Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog - Josh Grogan - A Short Summary & Review

Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog  - Josh Grogan - A Short Summary & Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

Blue graphic displaying the book cover of Marley & Me by Josh Grogan alongside the text “A Short Summary and Review,” with a doghouse image in the background.
A dog teaches his people about love.

A short summary:

At its heart, Marley & Me is a simple story: a dog teaches his people about love. Through the chaos, destruction, laughter, and heartbreak of life with a wildly unruly Labrador, the book traces marriage, parenthood, and growing up alongside a pet who never quite learns to behave,  but always knows how to belong.

Marley isn’t just a dog. He’s a witness to life unfolding, from early adulthood through family life, marking time with muddy paws, shredded furniture, and unwavering loyalty.

My favorite quote from the book:

"Dogs are great. Bad dogs, if you can really call them that, are perhaps the greatest of them all."
- Josh Grogan

Blue-toned graphic featuring a doghouse background and a quote by Josh Grogan about bad dogs being the greatest of them all, with #RiteOfFancy branding.

Questions to ponder while reading:

Why are boisterous dogs called "bad"?

Do I want another dog?

My Review:

So-called “bad” dogs are never boring,  and Marley & Me makes a compelling case that they may, in fact, be the very best dogs. Marley is disastrous, exhausting, stubborn, and impossible… and deeply, profoundly lovable.

This book understands something true: the pets that challenge us the most often give us the most in return. They teach patience, forgiveness, presence, and unconditional love. Marley doesn’t behave, but he loves fiercely and completely — and that is enough.

I love my bad dog. And if you’ve ever loved one too, this book will land squarely in your chest.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

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