Pets in Popular Literature

Dogs and Cats as Central Characters in Memoir

Dec 29, 2008 Lisa Rufle

Pets are gaining the upper hand as main characters in works of literature. Here is a look at some of the best picks for pet-centric books.

Animals are becoming mainstream literary characters at an impressive rate. Here are some modern must-read tales of some very inspiring cats and dogs.

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan

This is the ideal read for anyone who has ever had a dog that was a little naughty. Grogan weaves a hilarious and heartwarming story of his relationship with Marley, a boisterous yellow lab who is anything but obedient. From the antics of Marley's puppyhood, to the introduction of Marley to his human siblings, this story gives readers an intimate look at the not so perfect pooch. This one is best read with a box of tissues nearby for the laughs and tears that the reader will shed for Marley. Also worthy of noting, for those readers who enjoyed Marley & Me, Grogan has also released an illustrated version of Marley & Me with color photos, an adaptation especially for younger readers called Marley and two children's books based on mischievous Marley: A Very Marley Christmas and Bad Dog, Marley.

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote

By anyone's account 13 years is a long time to spend with a dog and Kerasote does right by his readers when he decided to document his time spent with Merle, his beloved yellow lab mix. This is not simply a book about a man and his dog, it goes much deeper and delves into the mechanics of the relationships between dogs and their owners. Kerasote emphasizes the concept that even though people may have a thing or two to teach animals, dogs are also capable of providing life lessons to their humans as well. Another tear jerker, but exceptionally well-written and deserving of a place on any pet lover's bookshelf.

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

Cats don't usually get their fair share of literary representation by the sheer fact that they are more aloof than their canine equals. Take, Dewey, for instance. He is the cat who inspired this true tale of hope and redemption. In Dewey, Myron and Witter present readers with a heartwarming story of Dewey the cat who is abandoned in the book return slot of the Spencer Public Library in Iowa. Dewey lifts the spirits of all the library patrons as well as the town itself, even serving as a media icon for the town of Spencer. Like the two previous books, this one is also a bit of a tear-jerker so don't wander too far from the tissues while reading.

While these books will serve well to entertain those looking for pet-focused literature, they also dive a bit deeper and bring to light the lessons that animals can bring to the people they touch.

The copyright of the article Pets in Popular Literature in Literary Culture is owned by Lisa Rufle. Permission to republish Pets in Popular Literature in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Marley and Me