Quick Take

Bad Dogs Have More Fun is an unforgettable collection of more than seventy-five newspaper articles from The Philadelphia Inquirer written by former columnist John Grogan. Combining humor, wit, poignancy, and affection, these columns provide insight into the intriguing and wonderful world we live in. Whether it be writing about animals (from dogs to elephants to geese!), powerful and moving comments about his own and other families, trenchant comments on life's foibles and farces, or his interviews and interactions with people who are memorable and unusual in their own right, John Grogan makes us laugh--he makes us cry--he makes us think.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Family, Animals, and Life from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Introduction

"Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Family, Animals, and Life from The Philadelphia Inquirer" is a collection of more than seventy-five newspaper articles written by former columnist John Grogan. Known for his humor, wit, and ability to capture the intricate world we live in, Grogan's writing in this book offers a glimpse into the lives of both humans and animals. With a mix of poignancy, humor, and thought-provoking commentary, this book delves into various aspects of life, from family dynamics to the absurdities of everyday existence.

About John Grogan

John Grogan is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has worked as a reporter, bureau chief, and columnist at various newspapers in Michigan and Florida. Prior to that, he served as the editor-in-chief of Rodale's "Organic Gardening" magazine. Grogan's first book, "Marley & Me," became an international bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2008. His second book, "The Longest Trip Home," explores his upbringing and personal life. Grogan's ability to connect with readers through his writing and his ability to capture the essence of life make him a beloved author.

Analysis of Views

Humor and Wit: Many readers appreciate Grogan's ability to infuse humor and wit into his writing. His columns are known for their lightheartedness and ability to bring a smile to the reader's face. Grogan's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making it easy to read multiple columns in a single sitting.
Poignancy and Emotion: While some columns are humorous, others are poignant and emotionally charged. Grogan's writing has the power to evoke raw emotions in readers. His stories often touch on topics that resonate with people, such as family dynamics, aging, and loss. These columns can be thought-provoking and leave readers reflecting on their own lives.
Wide Range of Topics: Grogan covers a wide range of topics in his columns, from animals to family dynamics to life's foibles. Readers appreciate the diversity of subjects covered in the book. Grogan's ability to find fascinating subjects for his columns makes for a captivating reading experience.
Personal Insights: Grogan's personal experiences and insights shine through in his writing. Readers appreciate the honesty and vulnerability he displays in sharing his own experiences. His columns often provide a glimpse into his personal life, making him relatable and endearing to readers.
Thought-Provoking Commentary: Grogan's commentary on life's absurdities and foibles is another aspect that resonates with readers. His observations on society and its quirks add depth to his writing and make it more relatable. His commentary encourages readers to think critically about their own lives and the world around them.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Writing Style: Grogan's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making it easy to read multiple columns in a single sitting. His ability to infuse humor and wit into his writing makes it enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Wide Range of Topics: The book covers a wide range of topics, from animals to family dynamics to life's foibles. This diversity ensures that readers will find something that resonates with them, making it a valuable addition to their reading collection.
Poignancy and Emotion: While some columns are humorous, others are poignant and emotionally charged. Grogan's ability to evoke raw emotions in readers makes this book a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on one's own life experiences.
Personal Insights: Grogan's personal insights into his own life experiences add depth to his writing. Readers appreciate the honesty and vulnerability he displays in sharing his own story, making him relatable and endearing to readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Expectations: Some readers may be disappointed if they expect this book to be similar to "Marley & Me." While there are some stories about dogs in the book, it is primarily a collection of columns written over the years by John Grogan. Readers who are expecting a sequel to "Marley & Me" may find this book lacking in comparison.
Limited Focus on Dogs: While the title suggests that the book is about dogs, it is not solely focused on them. Some readers may be disappointed if they are looking for more dog-related stories or if they feel that the title misrepresents the content of the book.

Conclusion

"Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Family, Animals, and Life from The Philadelphia Inquirer" by John Grogan is a collection of newspaper articles that showcases Grogan's humor, wit, and ability to capture the intricate world we live in. With a mix of poignancy, humor, and thought-provoking commentary, this book offers a glimpse into various aspects of life, from family dynamics to the absurdities of everyday existence. While some readers may have expectations that are not met due to the limited focus on dogs or the format of the book being a collection of columns, overall, "Bad Dogs Have More Fun" is a recommended read for those who appreciate engaging writing style, diverse topics, and personal insights into life experiences.