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Marley: A Dog Like No Other
Make way for Marley! When the Grogan family is ready for a dog, they choose Marley, a yellow furball of a puppy who quickly grows into a large, rowdy Labrador retriever. Marley has a zest for life, and as he grows, so does his enthusiasm. He has an appetite for whatever he can get his paws on—from fine jewelry to underwear—and the one thing he always finds is trouble. Marley even gets kicked out of obedience school! Can this rambunctious pup ever learn how to be a good boy?
196 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2008
256 people are currently reading
2175 people want to read
About the author
John Grogan
67 books1,177 followersJohn Grogan has spent more than 25 years as a newspaper journalist. Previously he worked as a reporter, bureau chief, and columnist at newspaper in Michigan and Florida. He is also the former editor on chief of Rodale's Organic Gardening magazine. His work has won numerous awards, including the National Press Club's Consumer Journalism Award. His first book, Marley & Me, is a number one international bestseller that was as a major motion picture on 2008. His second book is The Longest Trip Home. John lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Jenny, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
January 5, 2009
Still trying to figure out how to read the last two chapters to Samuel (5-years-old).
Update: We did it! We read the whole thing together! In Chapter 20, Beating the Odds, I left out only a few details, and then we had a conversation about some pretty advanced issues for a 5-year-old, and he really seemed to process very well. It was a while before we read another chapter, but when we got back to it, I didn't leave anything else out, and we finished the book. . . including Marley's death. Samuel was not upset at all. He had had plenty of time to digest that Marley would die in the story, and he seemed to understand that dogs do not live as long as people, which was reiterated by the narrator to his own children. He loved the book so much that he hugged me at the end and gushed about how much he loved it. Then, after I heard him planning with Aunt Annie to go see the movie, I also realized that he is very aware that Marley was a real dog and that the dog in the movie will be an actor dog. I'm so proud of my sharp, sensitive little guy.
Update: We did it! We read the whole thing together! In Chapter 20, Beating the Odds, I left out only a few details, and then we had a conversation about some pretty advanced issues for a 5-year-old, and he really seemed to process very well. It was a while before we read another chapter, but when we got back to it, I didn't leave anything else out, and we finished the book. . . including Marley's death. Samuel was not upset at all. He had had plenty of time to digest that Marley would die in the story, and he seemed to understand that dogs do not live as long as people, which was reiterated by the narrator to his own children. He loved the book so much that he hugged me at the end and gushed about how much he loved it. Then, after I heard him planning with Aunt Annie to go see the movie, I also realized that he is very aware that Marley was a real dog and that the dog in the movie will be an actor dog. I'm so proud of my sharp, sensitive little guy.
January 28, 2009
This book was a really good book. And all of the dog lovers should read it because it's a really good book. After, you read it i suggest you go see the movie. BRING TISSUES!
December 20, 2017
The book that I read was “Marley A Dog Like No Other”. This book was good, I liked the language that the author had. Marley is a troublemaker. First, Marley is digging in the laundry. Then, Marley is crashing through screen doors. Third, Marley is flinging drool on their guests. People may say that Marley is the world’s worst dog, but if you really know how Marley acts despite his mischievous ways, his heart is pure and his personality is irresistible. I recommend this book to people from 4th grade to 6th grade.
February 9, 2013
This is the kids version of the book Marley and Me. I decided to read it to see if it would be OK for some of my grandkids.
Marley, a Yellow Lab, was not only the most destructive dog I've ever heard of, but also the funniest! There's no way on earth I would have kept a dog that ate, chewed on or ripped up anything AND flunked obedience school twice! But, I have to admit, I was cracking up at some of his antics.
Yes, Marley, at age 13, is failing in health and mobility and is eventually put to sleep. In my opinion, this part is so well-written that it is not as traumatically portrayed as say, Ol' Yeller or The Yearling.
I believe the book is written for older elementary school readers and I think it's appropriate for that age group,
The laughs (and memories of my brother's Yellow Lab) were greatly appreciated!
Marley, a Yellow Lab, was not only the most destructive dog I've ever heard of, but also the funniest! There's no way on earth I would have kept a dog that ate, chewed on or ripped up anything AND flunked obedience school twice! But, I have to admit, I was cracking up at some of his antics.
Yes, Marley, at age 13, is failing in health and mobility and is eventually put to sleep. In my opinion, this part is so well-written that it is not as traumatically portrayed as say, Ol' Yeller or The Yearling.
I believe the book is written for older elementary school readers and I think it's appropriate for that age group,
The laughs (and memories of my brother's Yellow Lab) were greatly appreciated!
October 8, 2024
It will have you laughing and crying . Great book , well written
October 31, 2021
If you are a dog lover than you will enjoy this book. Marley is a riot! I would recommend this book to all children (and adults) who are looking for a lighthearted, humorous story.
February 1, 2021
I'm glad my brother in law warned us to stop reading when Marley gets white whiskers. Up to that point, we all laughed and loved this dog to pieces. I had to finish it myself (due to my children being exquisitely sensitive) and I'm in a puddle of tears. We are less than a year into dog ownership and I can't believe how much we love our pup. We will be devastated when he dies. What a great story of why we love dogs, even when they have been naughty most of their lives.
November 3, 2024
Am I the only person who isn’t charmed by a misbehaving dog? I thought this book would have more heartfelt moments but it was all about Marley’s hijinks and disgusting bodily functions. The last quarter was a complete drag, painstakingly describing Marley’s health issues at the end of his life.
I have fond memories of the movie, so maybe some of the good stuff was taken out for this abridgment.
That being said, my kids loved this book and we had several good laughs while listening to the audiobook.
I have fond memories of the movie, so maybe some of the good stuff was taken out for this abridgment.
That being said, my kids loved this book and we had several good laughs while listening to the audiobook.
September 26, 2023
Why I subjected myself to the heartache of this story i’ll never know..
Actually I do, those chapters of heartbreak and sadness were worth enduring to get to know Marley as we did through John Grogan’s lovely storytelling. A very funny story until the reality of owning a pet kicks in towards the final few chapters! If you need a cry then this is a very good book for that.
Actually I do, those chapters of heartbreak and sadness were worth enduring to get to know Marley as we did through John Grogan’s lovely storytelling. A very funny story until the reality of owning a pet kicks in towards the final few chapters! If you need a cry then this is a very good book for that.
December 31, 2019
It was 4.5 stars, but then the end was 1.5 stars because it was really really sad. It was really funny at the beginning when the author was 10 he had a perfect dog, so he was expecting another perfect dog, instead, he got the most terrible dog in history. One time, they left him alone in a garage that was indestructible, but there was a lightning storm so he wrecked the whole garage, even the steel, and he got a cut so he smeared the garage in blood. But Marley was okay.
January 30, 2025
I knew how this book would end and still cried my eyes out 😭
March 1, 2015
This was such a fun book to read! I have seen the movie countless times and read the adult version. (Forgive me if I mix them together) This fits into my theme of dog/human meaningful relationships. This dog seems to find trouble at every turn and even develops some funny phobias (thunder) that drive his owners crazy. What was interesting about reading the kid version is how much they don't talk about the adults' problems. Most of their issues are not appropriate for young kids, but in the adult version, it adds a different layer to the relationship of Marley and the owners. (John and Jenny had fertility issues) I know kids will enjoy the part about Marley pooping in the ocean. In this version, it gets a little old because you always know Marley will misbehave. He vomits, he chews an expensive gold chain, chases delivery guys, steals frisbees,and eats pillows and rugs. However, I think these naughty behaviors will be what kids love! I find it ironic that Marley enters John and Jenny's life as the "clearance" dog but they definitely get their moneys worth! And even though Marley was "clearance", he doesn't treat them any different-he loves them full heartedly. This is one of the most important themes of this book. A dog doesn't discriminate in love, they love you no matter what. And while he struggles to behave, he would go to the end of the earth for John and Jenny and their kids. He also has health issues but that never gets in the way of his never-ending love. He has a twisted stomach which, SPOILER, eventually takes his life but he spends every last breath adoring John and Jenny. A dog/human relationship is priceless and encompasses so much and that is truly evident in this book. Amidst all the silly behavior, kids will be moved in this feel good book!! I want all the books in my unit to make you want to go home and squeeze your dog (if you have one) and this book surely does that!
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
In this condensed version of John Grogan's best-selling MARLEY & ME, the author has written an adapted version of his life and times with his Labrador Retriever, Marley, that's perfect for younger readers.
Having read and fully enjoyed MARLEY ME when it was first released, I was a little anxious to see how Mr. Grogan would handle a shorter, easier-to-read version for the middle-grade set. Fortunately, MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER is a fun, vibrant, and compelling read that even older elementary school students will enjoy.
When John and his wife, Jenny, first pick Marley out from a litter of pure-blood Labradors, they have no idea that their small bundle of fur with the big paws and blocky head will eventually turn into a 97-pound drool-machine full of nerves, excitement, and limitless energy. This short story (196 pages) is a testament to the trials, tribulations, and ultimate loyalty of a dog who ended up starring in a feature film.
Marley is the type of dog that you love, despite his flaws (and there are many!), and even the youngest of readers will be overjoyed to read about the trouble that he finds himself in on a daily basis. And, I admit, I shed a few tears towards the end of this book, but they were well worth it, because Marley was worth it.
One great benefit of this version of Marley's story are the numerous full-color photographs that the author has included. This addition alone makes MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER an asset to your home library.
In this condensed version of John Grogan's best-selling MARLEY & ME, the author has written an adapted version of his life and times with his Labrador Retriever, Marley, that's perfect for younger readers.
Having read and fully enjoyed MARLEY ME when it was first released, I was a little anxious to see how Mr. Grogan would handle a shorter, easier-to-read version for the middle-grade set. Fortunately, MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER is a fun, vibrant, and compelling read that even older elementary school students will enjoy.
When John and his wife, Jenny, first pick Marley out from a litter of pure-blood Labradors, they have no idea that their small bundle of fur with the big paws and blocky head will eventually turn into a 97-pound drool-machine full of nerves, excitement, and limitless energy. This short story (196 pages) is a testament to the trials, tribulations, and ultimate loyalty of a dog who ended up starring in a feature film.
Marley is the type of dog that you love, despite his flaws (and there are many!), and even the youngest of readers will be overjoyed to read about the trouble that he finds himself in on a daily basis. And, I admit, I shed a few tears towards the end of this book, but they were well worth it, because Marley was worth it.
One great benefit of this version of Marley's story are the numerous full-color photographs that the author has included. This addition alone makes MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER an asset to your home library.
February 19, 2013
This book is flawless ~ written to the level of it's intended target and brilliantly humorous, touching and thought-provoking at the same time. From cover to cover, you'll love Marley as much as John and Jenny and the kids did!
My son picked this up from the library as his weekly reader book - he's 8! I was worried about the subject matter - having skipped the movie (on purpose, I am such a sap and knew I'd leave the theater sobbing incoherently) I feared this book would be 'too advanced' for a 2nd grader. Not so. He devoured it, reading to me each night for nearly a week (we skipped one night due to being out).
The last 22 pages are HARD. I couldn't make it through. I stopped and started, sobbing all the way through along with my son. But as John writes, beyond the tears and heartache of the loss of such a loyal, beautiful companion, the message is worth so much more.
I was proud that John Grogan could write at a level that would make my 8 year old son RUN for a book to finish our 5 chapters a night in a world where Mario, Minecraft, and Ninjago fill his world. It's written at a level aimed at younger kids and as heart-wrenching as it is, the message was clear: Love outlives all things and the memory of this book will resonate with my son for years to come. He may hug our puppies a little tighter and love them that much more, but his love of reading just bumped up TENFOLD. It moved him and touched his soul.
:::: TISSUES!!!! HAVE YOUR TISSUES NEARBY! ::::
My son picked this up from the library as his weekly reader book - he's 8! I was worried about the subject matter - having skipped the movie (on purpose, I am such a sap and knew I'd leave the theater sobbing incoherently) I feared this book would be 'too advanced' for a 2nd grader. Not so. He devoured it, reading to me each night for nearly a week (we skipped one night due to being out).
The last 22 pages are HARD. I couldn't make it through. I stopped and started, sobbing all the way through along with my son. But as John writes, beyond the tears and heartache of the loss of such a loyal, beautiful companion, the message is worth so much more.
I was proud that John Grogan could write at a level that would make my 8 year old son RUN for a book to finish our 5 chapters a night in a world where Mario, Minecraft, and Ninjago fill his world. It's written at a level aimed at younger kids and as heart-wrenching as it is, the message was clear: Love outlives all things and the memory of this book will resonate with my son for years to come. He may hug our puppies a little tighter and love them that much more, but his love of reading just bumped up TENFOLD. It moved him and touched his soul.
:::: TISSUES!!!! HAVE YOUR TISSUES NEARBY! ::::
September 23, 2010
I had the wonderful experience to read my now favorite book, "Marley: A Dog Like No Other" by John Grogan. It was a hilarious, heart-warming book that made me realize how much joy animals bring humans. Marley, who is only a pup at the beginning, soon turns into a large, rambunctious muscle-dog who runs into everything, steals what he can reach, and wrecks havoc on the Grogan's quiet life in Florida. Soon after having the first Grogan child, Conor, Marley is starring in a comedic film! He goes through obedience school twice before turning his diploma in to food. I couldn't stop laughing at the moments before he turned 5. But soon, Marley slowly gets arthritis and becomes half-deaf. Of course, age doesn't keep Marley from being Marley! By this point, the Grogan's live in Pennsylvania with 3 children: Conor, Patrick, and Colleen. As Marley becomes older, he stops being a puppy and can barely make it upstairs. When a sudden twist in his stomach comes, Marley may not last...
Hold on to your leashes, because "Marley: A Dog Like No Other" will steal your heart right off the tabletop! I give it 10 stars!
Hold on to your leashes, because "Marley: A Dog Like No Other" will steal your heart right off the tabletop! I give it 10 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2013
I'm recovering from this read that has been in my stack for at least five years. When everyone was reading it, I just couldn't face it. I knew some of the topics were going to hit too close to home, and I was not in the right place emotionally to read it. I picked it up yesterday and finished it this morning. I loved this book. It was an emotional read no matter when I read it. We have an aging dog, not quite the world's worst dog, but she is rotten and exhibits some of the same characteristics as Marley. I know we only have a few more years with her, and this book was the perfect read on a snowy day with my mutt snoozing on the floor at my feet.
January 15, 2009
this book is good and I love reading it and seeing the movie it gets said but i still think that it is great
June 8, 2017
“My gosh, I exclaimed. “It’s him. He’s back from the dead” (Grogan 195). This quote was pulled from the book, Marley A Dog Like No Other by John Grogan. This book is about a family who wanted a dog. When they looked for dogs only one stood out to them, a dog who was soon to be known as Marley. Marley was a crazy and wild dog who even though caused a tremendous amount of trouble they always loved him from the bottom of their hearts. For example, when they left their home they came home to destruction, with almost everything in their home torn into pieces. They were mad at Marley for destroying their things but they always realized that he was a good dog. I think that this book was a very emotional book, all of the people in the book had different reactions to things happening around them. The kids didn't really understand, and the parents were ready for disaster. They all were happy to be with Marley at one point and the next they weren't. At one point Jenny, John’s wife, said that she wanted to bring Marley back to where they first got him. A quote that stood out to me is, “I pulled Marley into my lap, all ninety-seven pounds of him, and made him a promise right then and there, Never again would I dismiss his fear of the deadly force of nature.” I choose this quote because John notices how much Marley's fear of thunder isn’t silly because he was now a little scared himself. I would recommend this book, I think that John Grogan is a very emotional and powerful author. I loved this book and I would read many more of his books in the future. I think that younger audiences would enjoy this book because it seems to me like older people would not enjoy it as much as younger audiences.
July 14, 2018
This is hands down the best book I’ve ever read. Ever. It is an emotional rollercoaster all over the place with an even more emotional ending! And even though I had already seen the film I still managed to cry my heart out, at the ending - this being the only book to ever make me cry - The writing style is great as you feel you go along the journey with both John and Marley, and it is a nice small size/easy read. On the whole it is most definitely better than the film, and I would recommend it to all! This Book is a must read, and the fact that it is a true story makes it a much more addictive book to read. I loved every bit of it!
February 11, 2019
Having the most disobedient dog of the world(even more than Marley, sigh!!), I could totally relate to Marley and his owner!! And the storytelling is hilarious! I was bursting into laughter while reading this book from time to time no matter whether I was in a public place or not.
An awesome read for doglovers.
An awesome read for doglovers.
April 27, 2019
It was hilarious and also sad, but I did not even cry until the last five chapters, where i cried 10 times because i would head to the bathroom to cool off. Obviously because it’s a dog book so he does die, but they find his reincarnation!!!!! Love the book, read it. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. NEVER READ DOG BOOKS UNLESS YOU PLAN ON CRYING FPR A YEAR AND A MILLION MORE!!!!!!!!
P.S. NEVER READ DOG BOOKS UNLESS YOU PLAN ON CRYING FPR A YEAR AND A MILLION MORE!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
I thought it was a very good book but it is very sad towards the end. I liked the whole story about marley and I loved watching him grow up and become an amazing dog. From being a crazy dog that no one wants to being someone's best friend.
June 23, 2025
cried so much thinking about you Basil, all the bad things you did like eating seashells on the beach and eating the insoles of mom’s shoes. but you were the best dog, and i miss you everyday from tiny black puppy to my sweet old man. in the waning period before a new dog enters our life and flips it all over again, i don’t know how i will love any dog the way i loved you
thanks for reminding us of all our favorite mischievous dogs john grogan
thanks for reminding us of all our favorite mischievous dogs john grogan
October 14, 2019
2.5 stars
Cute but not v special
Cute but not v special
June 4, 2022
Ganz toll, hab ich als Kind gelesen und am Ende geweint. Doggo einfach zu cute.
December 6, 2022
I cried
August 11, 2023
I have read this several times. This last time was with Israel. All of the kids enjoy this book ok, but it is not a favorite. Reading about the shenanigans and misbehaviors of Marley is fun, but the ending is very sad. I am going to read it one more time with Marcos but I will be glad to never see it again after that.
September 21, 2024
Det her får være en placeholder for boka: «camp where the hell are we 1». Brukte 3-4 dager på å lese den (legit med bare sovepauser), så jeg teller dette som en ekte bok.
December 18, 2019
This book was very good. In the beginning it talks about when the guy was a child his father took him to get a dog and he did a test to see which dog would be afraid and which one would not flinch. This would determine which one was the right one. The guy grew up and him and his wife wanted a dog so when they went to look at some he did what his father taught him. The dog they chose grew up and he was unlike every other dog they had.
January 19, 2010
John and Jenn are living there life as a marryed couple.as than they have chrildren and there dog marley is a devil but brings them back together. They struggle sometime with there family but they always get back. They are your typical family with a dog nice house money and chrilren.. When Marely dies they are al very heart broken but they do get over it. when they were struggling with this they finally got over it.
i can not connect to this book in any way. but it is good and for people that wanna read about a dog and death :(.
i give it 5 stars . BEcuase i really liked it because of dogs
i can not connect to this book in any way. but it is good and for people that wanna read about a dog and death :(.
i give it 5 stars . BEcuase i really liked it because of dogs
Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews