September's Read -- Marley and Me chat

So what did everyone think? Has anyone also seen the movie--how did you think they compared? Who cried at some point during the book? Who wants to run out and get a Lab now? 'Fess up!

I haven't seen the film, so can't comment on that.
Didn't overly enjoy the book, I didn't like the writing style and it's totally not my type of book, I'm not into fluffy girly chick-lit. That said, I did laugh out loud about 3 times during it, and I did cry at the end . It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was probably quite close. I had to force myself to keep going at points.

Overall I thought the book was pretty good. It was way better than the movie, or rather it didn't translate into movie format very well. It felt like a collection of anecdotes and as a book I don't mind that, but when a movie tries to tell a series of anecdotes it feels like it's lacking in plot.

I did get a bit teary-eyed at the end (and during the miscarriage bit)--though I think the end chapter was way too emotional. It felt fake almost. It did make me miss my Lab a bit (though she is nothing like Marely, she's quite a good dog) but more than that it made me miss New England. All that talk about snow and apple cider (the non-alcoholic kind that I don't think is made overhere) made me a bit homesick! It doesn't help that my family back home is talking about how the weather is getting cooler and they''re baking pies, lighting the woodstove, and watching the leaves change colours. I miss Autumn . Anyways, back to the book, I don't think I would go out of my way to recommend it but I also wouldn't put someone off if they wanted to read it.

Mareth--I wouldn't say it was anywhere near close to the worst book I've ever read. Maybe I've just read some truly awful books but I thought the writing style was not bad. Although, I might have started skimming at some points. Did I need all that detail about the history of Labs? No.

I thought it was ok. Left a bit dissapointed as soo many people had read and enjoyed it, maybe it was because of that I expected more. I too got emotional when they miscarried and at the end. but there was bits that had my laughing as could imagne the havoc, from when my mums GSDs were pups especially the eating out part where he sends tables flying etc. Before reading book I really wanted to see the film but now I will watch it when it comes on TV rather than paying to see it. So overall glad I read it but not one I would recomend unlike the kite runner which I have just started.

I found this book quite difficult to get into, as I had heard such wonderful things about it and it didn't quite deliver. Although at times it did make me smile and laugh, especially as I can emphaise with manic puppies. My dad breeds Dobermans and they can be mad when tiny, but so lovely and funny. I did get quite emotional at the end and when the miscarriage happened. I haven't seen the film yet, and the book hasn't made me want to see film, but I am going to borrow it from my sister to compare. It wasn't one of my my hated books, but as chick lit goes I don't think it's in the top ten.

Lisa

What a talkative bunch we are this month!

I am afraid i got about 1/4 of the way in and gave up!! Not doing sooo well with this book club am I?!!

I do very much like the sound of the next months one so hoping to actually complete one so i can discuss it!!

I think quite a few people gave up with this one

I did finish it but I can't say there was much reward for doing so.

I found the back story of their lives much more interesting than the dog escapades. I'm seriously not an animal person though.

On the whole it was fine, easy to read but not one of those books that you can't put down though and it didn't make me want to rush out and see the film.