everything he finds in his way, childish and completely freaky! :)
I just couldn't help crying in the end of the story, it's reeeally heartwarming!
Hope you read my message! :)
P.S.: Your book is very famous here and I just can't wait to see the movie!
Raquel
This post has been removed by the author.
I started reading your book and could not put it down. I read it in one day. Marley must have been a great dog. Although I do not have a large breed dog, I have a Mini Schnauzer that displays the same traits as Marley. Thanks so much for a great book!!!!
I started reading your book and could not put it down. I read it in one day. Marley must have been a great dog. Although I do not have a large breed dog, I have a Mini Schnauzer that displays the same traits as Marley. Thanks so much for a great book!!!!
http://jjeong.blogspot.com/2008/04/good-girl-popcorn.html :)
I finished reading Marley & Me last week, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it! I thought it would be a nice, entertaining book. I cried through the last 3 chapters. Thank you John Grogan for reminding me that my crazy boy "Baxter" won't be with me forever and I should cherish every minute I have with him.
Hi again Mr. Grogan,
I've been thinking ... the longer i read your book, the more i get the impression of dog and family connection there. The title "Marley and Me" is already done, and it has the touch of personal feeling towards him. But inside the book, i found that your wife Jenny and your children are also a major part of the story. I think if the movie can be entitled with "Marley and Us", it will be more touchy especially for us the readers and the family members. Well, if the title is already done perhaps subtitle with more family touch is greatly appreciated.
Sorry if i seem to be teaching you, i just feel that the book isn't just about just you anymore. Marley and the rest are your family members afterall.
Peace :)
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This post has been removed by the author.
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Hi John
I agree with pawprintzz. I only discovered the message board towards the end of March, which must have been pretty close to the time it was reopened so I was very disappointed to find it had closed down completly shortly after that, although I contacted harper collins there was no reply/explanation. It also looks like your blog may be going the same way which is very sad when it is so obvious how many people have found that your book touched a chord in their hearts and who have embraced the Marley and Me site so throughly, I was amazed how many people are sharing their stories, and I was one, and who have and still are leaving comments on your blog. I do hope this will remain even if the message board has gone for ever as it seems it has as your contact links are now to the blog and to sharing stories while previously the link was to the message board.
Joan
Liverpool
UK
This is an example of the reviews of Marley and Me that appears on Amazon's website. I think the author and his wife were abusive to Marley and cried when I read the book, not from happiness but because of the abuse that Marley suffered over the years; what a tragic way for this beautiful dog to die; how heartless you and your wife must be. "After reading several books on war and politics, I thought I'd treat myself to a bit of light reading. I thought this would be an uplifting story about a man and his dog, but how wrong I was. Instead, some of the things I read about how Marley was treated bothered me so much that I wish I'd never read this book. I feel strongly enough about this that I have written a rather long explanation of my reasons for saying this. If you are a real dog-lover, I hope you'll take the time to read this review before buying the book. If what you read below doesn't bother you, then you may just enjoy the book, but at least you'll know what you're getting in to before you buy it. Here are the 5 most important things that bothered me....
1. Despite the fact Mr. and Mrs. Grogan (read 'yuppies') had little space and less time for a dog in their lives, they chose a breed of dog that is well known for its size, hyperactivity, and desperate need for attention. Why? Mr. Grogan admits they chose a Labrador for no better reason than because they both enjoyed Gary Larson's "The Far Side" comic which depicts "urbane" Labs saying funny things. So with no thought to the reality or consequences of what they were doing, and with the immature and selfish mentality of spoiled children, Marley was purchased. Unfortunately, it was Marley who paid the price for their childishly irresponsibile choice.
2. Next we have the breeder, who in her greed to make a few bucks, conveniently failed to inform the Grogans of the special needs of a Lab and just as conveniently failed to inquire as to whether the Grogans could provide the kind of living conditions Marley needed. For this greedy breeder, making a buck was certainly more important than Marley's welfare, thus the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. I found this to be both shameful and sad. Again, everyone wins but Marley.
3. So what were Marley's first months or years with the Grogans like? The book highlights the time spent on walks, or playing with the dog after work or on the weekends. But what about the rest of the time while the Grogans pursue their careers? You'll discover that while the Grogans were working Marley was locked in their otherwise empty, one-car garage. This garage had a concrete floor and walls and presumably was not air-conditioned. Mr. Grogan himself refers to this space as "the bunker". Can you imagine how hot that garage must have gotten during the sweltering summer heat in Florida? Can you imagine what it must have been like for Marley, (this large, hyperactive, attention-craving dog) to be left alone all day, every day in a concrete walled bunker with no air-conditioning and probably little or no breeze. These narcissistic people seemed totally unconcerned about the physical and mental torment their dog must have experienced as he sweated away the endless hours of boredom in "the bunker", waiting for his masters to come home.
To make matters even worse, Marley reacted so badly to the frequent thunderstorms that swept the area that on several occasions he badly bloodied his paws and broke his teeth in terror as he tried to claw or bite his way out of the bunker. What he needed was the reassuring and gentle hand of a caring owner. What he got was a "doggie-downer" pill on the days the owners expected a thunderstorm, and then it was 'lock-up' time in the bunker. It breaks my heart to imagine this scene being repeated again and again and again.
4. At one point, Mrs. Grogan (apparently in a fit of post-partum depression) had had enough of Marley's destruction of the things in their house. She ended up "beating" Marley and demanding that Mr. Grogan get the dog "out of here". It seemed clear that the same woman that desperately had to have a cute little puppy didn't care how Mr. Grogan managed to get rid of the full-grown dog Marley had become. To his credit, Mr. Grogan didn't get rid of Marley or have him put down, as many people would have done. Instead, he resumed his on-again off-again attempts to make Marley into the docile house dog they really should have chosen from the beginning. It was painful to hear the description of the author's heavy handed (and I suspect, improper) use of the choke chain to accomplish this goal. This belated attempt at behavior modification never accomplished the impossible task of turning Marley into the docile house pet he could never be. And if it had been successful, to my way of thinking, that would have been even sadder. Again, how much better it would have been for Marley and the Grogans if they had chosen a dog better suited to their lifestyle, rather than try to fit a 'round dog' into a 'square lifestyle'.
5. Finally, I won't 'spoil' the ending by telling you in detail the most disturbing example of the selfishness, callousness and abandonment that the Grogan's exhibited toward Marley when he needed them most. But I can tell you that I wish someone had warned me off this book before I read how Marley met his sad, lonely, and unnecessarily painful end. This part of the book saddened me so much that I wish I had never read the book rather than to have in my head the image of that wonderful dog dying alone. So sad and so unnecessary.
Although it is strange to say, I really do believe that the Grogan's loved Marley very much, and that dumb lug of a dog loved them too. But it is so sad to think of how much pain Marley endured at the hands of these selfish, thoughtless people in exchange for the unbounded love he gave them.
I did not like the book and think Marley was not treated well by the author and his wife. What a sad life for this beautiful dog; what a sad and tragic way to die.
Dear John,
I am French and I have just read your novel and I absolutely wanted to say to you to what extent it made laugh to me; and to what extent it also moved me. I know pain to lose a friend of always our dog...My english bull terrier " Tyson " died September 24th, 2007 and it was a real shock and every day i'm thinking about him.He was my best friend , and especially my shade ! So I really wanted to thank you for having made us share your love story with your superb dog Marley.
Very sincerely, Aude
I just finished reading your book today. I giggled and I laughed out loud throughout the whole book. And of course, I sobbed uncontrollably at the end. I live in Boca Raton, Florida, so I could really relate to and laugh at the Bocahontas women.... and could clearly picture the scene at Mizner Park. I absolutely loved your book and I am so looking forward to the movie.
Thank you for sharing your story of unconditional love with Man's best friend. As a mother of two boys, I now understand how important it is for them to get the chance to experience having a dog and growing up with such memories. It's in their near future for sure.
Thank you, Mr. Grogan.
Sincerely,
Heidi
I just finished reading your book today. I giggled and I laughed out loud throughout the whole book. And of course, I sobbed uncontrollably at the end. I live in Boca Raton, Florida, so I could really relate to and laugh at the Bocahontas women.... and could clearly picture the scene at Mizner Park. I absolutely loved your book and I am so looking forward to the movie.
Thank you for sharing your story of unconditional love with Man's best friend. As a mother of two boys, I now understand how important it is for them to get the chance to experience having a dog and growing up with such memories. It's in their near future for sure.
Thank you, Mr. Grogan.
Sincerely,
Heidi
I just had to reply to Madelyn's extensive comment. I too read some of these reviews on Amazon and could only conclude that these people were reading a different book. However everyone is entitled to their opinion. As someone who owned a labrador for many years I completly related to how the Grogans looked after and loved Marley. Just a couple of thing in particular, Jenny did not beat Marley and when she told John to get him out of the house she was suffering from post natal depression. Secondly, Marley did not die alone, John took him to the animal hospital and was with him. The love these people had for Marley came over on every page, you only had to read Johns columm, his epithaph to his dog, to know this.
Joan
Liverpool
UK
How horribly sad that so many found this book entertaining in any manner. A complete testament to human ignorance when it comes to properly caring for dogs.
Marley's treatment by the Grogans was disturbing at best.