Marley and Me by Josh Grogan

Melanie | Howell High School, Grade 11

Rating: ****

The book Marley and Me, by Josh Grogan, is one of the sweetest and most genuine books I've ever read. Newlyweds John and Jenny, decide they want to experiment with some responsibility before having kids. They settle on a puppy. The joyous yellow lab with buckets of energy ends up changing their lives. Marley and his shenanigans were the core of this book as he quickly grew into a hundred pound dog from flying through doors, eating anything and everything, including jewelry and the wall, to putting on shows at doggy training and taking bathroom trips at famous beaches. John and Jenny learn that although Marley can be a handful, he has the best intentions and truly will protect his humans at any cost. As the couple go through new stages of life with an unexpected miscarriage and newborn babies, Marley proves to be the most loyal companion a family could ever have. He is Johns best friend through new jobs, new houses, heartbreak and adversity. One thing I really loved was how Grogan never left out the realities of his life as a dog owner. There were many things about Marley that were far from perfect but John, Jenny and eventually the kids have an undeniable connection to him. As Marley grows old, we also see the sad parts about being a dog owner and how in retrospect, these animals can truly change someone's life.

I would most definitely recommend this book for dog lovers! As someone who also has unconditional love for their dog, it was such a good story to read because it was all things that really do happen and ultimately reflects on how much a dog can change your life which I think really is remarkable.

Victoria | Allentown High School, Grade 12

Rating: ***

Marley & Me is an autobiographical story written about the author, John Grogan’s life and his dog Marley. The story talks a little about John’s childhood and their family dog and then progress to his adult life, with his wife Jenny. Both John and Jenny agree to buy a dog in order to grow their family and to prepare for caring for a dog before having a child. But, although Marley is cute and little, he is very disobedient and John and Jenny struggle with training him and getting him to follow their rules. Marley eats everything in sight and is full of energy, making John and Jenny chase him everywhere. As the years pass, John and Jenny have three kids, Patrick, Connor, and Colleen, and John advances in his career. But, Marley is still the same and just as energetic and troublesome as when they first got him. Both John and Jenny have many adventures with Marley and learn to love him for who he is and he brings so much light to their family.

This book was such a fun read and I loved watching Marley grow and become comfortable with his family. I loved seeing the adventures Marley made both John and Jenny go through and how he brought so much love into the family. While many obstacles come in their way, Marley was always there to bring love and laughter, and I truly feel this book emphasized the importance of pets and how a house is not a home without a dog. While the ending made me cry, the entire book made me smile and I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and light-hearted read.