This is book is both funny and touching. John Grogan grew up in conservative Catholic family. John was a rebellious youth much to the dismay of his parents who were conservative Catholics. They wanted their children to attend mass every week, no drinking or smoking. John broke all the rules, that made for some really funny stories. John became a journalist and wrote a best selling, humorous book about his dog, Marley which made his parents proud. In the end, John made peace with his parents even though they had a difference of opinion. The humor in this book reminded me of the book The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson about a boy growing up in Des Moines, Iowa. ( )

I would divide this book into 3rds. The first part was just hilarious with stories about a kid growing up with ultra-Catholic parents. Typical elementary school-kid-meets-the-holy-nuns stuff. The middle part describes his (mis?)- adventures in high school and college and as a beginning adult and is a bit darker in tone. That is also where most of the religious conflicts between the kid and parents get described. The final part describes his fathers last illness and death and includes some real tear-jerker moments. I enjoyed the book but it didn't really supply me with any answers about how kids can "forge an identity at odds with their parents" or how "parents can understand the values of their children." ( )

Memoir about John Grogan being raised outside of Detroit in a very Catholic household and how he got into trouble, didn't practice his faith, and then relied on it later in life. OK book, in my opinion, not great. ( )

John writes about growing up in Michigan with 2 brothers and a sister to devout Catholic parents. It is a very endearing story and I could identify with John being we were born the same year. Another wonderful, wonderful book by Grogan! ( )

I loved Marley and Me and this was an equally touching, charming, and vivid story. This time the focus is on John Grogan's family and especially his parents, his coming of age and beyond. (Incidentally, there are certainly amusing anecdotes and adventures, but there are no crazy puppy clowns.) Throughout, Grogan writes about his parents' extreme devotion to Catholicism and his own reactions to religion. As in Marley and Me, Grogan invites us to think, feel, and reflect on our own lives and families. ( )