I would never have considered that a book about a dog could be so captivating and full of deep thoughts. But I changed my view after reading the autobiographical novel “Marley & Me” written by John Grogan which describes an amazing story about the neurotic and loyal, clumsy and loving dog named Marley. In fact, as the author mentioned in some interviews, he intended to write the “dog's story”, but soon after realized that it was impossible to do so without including family life[2]. This is why the title “Me and Marley” encompasses the main topic of the book, that is, the relationship between a human being and a pet. To begin let me introduce the main characters: John, Jenny and Marley. John and Jenny, a newlywed couple, began their family life in a small house in South Florida. They both had full-time jobs at the local newspaper. One morning Jenny decided to get a dog to develop her parenting skills. They finally brought home the male Labrador Retriever puppy who seemed to have fallen in love with the couple at first sight. The name "Marley" came up accidentally, while Jenny was listening to a Bob Marley song, and both Jenny and John shouted in unison that's the dog's name. Within a few weeks Marley grew enormously. His active and uncontrollable behavior affected the entire house. As a new boarder, Marley has also changed the family routine. Now John and Jenny had to walk the dog twice a day and return during lunch breaks to feed him. Young Marley was so hyperactive and excitable that the couple didn't even realize it was a symptom of the behavioral condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite his behavior, the dog played an important role in the family. My observation of the story through the growth book......middle of paper......the newspaper. I really recommend you read the last chapter of the book, where John collects the essential moral of his novel. He explained what the animal can teach man. John wrote of his relationship: "Above all he [Marley] taught me friendship, selflessness and, above all, unswerving loyalty." I liked Grogan's humor, writing style and way of describing the dog's mood. For example, he used italics to distinguish the dog's responses or thoughts, as if the dog was saying or thinking something. I felt that the author believed that a dog could be a central part of the family. This book taught me how to become a good dog owner. It is important to recognize that owners have a great responsibility for a dog's life.References1. Me and Marley. John Grogan, Harper publisher, 2008, 295 p.2. http://www.johngroganbooks.com/marley/index.html