Grogan, John.
MARLEY AND ME : LIFE AND LOVE WITH THE WORLD'S WORST DOG
New York : Morrow, 2005
IL YA
ISBN 0060817089

(2 booktalks)

Have you ever owned a dog? Have you ever owned a dog that behaved? Have you ever had a dog that was trainable? Have you ever had a dog that didn’t create havoc wherever he/she went? Well, except for being a dog, Marley was none of these. But, he was the best friend one could ever want.

This is a story of life and love with the "world’s worst dog". Newly-weds John and Jenny knew they were not yet ready for children, so they brought home a puppy to love, nurture, and train. Although they had met Marley’s mother, a gentle and beautiful golden retriever, they did not see Marley’s father until it was too late. Marley seemed to take after his dad. He was incorrigible. He failed puppy school and was sent home. He destroyed walls and furniture, ate shoes, socks, jewelry, and was terrified of thunderstorms. He could not be left home alone without dire consequences!

Still John and Jenny, and eventully the children, kept Marley and did their best. He comforted Jenny in the time of her greatest sorrows, and was a true companion.

Marley ages, and eventually dies. The family (and the readers) grieve.

Others share their stories of living with their "world’s worst dog" and offer comfort. Eventually the Grogans are ready for another dog - and are fortunate enough to find one that seems to be Marley re-incarnated!

Anyone who has ever loved a dog will appreciate this book. Marley is the pet that you love dearly but constantly wonder why you keep him. The Grogans decided that a getting a dog would be perfect practice for raising a family; never mind the fact that they had trouble keeping plants alive! When they found this black lab pup, they knew he was the dog for them. What they didn’t know was the kind of chaos that the dog would bring to their lives. Chewing favorite possessions, failing out of puppy school, and creating mayhem all over seemed to be a specialty of this animal. Yet, he was adorable and the family couldn't help but love him. As he recounts the story of his beloved pet, Josh Grogan reminds us of the love pets make us feel and the comfort they provide in times of need.   (Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2007-2008)

Booktalk #2

If you’ve already seen the movie, you know how cute the dog Marley really is. But his stories don’t end with the film. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will appreciate this book. Marley is the pet that you love dearly but constantly wonder why you keep him. The Grogans decided that a getting a dog would be perfect practice for raising a family; never mind the fact that they had trouble keeping plants alive! When they found this Lab pup, they knew he was the dog for them. What they didn’t know was the kind of chaos that the dog would bring to their lives. Chewing favorite possessions, failing out of puppy school, and creating mayhem all over seemed to be a specialty of this animal. Yet, he was adorable and the family couldn’t help but love him. As he recounts the story of his beloved pet, Josh Grogan reminds us of the love pets make us feel and the comfort they provide in times of need.
Reviewed by Kari Hagman for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award, 2010