Marley and Me

Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

By: John Grogan

Narrated by: John Grogan

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wriggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.

Marley quickly grew into a barreling, 97-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, and stole women's undergarments. Obedience school did no good, Marley was expelled.

And yet his heart was pure. Just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. A dog like no other, Marley remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.

©2005 John Grogan (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

• 2006 Quill Award Winner

"Grogan's chronicle of the adventures parents and children (eventually three) enjoyed with the overly energetic but endearing dog is delivered with great humor. Dog lovers will love this account of Grogan's much loved canine." (Publishers Weekly)

Wonderful Story

Marley and Me is a wonderful, well told story that I wouldn't have passed up. The story of Marley brings together relationships that are warm and true and made me reflect on my old girl who passed on. She had that same crazy stare and would wag her entire body with stick in mouth; loving everyone. Excellent story.

High "Awwwwwwwwwwww!" Factor

As a lover of all things that are furry and four-footed, I am drawn to stories about the animals in our lives. This story satisfied everything I'm looking for in a critter-tale: It reminds us of the best of what it means to be human through the lens of our interactions with beasts.
This one's a great listen for the road--maybe for a family vacation.
"Marley and Me" is a must-listen for anyone who loves dogs.

Enjoyed the book

When I first heard the writer/owner's voice, I thought, "Oh Geez, I don't know if I want to listen to another author try to read his own book." Over the course of the first 30 minutes, I began to understand the dry humor which Grogan has and more over I recognized the tell-tale signs and characteristics of a troubled retriever (which I have my own experiences with). I found myself stalling in my driveway, cleaning my glove box just so I could listen to a few more minutes before going inside. The tone of the author could have been better, but it just goes to validate that this is the real man behind the dog speaking. You are hearing it form the horse's mouth, a quivering voice which no ghost reader could convincingly simulate when the inevitable conclusion is revealed. This book was wonderful. (My first dog is 5 and it also prepped me for what to expect as he gets older from an owner's point of view. Thanks.)

I love Marley!

Good writing. Good narration. You cannot help but fall in love with this dog. Even if you are not a dog lover - this story will get to you!

Marley and Me

This book is excellent. The author writes with his whole heart and it's a laugh out loud experience. I loved it and was so sorry that it was over. If you love dogs, you'll love this book.

Loved it!

This was such a sweet book. It made me laugh, cry right out loud. It also makes you think. Funny how such a light topic can have such a strong feeling. Having the author reading it was part of the fun for me.

boo-hoo

i cried like a newborn at certain points in the book. i was inconsolable other times i found a little soapboxish. all in all i enjoyed it.

A book for Dog Lovers

I am a dog lover. I don't deny it and it is hard for me to dislike any story about a dog. Marley is a loving goof and I enjoyed his escapades as I could relate to several. However, I felt I would have enjoyed it much more if perhaps John Grogan had chosen not to narrate it. I wish I had read it, rather than listened to it. The story is great, if you love dogs, although there are no surprises, but the narration left me a little cold.

I cried at the end

I loved this book and enjoyed every minutes of it. It felt so real.
I have 4 pets and this story made me relate to the good and not so good but unfogettable moments they bring into my life. The fact that the author himself is the narrator made this book more interesting and emotionnal. I cried at the end.

Ahhh, Marley....

Being a true pet lover, I initially picked up this audiobook out of curiosity. Marley and Me proved to be entertaining, heart-warming, tender and endearing to the soul. I laughed. I cried. I giggled with knowing appreciation of Marley's antics and his owner's love and frustrations. This book is a very worthy read and listen.