The Dog Who Was There

The Dog Who Was There

by Ron Marasco

Narrated by Ron Marasco

Unabridged — 6 hours, 0 minutes

The Dog Who Was There

The Dog Who Was There

by Ron Marasco

Narrated by Ron Marasco

Unabridged — 6 hours, 0 minutes

Audiobook (Digital)

$21.99
FREE With a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime
$0.00

Free with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime

START FREE TRIAL

Already Subscribed? 

Sign in to Your BN.com Account


Listen on the free Barnes & Noble NOOK app


Related collections and offers

FREE

with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription

Or Pay $21.99

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

'. . . 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

Historical Novel Reviews

'. . . 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.

WORLD Magazine

'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.'

3 stars RT Book Reviews

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.

Library Journal

★ 02/01/2017
In first-century Judea, a half-drowned puppy is rescued by a kind couple who show him love and kindness. When the dog, called Barley, is uprooted from this home and becomes a stray living on the outskirts of Jerusalem, he meets a homeless petty thief named Samid. Together, master and pooch hear talk of a kind and knowledgeable teacher from Galilee who preaches in the streets. When Samid is arrested by Roman soldiers to be crucified, rumors indicate that the preacher will share his fate. Barley observes firsthand the deaths of his master and the teacher of Galilee. VERDICT 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. Lovers of canine stories and readers of biblical fiction will be pleased by this hopeful tale.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940171133559
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 01/31/2017
Edition description: Unabridged
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews