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The book is by John Grogan and it's based on a true story about John and his yellow lab, Marley. The dog is a pure wreck and was by far the worst dog to have, with his hyperness. Very funny story and is #1 New York Times Bestseller.

I have heard of it. I'm thinking about getting it. I'll tell you what I think after I read it

Omg, I love that book! I absolutly love how he was expelled from OBEDIANCE SCHOOL! lol!! I cried too, I was totally sobbing. Actually, I'd love to have a dog like Marley.

It was a good book. It was sad.

Whoa. Ancient history yet again

I've never read the book but after seeing the movie last week I really want to. I'm sure it's much better (more detailed, heartfelt, etc...) than the movie, and I thought the movie was pretty good.

Not to steer the discussion too far from the book itself, but there were some things from the movie (so I assume occurred, at least roughly the same way, in the book) that made me just go "wtf", in the way of pet ownership... for example, not getting Marley fixed for so long. Why? No reason for that. And Marley's hyperactivity is pretty typical of labs... John Grogan should've done some research to actually realize what he was getting into. Buying your wife a spur-of-the-moment puppy = no, especially a big, energetic breed And while the owners were constantly moaning and groaning about how uncontrollable he was, they didn't really do much in the way of trying to discipline him. Most of the shenanigans he'd get into, their response was generally summed up by "Oh gosh, Marley done gone somethin' crazy again!" or "Aw, he's just a cute little doggy-dog..." or "OMG NO MARLEYYY! *grab by the collar and tug away*" Nothing in the way of *actual training*. In a way they kind of had all the bad behavior coming to them
The Grogans were first-time dog owners w/ Marley, correct? ...Still... basics.

BUT I digress! Despite those few quirks it was still an enjoyable story, and the end definitely got me a lil misty-eyed... reminded me of losing my own pets, and how close we'd come to losing my lil old Henry... Definitely a nice little gem for any pet owner/animal lover. Hopefully I'll be going to the bookstore tonight, and I may just pick up the book while I'm there :3

I think it was the point that John had no idea how to control him or train him - he was a complete spur of the moment purchase for his wife because of her planned out life. I think after the obedience school it was pretty much decided that Marley wouldn't really be able to trained, although the $300 price tag on him as a pup compared to the others should have made one suspicious, but some would think it's a bargain.

Still, very very nice movie, but this topic is about the book - I may read the book as well.

Well, yes but tehy didn't fix him (this wasn't in teh movie) because John was hoping to breed him since he was a purebred. There are reasons for a lot of what you mentioned too, IN the book! Holylwood does this stuff so before you bash, READ it! Not trying to be mean, just a tip because the book is absolutely amazing and it explains a ton of actiosn the movie didn't even touch.

I haven't got to read it yet, I might, it looks like a good read.

You are correct. The book is MUCH better, more detailed, and more heart-warming, and humourous. In a movie, you can only imitate so much. In a book, you can imagine anything, as long as it wasn't already written down on a computer and published. The book has more humor, is more relatable, and all my friends say, 'The book made me cry. The movie didn't.' So have your proof that books are always better than movie versions of them--with a few exceptions.

And Kohaku Zero, it is a wonderful read, and I suggest you read it. Take this advice seriously. I have read books higher than my reading equivilency(AKA, my reading level), but few of those books are as good as this book. Also, you could read Marley: A Dog Like No Other, which is a shorter version of the same book. It is also what I read.

And also to everyone who posts here:

DON'T GIVE AWAY ENDINGS OR GOOD PARTS OF THE BOOK! It gets me annoyed because the ones who read through posts and haven't read the book or watched the movie aren't suprised when so-and-so event happens. -_- And it ruins the suspence and natural wonder of the book/movie.

I only saw the movie and it was brilliant! I did cry at the end though