The Dog Who Was There, Ron Marasco
The Dog Who Was There, Ron Marasco
1 Rating(s)
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The Dog Who Was There

Author: Ron Marasco

Narrator: Ron Marasco

Unabridged: 3 hr 12 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: 01/31/2017


Synopsis

Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man’s best friend—a special dog named Barley as his journey through ancient Jerusalem brings him face-to-face with cruelty, compassion, friendship, and the final days of Jesus in a deeply moving story about what it means to love faithfully.Barley knows what makes a good life: a warm hearth, a full bowl, and people who love him.In first-century Judea, the small, scruffy dog lives happily with Adah and Duv in their humble home outside Jerusalem. But when his beloved masters leave for the marketplace one morning and do not return, Barley does the only thing a faithful dog can do.He goes looking for them.His search carries him into a dangerous and unfamiliar Jerusalem, where on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.Told with warmth, humor, heartbreak, and hope, The Dog Who Was There offers an unforgettable new perspective on the final days of Jesus. Through Barley’s innocent eyes, familiar events become startlingly immediate—and the meaning of loyalty, sacrifice, forgiveness, and unconditional love comes vividly to life.The Dog Who Was There:Is for readers who enjoy biblical fiction, Christian historical fiction, or dog storiesBlends historical fiction and biblical truths in a meaningful and heartfelt wayMakes a great gift for friends, family, or readers in your lifeIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

About Ron Marasco

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, Notes to an Actor, was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, About Grief, has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare’s sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV—from Lost to West Wing to Entourage to originating the role of Mr. Casper on Freaks and Geeks—and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie Illusion, for which he also wrote the screenplay.  Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on Major Crimes. He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.  


Reviews

Goodreads review by Charles

A short, easy to read book which will appeal to many dog lovers and particularly to Christian dog lovers. I am not sure that the attitudes of the characters toward dogs accurately reflect first century attitudes in the Holy Land but that is not the point of the story anyway. A unique view of Jesus a......more

Goodreads review by Julia

The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco is a beautiful novel and one that will remain in your heart long after the last page is read. The novel is told through the eyes of Barley, a small seven year old dog. The reader witnesses his search for a home, for love, for a place to belong. Barley is a metapho......more

Goodreads review by Susan

This is the story of Barley, the dog who had an encounter with the Messiah in Jerusalem. Barley was homeless, hungry and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. We see the teacher from Galilee through the eyes of Barley, a dog. The story comes alive in a way you never thought possible. Bar......more


Quotes

'. . . this novel delivers a completely original impression and narration of the most familiar and greatest of all stories. From the pup’s perspective one learns a new understanding of terms like friendship and joy, but also of terror, ugliness, and betrayal. Though the book is imbued with a subtle and appealing spirituality, it doesn’t overwhelm. . . Children will love and be inspired by Barley’s story, as will their parents and grandparents regardless of religion, or no religion. Readers will smile, occasionally laugh, and surely cry, but come away uplifted by this immensely moving little book. Highly recommended.” Historical Novel Reviews

'Travel with a scrappy little dog named Barley. . . and see the world through his guileless eyes. Dog lovers will find Barley’s story both heartwarming and nerve-wracking as his well-being depends on the whims of humans. But like his various human masters, Barley comes under the influence of the Kind Man, a teacher from Galilee who brings a message of love and forgiveness as the ultimate Master of all.' WORLD Magazine

“Barley, the main character of this novel, is a sweet and loyal companion who readers will love… it is a good story with a twist at the end that readers may not see coming. It is worth the read for anyone looking for a new take on the common life during the time of Christ.” RT Book Reviews, 3 stars

“Through the touching tale of a stray dog who witnesses the ministry of Jesus, Marasco’s (Notes to an Actor; About Grief ) first novel offers an unusual perspective on Christianity’s beginnings.” Library Journal, starred review