John and Jenny find comfort in Bab Marley's music and the musician provides the inspiration for Marley's name. Discuss how music can become a theme for a person's life using examples from the book.

Miss Dominatrix is devoid of understanding for the difficulties Marley poses for John and Jenny. How could a different mindset on the part of the trainer have altered Marley's behavior earlier in life? Could a successful obedience school have prevented Jenny from becoming overly frustrated with Marley following Conor's birth?

When Jenny is put on bed rest during Conor's birth, she sinks into a deep depression. What do you think brings on this depression? Do you feel it could be related to the miscarriage before Patrick was born?

Both John and Jenny have very fond memories of childhood pets, which prompt them to get a pet of their own. Do...