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This is a true story, told in the first person by an American journalist who decided to admit a small four-legged being into his life, which would become his best friend and faithful companion for thirteen years. In a set of chronicles that follow this troubled journey, the author reveals the most important life lessons he learned, all through his dog, Marley.

Marley is probably the faithful representation of all the worst nightmares of a dog owner: disobedient, destructive, a thief, restless, slobbery, a real headache! But when his owners, John and Jenny, look beyond all the escapades this dog has committed, they quickly realize the qualities that outweigh his flaws. Marley is an absolutely happy creature, passionate about life and the small joys it provides, and lives life as if there were no tomorrow. And isn't this the best way to live?

Alternating between Marley's misadventures, described with a brilliant sense of humor, and the moments of deepest sentimentality, the author proves his ability to cover both registers and to awaken the most intense emotions in the reader. Any dog owner will surely recognize themselves in some of the most exaggerated episodes, but I recommend it without reservation to those who do not have this type of companion in their lives.

The message this work conveys is very strong: love is a universal language and can come in many forms and guises, even where we least expect it! It is a book that exalts the respect and dignity that these animals deserve, a simple reflection on the fleetingness of life and the value of the small moments that sometimes we take for granted… In the end, Marley was an animal that showed throughout his life what the true principles of humanity should be!

The ending is, of course, extremely emotional. I was unable to hold back the tears in the face of the goodbye of an animal that brought so much happiness to a family. So, how can I rate a book that moved me in this way, that stirred my insides just thinking about the possibility that one day this will be my experience, of living through the loss of my pet, my most faithful friend? Therefore, even if it is not a masterpiece, perhaps not even a great example of literature, I have to give it 5 stars for the emotions it is able to awaken in the reader!

I truly loathe this book. It's not due to the unreadable prose, as that's not the case. Instead, it's because I'm extremely irritated by the irresponsible, mediocre, and dreadful owners, John and Jenny Grogan. Jenny Grogan becomes "depressed" and "frustrated" simply because she can't keep house plants alive, which are the simplest life forms. So, she and her husband seem to think it's a "great" idea to get a dog as a training exercise for taking care of children, despite the fact that they can't even keep plants alive. A life as dependent as a child is surely not a "terrific" idea in this context!

They didn't research the breed, its needs, or how to take care of a pet before purchasing Marley. Well, I can sort of forgive that. But constantly approving of bad behavior, getting frustrated at the puppy for being a puppy, failing to protect him, venting all their rage on him, and actually abandoning him when he needed his family the most? No, I cannot forgive that. The Grogans hardly took Marley on any walks or gave him the proper amount of exercise a Labrador Retriever requires. They also failed to shield him from thunderstorms, which terrified him. Instead of addressing the fact that Marley would claw his way into anything during thunderstorms, the Grogans' solution was to lock him up in a crate and leave him alone.

The Grogans were constantly frustrated with Marley's "unbearable" and "horrible" behavior, his intense hyperactivity. However, they barely gave him the exercise he needed. He built up an insane amount of energy from being locked up all day (and I mean literally all day - sometimes he was locked in a small space for at least twelve hours a day, and remember, the Grogans only walked him sometimes, not every day) in a small garage or backyard. And when he went crazy, his owners had the nerve to complain and get frustrated.

Since the Grogans never trained Marley properly, endorsed his bad behaviors as a pup, rarely gave him the required amount of exercise so he didn't know what to do with his energy, and didn't give him boundaries, Marley was still a "disastrous" dog in adulthood. This led to the following: Jenny Grogan, suffering from postpartum depression, hit Marley with her fists after he chewed on a sofa cushion and decided she wanted to get rid of him because of her own irresponsible behavior. Seriously?

Even after all this, I still gave the Grogans the benefit of the doubt. I thought, "You know, they've been very irresponsible owners. But I think that's just because they're uneducated and ignorant. I don't think they actually mean ill. I do think they love their dog; they just never knew how to handle him." But then the next thing happened...

When Marley's stomach twisted for the last time, the vet informed the family that the best option was to put Marley down. Twisted stomachs in dogs can be excruciating and can kill the dog within hours. This was Marley's fate if it happened again. To spare the pup the agonizing pain, it was best to put him down. Everyone agreed. But before this, instead of staying with him while he was in agony at the vet, John Grogan decided it would be a great time to go on vacation with his family, leaving his dog of thirteen years completely alone and scared at the vet, a place filled with strangers, odd smells, and a foreign environment, all while being in pain and alone. This was the final straw for me.

This family was negligent towards their dog, and after reading this, I can't understand why it's such a highly rated book. This dog was neglected, people. And his final days were spent alone because his family decided to abandon him for a vacation at Disney while he was dying. Finding his almost self-strangulation amusing, allowing Marley to escape from a moving vehicle and then laughing about it, doing nothing to protect him from thunderstorms, endorsing his bad behavior and then getting frustrated at him, hitting him because he chewed a cushion due to the aforementioned endorsed bad behaviors, and finally, abandoning him when he was scared and in pain... It's easy to see the neglect.

As a result of all this, I find it very sad how many people adore this book and praise the Grogans. This book should really have been called: "Marley and Me: The Tale of a Pup who was Neglected and Abandoned in His Final Days."

There are numerous individuals who should under no circumstances own a dog.

This particular case serves as a prime example of such people.

Unfortunately, idiot owners seem to be all too common these days.

One wonders how they even manage to obtain a dog in the first place.

Perhaps they don't fully understand the responsibilities that come with dog ownership.

Or maybe they are simply too irresponsible to handle the care and well-being of a living creature.

Whatever the reason, it is truly a shame that these types of owners exist.

The poor dogs often suffer as a result of their owner's negligence and stupidity.

It is essential that we raise awareness about the importance of responsible dog ownership and do everything we can to prevent these kinds of situations from occurring.

Only then can we ensure that our furry friends are treated with the love and respect they deserve.

Ouch. This simple exclamation can convey a world of pain, discomfort, or surprise. It's a universal expression that we all use when something unexpected or unpleasant happens.

Whether it's stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture, getting a paper cut, or being startled by a loud noise, the word "ouch" just seems to come out naturally.

Sometimes, it can even be used in a humorous way, like when you pretend to be hurt by a friend's harmless joke.

But no matter how it's used, "ouch" is a powerful little word that can communicate a lot in just one syllable. It's a reminder that we're all human and that we all experience pain and discomfort from time to time.

So the next time you find yourself saying "ouch," take a moment to appreciate the simplicity and universality of this little word.

What a sweet, cute book!

I've seen the movie quite a few times, but the book was so much better (as usual).

The story in the book is more detailed and engaging. It allows you to really get inside the characters' heads and understand their thoughts and feelings.

The descriptions of the settings are also more vivid, making you feel like you're actually there.

Reading the book is like going on a magical adventure. You can imagine the scenes and characters in your mind and really immerse yourself in the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. It's a must-read for fans of the movie and for anyone who enjoys a sweet and charming tale.

You won't be disappointed!

John Grogan's comedy/drama is a true story. The author of the work is a journalist who tells about the experiences and happy moments that his Labrador, Marley, brought him. The events in this book are lovely and sincere.

The main character, John, is a caring middle-aged man. John wants to achieve his dreams, goals, have a great job, a big house, a loving family, so that he and his wife can feel happy. Since the main character is not yet ready to raise children, he buys a puppy for his wife, Jenny, in the hope that it will not require too much responsibility. Usually, pet owners think that their pet is special. And indeed, the dog Marley is different from other dogs. He is active, restless, and very disobedient. Every day is an adventure for the dog's owners. Marley creates new mischief all the time. It is a reminder that a pet is not just a thing, an accessory. Love and care must be invested in the pet's upbringing. The author believes that this dog has been his faithful guide and teacher. Marley has helped John realize that everything that is important is already around us.

Throughout the story, it is shown that Marley has been with the family in different stages of life and different life situations. When the family faces increasingly greater difficulties in life, they want to get rid of the dog, but they understand that this is not the solution. Marley is not just a dog, but over the years, he has become a full member of the family.

The book is written in a simple language, without artistic means of expression, in a realistic style, so it is also suitable for younger readers.

“A dog is a man's best and most loyal friend.” He doesn't need an expensive car, a big house, or designer clothes. His social status means nothing to him. A stick picked up on the beach is enough. A dog judges a person not by the color of his skin, religious affiliation, or wealth, but by the soul he has.

A pet teaches us to take responsibility. It will always love its owner, no matter how you treat it. I believe that from this point of view, pets are more valuable than humans. A dog is the only being on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

TAN HERMOSO. This book makes you cry from the very beginning. It is truly a masterpiece that has the power to touch your heart and evoke deep emotions. The story is so engaging and well-written that you can't help but be drawn in and become fully invested in the lives of the characters.

The author has a remarkable talent for creating a vivid and immersive world, filled with complex and relatable characters. Every page is filled with beautiful prose and heart-wrenching moments that will leave you breathless.

Simplemente PERFECTO. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will make them laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between. It is a work of art that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

I truly adored this book.

My now husband purchased it for me last year on my birthday. When we first started dating, we discovered and fell in love with a charming little mutt named Stella. Sadly, when she was killed, our world was completely shaken. We initially felt rather foolish for being so extremely upset over a dog. For weeks on end, neither of us could stop crying. We had only had her for less than a year when she passed away.

This book had an amazing effect on both of us as it reminded us precisely why we were so devastated. It wasn't just because Stella was a seemingly PERFECT dog. It was because she was there with us when we fell in love. All of our memories from the beginning had her by our side. She was our precious little doggie-angel who taught us so much and then left us to pick up the pieces and continue on our own. That is precisely why we were so deeply upset.

Reading this book was an absolute delight. When a story like this commences, you are well aware that the dog will ultimately die. However, you still feel compelled to keep reading because you understand the value and worth of it. You know that you will shed tears, but you also know that it will feel good. I often find myself wondering, just like the author, "Would we do it again?" And the answer is always an resounding....yes yes yes yes. The pain of losing a beloved animal is indeed worth the time that you have spent with them here on earth. If you have a love for animals or if you are attempting to understand someone who does, then....READ THIS BOOK!

Just as we had played a crucial role in molding him into the beloved family pet he would eventually turn out to be, he, too, had had a profound impact on shaping us.

He had influenced us in various aspects - as a couple, strengthening our bond as we jointly cared for him; as parents, teaching us patience and responsibility as we raised him; as animal lovers, deepening our compassion for all living beings; and as adults, making us more understanding and forgiving.

Despite all the challenges, disappointments, and unfulfilled expectations that came along the way, Marley had bestowed upon us a truly precious gift, one that was both invaluable and freely given.

He had taught us the beautiful art of unqualified love - how to selflessly give it without any conditions or reservations, and how to wholeheartedly accept it in return.

This is not just a touching story of a family's growth and journey with a dog, but also a cautionary tale that vividly illustrates the amount of work and commitment a canine companion entails.

I firmly believe that any dog owner, and especially those who are considering becoming dog owners, would greatly benefit from reading this. It offers valuable insights and lessons that can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the special relationship we share with our furry friends.

I simply loved this book.

Riughed with Marley and cried with Marley, oh how I cried!

This story is extremely beautiful. I think unfortunately it is still not within the reach of everyone to perceive and understand it. Only those who love a clumsy one will feel and live this story that is not told of the sweet and crazy Marley. It was interesting and I didn't find it cheesy when the author tells us the story of the family, a normal family, with problems like all the others and the way they overcome them.

It is inspiring to read how when one realizes that life with an animal is more agitated, laborious and costly, but even so, if one is missing, another is sought, because despite everything they cause us, all the money we spend and all the work we have, what they give us (affection, pure and true love) nothing in the world pays for that.

Overall, this book is a wonderful exploration of the relationship between humans and animals, filled with emotions and valuable lessons.

I really, really didn't want this book to finish! Marley is so incredibly close to our female mutt named Sunny Dew Rose that it makes me cherish her even more. It's as if my heart is already mourning her loss before she's actually gone. This allows me to truly cherish each and every moment with her while she's still with us.

Sunny is still just a puppy at two years old, and she refuses to grow up. Even at the age of 10, she'll still be a child. After reading about 'Marley', I'm able to appreciate every moment with her, while most people would simply take it for granted and only remember the antics after their pet has passed away.

Thank you, John and Jenny Grogan, for allowing us to feel the Sunshine of Sunny every day she's alive. God Bless!

Jim and Becci Bornac,

Parents of Sunny Dew Rose

This is the very first book that has truly, and I cannot stress this enough, EVER, made me burst into laughter and shed tears simultaneously. All within the pages of a single book!

Marley & Me presents a rather predictable and somewhat clichéd narrative about a dog and his owner. If you pick up this book anticipating a completely unique story, it might be advisable to put it down and seek something else.

Likewise, if your intention is to glean knowledge on how to train your dog, this might not be the ideal choice. It would be better to set it aside and look elsewhere.

However, if you are in search of a touching yet highly entertaining account of what it means to be a dog owner, then you have indeed come to the right place.

This book essentially chronicles Marley's life with the Grogan family, from his days as a rambunctious puppy to his final moments.

Many of the negative reviews I have read regarding this book have criticized the author's training methods. But let's face it, no one is flawless. Just as parents can make mistakes, so too can dog owners. Moreover, one cannot fully appreciate life without understanding the concept of death. To completely dismiss this book solely because of Marley's inevitable end is to turn a blind eye to our own mortality.

Overall, this is a wonderful book. You may not learn anything revolutionary (or perhaps even accurate) about dog training, but at the very least, you will learn to cherish the unconditional love and affection that a canine companion can bring into one's life.