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The Dog Who Was There
The Dog Who Was There
The Dog Who Was There
Audiobook6 hours

The Dog Who Was There

Written by Ron Marasco

Narrated by Ron Marasco

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man’s best friend—a special dog named Barley. 

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before. 

Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarving family who finds Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea. 

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. 

“An incredibly inspiring and beautiful tale of a blessed journey of lessons learned as told through the voice of one man’s (and humanity’s) best friend, a loving dog named Barley. Ron Marasco transports both heart and mind heralding understanding and acceptance while weaving rich religious history within the pages of this unique adventure.” —Kristen Chenoweth, Tony and Emmy award–winning actress 

“If you need a spirit-lift, a book of hope, a read that will urge you to believe that hope is worth the risk, you are holding the right book. Do yourself a favor—read and enjoy!” —Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author of How Happiness Happens and Anxious for Nothing 

“Some of the greatest life lessons about courage, loyalty, trust, and patience . . . I’ve learned from my dog. Read The Dog Who Was There and learn an amazing lesson about faith.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift 

The Dog Who Was There is a page-turning read that stops and opens the heart. Revealing profound truth with compelling grace, Ron Marasco offers a singular vision of the greatest story ever told.” —Beth Henley, Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian 

The Dog Who Was There is a wonderful, engaging book that adds a completely new perspective to the Passion story. Ron Marasco has created a character in Barley who will entertain and inspire readers. The retelling of Christ’s ministry through the human characters connects the reader in a unique was to the Gospel message, but it is Barley who will charm people of all ages.” —Kevin Baxter, EdD, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles 

  • Inspirational standalone novel with biblical elements.
  • Book length: 52,000 words.
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherThomas Nelson
Release dateJan 31, 2017
ISBN9780718083953
Author

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.  

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Reviews for The Dog Who Was There

Rating: 4.32 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was drawn to this book because I found it fascinating to read about Jesus through the eyes of a dog. I instantly liked Barley and enjoyed his journey. The author really captured my attention from the beginning. Barley , along with his siblings and mother were having fun playing in the grass when someone decided to end their adventure. I felt myself holding my breath at the dramatic escape Barley made. The author really brings the story to realism with words that grasp your attention. Barley is sweet, loveable and curious. He wanted to be accepted and loved and I thought that was a great addition to the story. We all go through life wanting to be loved and along the way we learn what unconditional love is through the teachings of Jesus. The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the description of the time period and felt as if I were there walking along side Barley. I especially liked the many lessons Barley learned liked forgiveness, love, family and struggles throughout his journey.Barley and people he meets along the way will encounter danger, compassion and a familiar story told in a way that leaves you weeping. I loved every moment of the story and found it hard to put down. It's a great book and relates to our own struggles with forgiveness . What would it be like to meet the Messiah? I highly recommend this book to everyone. I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Blogger Group. The review is my honest opinion.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved this portrayal of the final days of Jesus, and we are there with Barley, the dog we get to meet eight years before.We really are absorbed in the culture at the time, and I read the whole book with my heart in my throat, on the verge of tears. Guess I’m a dog lover, as if I didn’t know.I found myself quickly absorbed in this story, even though I knew part of the ending, but all along rooting for the dog. The author did a great job of keeping my attention and page turning, and felt that this was a book that I could share with my older grandchildren, they are tender hearted too, with Easter coming I fell that this might be a good reminder of their faith.I loved how the author incorporated one of the thieves that had become Barley’s master in the final parts of the book, and the death of our Lord. You don’t want to miss this one, but have the tissues handy.I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tour and was not required to give a positive review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I'll admit that while I have a certain fondness for animals in real life, I don't really do animal tales. The thought of reading a novel about a horse or watching a movie about a whale just doesn't appeal to me.But perhaps what intrigued me about this particular novel was the idea of viewing some of "the greatest story ever told" from a new-to-me type of angle. So I did indeed pick up The Dog Who Was There by author Ron Marasco. And I wasn't disappointed.No, this isn't a story about a dog who follows Jesus around everywhere. In fact, for a while, I found the parts where Jesus showed up to be the least compelling of the novel. Much like an extra guy who didn't quite fit in the story, in person. And I thought that perhaps His presentation here leaned too much toward the kind of soft and radiant Christ Who appears in Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur, not enough like a man Who used to work with His hands and would've spent a lot of His time in the sun and dirt.But, once it's all weaved together, He ultimately does fit in this account that centers on a lovable and courageous dog, Barley. Seriously, Barley's engaging and poignant story put tears in my eyes at least three different times. And while there's a simple, storybook feel to the characters and maybe some head-hopping (like hops from Barley's head into human ones), there's genius in the novel's layering and delivery.It's the kind of book that makes you want to be a better person, and that says a lot. I'd recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian and Biblical Fiction or inspirational stories, whether you're usually a fan of animal tales or not.______________BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: The Dog Who Was ThereAuthor: Ron MarascoPages: 272Year: 2017Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating 5 out of 5 stars.At first I will admit I was skeptical when I heard of this novel and saw the cover. It made me wonder if this in fact was a book for children. I also contemplated if the message of the gospel was in some way downplayed or made cute. When I first started reading and began to progress in the story, there were hints that the author was leading his audience to some discovery.I appreciated the author’s way of placing the story in the past with what I thought were believable scenarios based on that time. The descriptions of the various scenes put me right there as an observer, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book. The makeup of the many different characters, some of dubious means, made for tension and dangerous moments in the plot.I don’t think the book should be read to little children as some things that happen to the dog or people might make them scared. I think it is a great book for young teens and older ages, especially the conclusion will grab their hearts and attention. The central character might be the dog, but the travels of the dog are all leading to one outstanding and historical event that can impact and change lives today. The ending was really a stroke of genius and a surprise to me as I never saw it coming. I believe it will cause many to think seriously about the power of Christ in a life given to Him.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”