1.22k reviews for:

Marley & Me

John Grogan

4.02 AVERAGE


I never thought I would enjoy a book about a dog, but lo and behold, a past coworker recommended and lent this to me and I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried; it was truly a great read. Not your typical book, and I think that's why I latched on so quickly.

Doggo stories always get me. What can I say?

This is an absolute must-read for all dog-lovers... and certainly something to be explored by cat-lovers open to conversion. You will fall in love with the Grogan family and their best friend & companion, Marley. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud!!!

Warning: Do not read this anywhere else aside from the comfort of your own home, unless you want people to question your blood shot eyes, runny nose, and wet shirt.

I thought this book was slow at first, but it started to pick up towards the middle. It was difficult for me because I felt like I already knew what happened, because of the movie, so I felt that I didn't need to read some of the chapters, though I did. The movie was exactly like the book, which I was happy about because I could actually visualize the houses they lived in, the way they looked, and the way Marley acted. Throughout the book there are consistent themes that can be seen including: companionship/loyalty, family, age, tragedy & loss, and grief & death. It's a very relatable book, especially if you've had a dog before, or have one now. From training a puppy to noticing a dog turning gray, without even realizing it, this book takes you through the life of Marley, and his companions John Grogan, his wife, and children. Even though dogs shed, they freak out over thunder, and may have accidents in the house, they don't know any better and they're just there to love you.


"Sometimes a dog comes along that really touches your life, and you can never forget her [him]." (page 278) - This quote describes my first dog perfectly, and I kept thinking about him while I read this book. Though I have another dog now, my first dog grew up with me since I was a baby. He would let you lay on him, he'd slide down the slide in our backyard, and he'd surprise you under the snow after a snowstorm. One day he got sick, and my parents had to put him down. My brother and I were devastated, especially since we couldn't say goodbye because our parents hadn't told us while we were in school. I still think back on the good memories we shared together, and now I think about what I'd do if my current dog were to pass away. It's sad, especially when you become close to your dog, because they really are almost like people - they feel when you're upset and try to do anything to make you happy, they wait for you to get home from work and school, and they love playing!


The moral of the story? Take each day and enjoy it like it's your last - because we all know dogs do.

Sad, but good book. I read it a few years ago (around when the movie came out probably) so the details are a little rough around the edges. But definitely check it out! Totally worth the read.

I laughed out loud and I cried...this book is so wonderfully written that you can't help but be moved by it. It was so funny in parts and yet so sad it others. It truly let the reader understand what it was like to live with Marley.

Never have I read a book that made me laugh out loud or cry. This one did both.
challenging emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Oy. So, if you're prone to spill some tears at silly little chick flicks or heart-warming stories, you're bound to do the same here. Have a box of tissues handy - those moments creep up on you when you least expect it -- then BOOM. You need tissues.

I personally love these type of books, even though they make me cry. Dogs teach us so much and sometimes the worst situations or the worst behaved dogs can show that to us.

Sweet story. Have the kleenex ready.