Main characters

1. Johhn and Jany Grogan – a young couple, who just beginning their lifes together. 2. Marley – John and Jeny dog.

Vytautas Didysis gimnasium
Form IIIc
Laurita Drankinaitė

Book report
John Grogan
Marley & Me

John Grogan

He was born in the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan, on March 20, 1957. He got into writing by default because He was so bad at everything else. Algebra, geometry, French, chemistry, physics -- they all escaped me. But writing, now there was a subject he could have some fun with. By eighth grade He was penning parodies of the nuns just for fun, and in high school, besides writing for the school newspaper, He started an underground tabloid, which earned me a celebrated trip to the principal's office. From there it was on to Central Michigan University, where He earned the princely sum of twenty-five cents per column inch writing for the campus newspaper while slugging away at a double major in journalism and English. He’s first full-time writing job came immediately upon graduation in 1979 when He was hired as a police reporter for the small and laughably lackluster Herald-Palladium in the Michigan harbor town of St. Joseph. He rode all night with cops, photographed murder victims, picked my way through smoldering house fires and sat over coffee with grieving parents. He also summoned the courage to ask out a willowy and tart-tongued reporter on the staff whose name was Jenny and who eventually would become my soul mate, lover, and wife, in that order.

About the book

This book tells a real story about a journalist John Grogan and his family's life during the thirteen years that they have been living with their dog Marley. Marley is a yellow Labrador Retriever, described as a very energetic, tameless, hardly controllable and often destructing his owners' property. John and his wife Jen buy Marley from a farmer lady. Well, he costs a little cheaper than other puppies because of his calmness and poor looks. But later his looks turn out to be very deceptive.

Living with Marley brings out different kinds of emotions. Grogans' furniture has been damaged and their peace has been ruined. But despite that ,Marley still becomes best friends with John and Jen. He also becomes Grogans family's member and their favourite pet of all times. When John and Jet decide to have children, the dog becomes childrens keeper and loyal companion.

Unfortunatelly, several years later Marley gets sick because of stomach disorders. There is no chance to help him so John decides to put him to sleep. Dog's owner remembers all the moments spent together - sad ones and happy ones - while he is bringing Marley to the veterinary. One hour later, the most paintful goodbye is happening. John is giving his dog a hug for the last time. Marley closes his eyes and dies.

Marley is being burried in the backyard of Grogans' house. All the members of the family are standing next to Marley's grave saying the most beautiful words of goodbye. They are talking about his kindness and those thirteen years spent together.

To my opinion

This book teaches us a lot. First of all, it shows us how strong love can be. Secondly, we learn that animals have their own moods and feelings, just like us. And thirdly, Marley's story makes you cry in the end, because you realise that one of the best things in life is an unselfish friendship between two loving souls.