Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
NO CHILD SHOULD MISS HEARING THIS STORY, May 29, 2007
Author John Grogran adapted his mega bestselling "Marley & Me" specifically for young readers. And rightly so as no one should miss this heartwarming story of a family and their dog - or, perhaps a dog and his family.
Stage, television and film actor Neil Patrick gives a strong, understated reading. Known for his starring role in TV's How I Met Your Mother, his voice is easy, listenable, and ably conveys the joys of living with Marley and the sorrow at losing him.
Now, don't ever confuse Lassie with Marley. Minding was something Marley couldn't quite manage - this is despite obedience school and concerted efforts by his adoptive parents, John and Jenny. Marley was a Lab with few of a Labrador Retriever with few of a Lab's characteristics. He was 97 pounds of almost non-stop accidents waiting to happen. Actually, John and Jenny wouldn't have had him any other way nor would we. His heart was huge and his love boundless despite his lack of social graces (sniffing crotches is definitely unacceptable as is swallowing costly uneatable items).
In retrospect, John can remember Jenny's reasoning - they were newly married and she thought having a puppy would be good training to caring for children when they came along. He writes, "If Jenny really only wanted a dog to hone her parenting skills, I would have tried to talk her off the ledge and maybe placate her with a goldfish."
They both had full-time jobs and knew that a dog was a large responsibility. But, they both also had happy memories of having a dog when they were children. So, their decision was made and Marley was their pick of the wriggling, furry litter. Little did they know. (Even though upon first meeting Marley all but chewed his way through John's watchband.)
"Marley: A Dog Like No Other"" is so much more than the story of a lovable canine, it's the story of a family - how they grew together, their celebrations and their griefs. It's also a tale sure to provoke both laughter and tears.
- Gail Cooke
|
|
|
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two paws up!, May 10, 2007
John Grogan has loved dogs since he was ten-years-old, when he finally convinced his father that he was responsible enough to care for his very own canine. So when, years later, John and his new wife, Jenny, decide that it's time to add a little bundle of joy to their growing family, they look no further than a rambunctious puppy. The couple knows that a puppy would be the perfect addition to their family, as he'll provide them with comfort, warmth, and love year-round; and so they begin their quest to find their newest family member. They don't have to look far, however, for they find love in a squirming Labrador Retriever puppy they aptly name Marley - after their mutual love for the reggae sounds of Bob Marley. Marley proves to be quite a handful - albeit a cute one - from the start. He appears to be untrainable, and spends his days flinging drool, eating everything in his path - including toy soldiers and expensive jewelry - and tipping over any trash can he comes in contact with. While Marley's bad behavior makes John and Jenny question their adoption at times; his ability to win them over with sloppy, slurping kisses only makes them value his presence even more. Of course, as Marley morphs from a tiny puppy into a 97-pound slobbering dog, the Grogan family begins growing - adding two sons, a daughter, and countless new pets - and a move from sunny Florida to snowy Pennsylvania, John becomes determined to teach his old dog new tricks, by giving him a little one-on-one training and curbing his bad behavior. It soon becomes obvious, however, that Marley has a mind of his own, and does as he pleases. While this way of thinking may drive some insane, it only makes Marley shine even more in the Grogan's hearts. Showcasing Marley's irresistible personality, larger-than-life heart, and loyalty. But the years are passing, and the tiny puppy that Marley once was is now nothing more than a distant memory. And, as Marley begins to slow down, and lose some of his joie de vivre, the Grogan's face the difficult decision of keeping him going - in the bad shape that he's in - or laying him to rest in dog heaven, where he can return back to the playful ways of his puppy-hood, and, once again, be at peace, and relieved of the pain that has stricken him.
As an animal lover, there was never a doubt in my mind that John Grogan's MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER would not win a place in my heart. However, upon completion, I was surprised to note that, not only was Grogan's effort entertaining and heartwarming, it also possessed a profound, lyrical undertone that certainly works to help readers - both young and old - to come to terms with the life, and death, of a beloved pet. John is a likable character, whose ability to put up with just about any crazy behavior Marley decides to embrace is hilarious. His easygoing personality, and obvious love for Marley only makes the reader enjoy his presence from beginning to end. Jenny, while not as prominent of a character, also displays a warmth that transcends from the pages of the book to the reader, making her a mother-like figure from start to finish. While the children - Colleen, Conor, and Patrick - make very small appearances, their personalities and loving ways shine through, giving the reader the chance to observe their gentle, loving ways with Marley, even as he reaches old age. However, while all of the human characters add a sense of depth to the tale, it is Marley who still captures the show, bringing his irresistible, yet oh-so-wacky personality to the forefront. Marley is a dog that can't be ignored. His constant slobbering, incidents with various screen doors, and inability to control his bowel movements only work to make him more lovable; while his fascination with everything around him - from leaves to chipmunks, and everything in-between - truly go to make him an inquisitive, canine Casanova. While it is difficult for the reader to view Marley go from a playful, exuberant pup, to a full-grown dog in old age - as his hearing and sight begin to fail - knowing that Marley had such a wonderful life makes his demise more bearable, and instills a sense of calm and peace within those who delve into the pages of MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER. Two paws up!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer
|
|
|
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like mother like daughter, July 28, 2007
This book was just perfect, even the second time around! My nine year old daughter watched as I laughed and cried through Marley and Me, and desperately wanted to read it. I just couldn't let her due to the adult content. I was thrilled to hear of this version and even happier with the read! After my daughter was finished (she loved it!), I was caught stealing her copy. It was still the same loveable Marley!
It is a great adaptation.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Show more editions and formats
Show fewer editions and formats
by John Grogan
by John Grogan
by Jeff Kinney
by Natalie Engel
by John Grogan
See all Editorial Reviews
