Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

... because he's really self-absorbed!

There's nothing more I hate in a memoir than the author thinking that their little personal stories are truly unique and memorable, when in reality, they're very common and not at all interesting.

What gets me about this book was that there was nothing in it that was at all triumphant, well-worded or interesting. The Grogan's family experiences with Marley were above average in difficulty, but hell, welcome to the life of being a dog-owner. They partially brought his behavior on themselves with their total lack of boundaries and training in his puppy life. They immediately let this dog rampage their house and get away with everything, and had they been more strict, he probably would have been a normal Lab. That's the first rule of having a dog: You show them who's boss from day one. I wouldn't be surprised if the Grogan kids are little terrors, and the family probably thinks they're just being "cute."

There's was never a point in this book where I felt much emotion. Maybe at the end at the demise of little Marley (but who doesn't get choked up when a family pet dies?). But Grogan's writing style was almost juvenile and his wording of situations was far from thought-provoking or even ... good. The Marley Mambo? Really? You think this makes me laugh? And his descriptions of situations goes on and on ... the guys doesn't know how to shut up. It's that self-absorption thing ... he must think we're all extremely interested in his wife's miscarriage, when reality is, women go through it ever day.

Grogan had great material to work with here, but he didn't put a new or interesting spin on any of it. Instead he took the easy way out and simply reported. And as a college Journalism major, I'm surprised he's been able to make a career out of it.

First let me say that I am a cat lover, but I fell in love with that bad dog Marley: a beautiful misbehaved yellow lab. An adorable creature who was extremely playful, destructive, and pretty neurotic. He was even kicked out of obedience school. Despite Marley's short comings, he was lovable,loyal, and compassionate. Marley was there for his human family through several moves and through good times and bad. He became more than a pet; he was a family member, companion and friend. This book was a beautiful tribute to a beloved pet.

I am not a dog-owner, but I am an animal lover, and this book brought tears to my eyes. It also made my remember why I prefer cats over dogs(a lot less work and just as many rewards). I recommend this book to anyone who loves animals.

I seriously think I hard core belly laughed and had tears in my eyes on nearly every page. This book is a story anyone who has raised a puppy can relate so well to, and ultimately the aging and loss of your best friend. Grogan did such a beautiful job with this book, I recommend it to everyone!

Marley and Me was a fun book to read....an easy summer read. All dog lovers can relate to this book.

This is a very touching story about how a dog can absolutely steal your heart. At times hilarious, at others very sad, this is the story about how Marley, a Yellow Lab, came into the authors life and completely turned it into chaos. Any one who has ever loved a dog can relate to how Marley becomes more than just a pet to the Grogans, he becomes a child and a protector. Along the way, he destroys several rooms and pieces of furniture. This book will absolutely make you laugh and cry. Anyone who needs a good laugh will especially love the chapter about Marley's obedience training. I could not stop laughing at the instructor's comeuppance! It is a fast read and will make you wish that it was longer. I highly recommend this book.