Fluff of the Month: John Grogan - Marley & Me

For those of you that know me, I am a HUGE dog lover. I’m the kind of person who stops to pet other people’s dogs as they go on walks, squeals audibly when I walk by Kits Beach and see all the dogs playing in the water, and can’t wait for the day when I have a lifestyle that agrees with having a dog of my own. In high school, one of my friends actually had a dream where was I was the “Crazy Dog Lady” à la the “Crazy Cat Lady” from The Simpsons.

I commute to work via bus, so I often read to pass the time and ensure that I stay on track with my resolution. However, I knew I wouldn’t be able to read this book in a public setting when I started tearing up (on the bus!) while only reading the foreword. Yes, I’m that much of a sap. For dogs. Needless to say, I absolutely loved Marley & Me.

The book is an autobiographical story of columnist John Grogan, his family, and his yellow Labrador, Marley. You’re thinking, so it’s a story about a guy and his dog, but it’s so much more than that. You can tell that Grogan really gets in touch with his softie side to write this book. We follow his journey as he switches jobs, moves houses and has children with his 4-legged pal by his side. The fact that Marley is a bit wacko adds a dash of humour to entertain the audience.

I don't know, maybe you have to be a dog person to truly enjoy this book? Both my roommates read it and also enjoyed it, but definitely not to the extent as I did. I was snuffling and bawling my eyes out in bed and covered in blankets as I finished the book. Lindsay actually came into my room to check on me because she heard crying and became worried. I had planned on going grocery shopping later that day and couldn't leave the house for another hour after I finished the book because my eyes were so puffy and my skin blotchy.

If you're a dog lover, definitely read this book. If you're meh about dogs, I'd still recommend it because Grogan is a good writer. If you hate dogs... What on earth is wrong with you? Read this book and you will become a dog lover!