Reading Journal

In Marley and Me, John has just had a few life changing experiences. First, he is alarmed by a loud and painful scream in the middle of the night. Then, he finds himself trying to comfort a young, seventeen year woman who has just been stabbed by an unknown person. At that time, John felt obligated to keep her confident and awake as her own blood continued to surround her. Meanwhile, John discovered a new side of Marley, instead of happily greeting the new friend, his instincts took over him and he stood watch close, to assure that no more harm came to either of them.

This scene reminded me of when I watch those "true story" forensic television shows with my mom. However, it is very hard to imagine something like that happen to someone right across the street from them, let alone be that poor victim. In addition, the emotional scare on that girl most be frightening and unbearable, but in the book, John seems to think that she will be okay because she is a strong person who won't let this get to her.

The second life changing experience was the arrival of his second child. Unfortunately, at twenty-one weeks John's wife, Jenny, was going into early labor and was hospitalized for twelve days to try to prevent the baby from coming that early. The doctors managed to stop it, but for the remainder of her pregnancy she was forced to stay in bed, and to only get up to go to the bathroom. That must have been an awful thing to have to do because she is such an active person. I view it as a negative thing, because like her, I can't imagine staying still for more than a minute, let alone a couple of months. The boredom got to her, and even after the baby was born John described her as "not being the same," and it is unfortunate that she was unable to move on from that part of her life.

Also, she ordered John to get rid of Marley because she is sick of him. Although Marley is an uncontrollable dog, I have become very fond of him, as John has, after reading all of these short pieces from their lives. I can;t imagine giving away someone who is practically a member of the family, despite their flaws. It's also very confusing because the title is "Marley and Me," so I am anxious to learn about what;s to come for this family.