Looking back on it, it makes me laugh - but this movie really touched me. If you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you go and rent it, especially if you want to cry [ever have one of those days?] It's an amazing story about the 'world's worst dog,' which I'm sure we've all felt like we've had [for all you dog owners]. The movie was incredible, especially with Jennifer Aniston, who is a favorite of mine. It wasn't until December when I finally decided to start reading Marley and Me, even though I had the book for a few months. You can bet that I cried at the same exact part in the book, as I did during the movie. 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.
Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:
As a puppy, this whirling dervish with huge golden paws and an enormous head jumps, chews, careens, and goes nuclear at the first rumble of thunder. With his uncontainable energy, Marley isn't exactly the calm, attentive, obedient Lab the Grogans had hoped for. As the years pass and the family grows, Marley teaches his owners hard lessons in patience. His neurotic behavior, though mellowed over time, becomes a lasting and finally acceptable characteristic, and his loyalty and love enrich the Grogans' own notions of friendship and responsibility.
My Review:
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.
My Rating: 4 Stars
oh my, i bawled my eyes out reading the book and watching the movie!
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