June 30, 2008
Dogs … Marley and Others
Written by Margo Maguire in Jaunty PostLast weekend I read the book, Marley and Me, by John Grogan. I have to say it was one of the best books I’ve ever read! I’d always put off reading this book, because I have my own personal Marley. Two of them, in fact. A black Lab named Nick, and a yellow Lab named Ranger (pictured below). They’re both exuberant, high-energy dogs that have a lot of the same characteristics as Marley.
But Marley was not the main character of the book. No, it was about John Grogan and his wife and their life together … the ups and downs, the difficulties and joys that came their way, with a continuing thread of Marley’s antics that ran through the entire book. By page three, I felt as though I knew this couple, and by the last chapter, I felt like one of the family, and as though Marley were MY dog!
I can’t tell you the last time a book touched me the way Marley and Me did. It made me laugh out loud, and choked me up - and I’m not a sentimental person! Our pets weather every storm, and witness every happy occasion in our lives. They’re with us when we bring home our babies, and when those babies start kindergarten. They’re with us when we lose family members and friends, and give comfort during those sad times.
Tell me … is there a book that touched you as dramatically as this one touched me?
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Shana Says:
Sounds like a good book. I saw John Grogan on The Dog Whisperer a few months ago. He was having problems with a new dog.
You know, I can’t think of a book that’s touched me like that in a long time. I would have to say that the big sagas do. Like the Clan of the Cave Bear series. I really felt (feel) attached to those characters. I wish a new one would come out!
eap Says:
I really loved Marley & Me. I have given it as Christmass gifts and recommend to everyone. I felt attached to the main character in the Shellseekers by R. Pilcher.
RobynDeHart Says:
That’s a really good question, Margo, and I’m not sure I have an answer. I read a lot of non-fiction, whether it be for research or personal use (mostly health related) and so those don’t usually tug at my heart strings. As far as feeling like you really know the characters, the JD Robb books work well for that with me - I can read one after the other and it just feels like an on-going story. I love them. I get a little twitchy too if I haven’t read one in a while.
Buffie Says:
The last book that really touched me and made me appreciate my family and friends so much more was Tuesdays with Morrie. What a wonderful, touching book!
Mary M Says:
Nick and Ranger look like sweet, beautiful dogs. I found Marley and Me touching too.
Emily McKay Says:
There are a couple of children’s books that I read to my kids that are really touching. Someday by Alison CGhee and Peter Reynolds is one. I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse and Mary Whyte and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch are others. I think it’s amazing how powerful a simple children’s book can be.