This book is based on a dog that is normal. He is playful, and like any other dog he is not perfect. I like this book because it's just two people who want to have a family and Marley was there for them. A dog is loyal to it's owners anyway. I recommend this book to anyone in the ages of 11-16. I am 13 and this was the first book I read in the seventh grade and it was the best book I have ever read (well, so far).