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The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir

List Price: $25.95
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Manufacturer: William Morrow

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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 070.92
EAN: 9780061713248
ISBN: 0061713244
Label: William Morrow
Manufacturer: William Morrow
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 352
Publication Date: 2008-10-21
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: 2008-10-21
Studio: William Morrow

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Editorial Reviews:

Finding your place in the world can be the longest trip home . . .

In his debut bestseller, Marley & Me, John Grogan showed how a dog can become an extraordinary presence in the life of one family. Now, in his highly anticipated follow-up, Grogan again works his magic, bringing us the story of what came first.

Before there was Marley, there was a gleefully mischievous boy growing up in a devout Catholic home outside Detroit in the 1960s and '70s. Despite his loving parents' best efforts, John's attempts to meet their expectations failed spectacularly. Whether it was his disastrous first confession, the use of his hobby telescope to take in the bronzed Mrs. Selahowski sunbathing next door, the purloined swigs of sacramental wine, or, as he got older, the fumbled attempts to sneak contraband past his father and score with girls beneath his mother's vigilant radar, John was figuring out that the faith and fervor that came so effortlessly to his parents somehow had eluded him.

And then one day, a strong-willed young woman named Jenny walked into his life. As their love grew, John began the painful, funny, and poignant journey into adulthood -- away from his parents' orbit and into a life of his own. It would take a fateful call and the onset of illness to lead him on the final leg of his journey -- the trip home again.

The Longest Trip Home is a book for any son or daughter who has sought to forge an identity at odds with their parents', and for every parent who has struggled to understand the values of their children. It is a book about mortality and grace, spirit and faith, and the powerful love of family. With his trademark blend of humor and pathos that made Marley & Me beloved by millions, John Grogan traces the universal journey each of us must take to find our unique place in the world.

Filled with revelation and laugh-out-loud humor, The Longest Trip Home will capture your heart -- but mostly it will make you want to reach out to those you love.

Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: Best Book I've Ever Read
Comment: This book is the best book I've ever read. I laughed so hard my kids came running to see if I had 'lost it' then I cried so hard at the end I actually couldn't hold the book. John writes as if you are right there with him experiencing the same things he is....most of which I have growing up in suburban Detroit myself. Read this one first and then read Marly & Me and while I have to say I loved the story of Marley too, this one is my personal favorite.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Excellent book in its own right, but being a cradle Catholic myself
Comment: it was outstanding. It went from laugh out loud funny, to sobbing uncontrollably. I grew up about the same time John did, was raised Catholic Irish, and abandoned the church at about the same age John did. John poked a little fun at his Catholic upbringing, but never crossed that line to irreverence or disrrespect. There are parts of this book that difinitely hit home (counting the Virgin Mary statues in the house)and the non Catholic may not find quite as entertaining, because they will probably think they are fabricated- they aren't!!! I love the part where John and Jenny stay in their parent's bedroom as newlyweds- with the crucifix, the Virgin Mary's and the rosary all staring at them.
I was a hippy, always in trouble, and was the first rebel in my family to quit Catholic school after sixth grade and attend public school. But will wonders never cease- after 30+ years of not stepping inside a church except for an occasional wedding or funeral I started attending Catholic Masses on a regular basis about 3 years ago. I thank God that I had a good foundation, and when I was ready to go back to church I knew where to go. I look back and am so appreciative that my family gave me the start that they did. This is a heartwarming book that I will definitely recommend- especially to my Catholic family and friends

Customer Rating:

Summary: DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!
Comment: I was so disappointed in this book!!! The language was very filthy!! This book is the sexual coming of age of a teenage boy. Very graphic and dirty.
I usually give the books I've read to the GoodWill but this book went right into the garbage after a couple of chapters. Mr. Grogan, it is not necessary to use such profanity. I am so sorry that I spent money on this book. It is a waste.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Beautifully Written, Really Hits Home
Comment: Like reading chapters from my own playbook in a way... many similarities, including the loss of a parent just before Christmas. I loved this book. John's writing skill and style is so easy and vivid, you feel like you're walking with him on his journey and having a talk. This is a candid memoir-- he doesn't hide the flaws. It's real. And that's what makes it so special. Did I laugh? You betcha. And I cried harder reading the last chapters of this book than I have in years. So well done.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Touching memoir
Comment: How do you follow a wonderful story about an unforgettable dog named Marley? Somehow John Grogan manages to do just that in his memoir about growing up, breaking away, and then bridging the gap between him and his parents. Grogan had a happy childhood, growing up in a strict Catholic family where attendance at Mass and performing other religious duties was mandatory. Despite his parents' vigilance, Grogran managed many mischievous incidents where he pulled the wool over his patient and loving parents' eyes. He also recounts awkward years when he was a pudgy, bespectacled teenager who longed for a girlfriend and recognition from his peers. He eventually attracted a girlfriend and became notorious for creating an underground newspaper in high school, neither accomplishment meeting the approval of his parents.

His relationship with his mother and father became very strained when he met and fell in love with a Protestant girl, and later moved in with her. His parents' disapproval was evident, and Grogan was torn between loyalty to his parents and his desire to be his own person.

It was not until his parents began aging and experiencing serious medical problems that Grogan began to fully appreciate them as people and put away old hurts and remorse. The theme of this book is a universal one and it is told with a wonderful mixture of humor and pathos. John Grogan has an easy and readable writing style and he creates another winner in this book about growing up, breaking away, and then taking the "Longest Trip Home".

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