The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir

What a spectacular insight into the condition of being human, in all it's glory, growth, and heartache. This book restores dignity to living an average life without the hype, and more importantly with a good sense of humor. It's wonderful to know that in a society addicted to scandal, drama, and shock value that there are real people out there living real lives worthy of publishing. Reading this book was like coming home again. If you enjoy falling in love with real characters in all their flaws, having a good laugh, and maybe even a trip down your own memory lane; then you have found what you're looking for in this book. Be warned though. While the some of the author's antics will make you laugh out loud, you may also need some kleenex before you're through with this one. (or as in my case..........a whole LOT of kleenex)

This book is the best book I've ever read. I laughed so hard my kids came running to see if I had 'lost it' then I cried so hard at the end I actually couldn't hold the book. John writes as if you are right there with him experiencing the same things he is....most of which I have growing up in suburban Detroit myself. Read this one first and then read Marly & Me and while I have to say I loved the story of Marley too, this one is my personal favorite.

it was outstanding. It went from laugh out loud funny, to sobbing uncontrollably. I grew up about the same time John did, was raised Catholic Irish, and abandoned the church at about the same age John did. John poked a little fun at his Catholic upbringing, but never crossed that line to irreverence or disrrespect. There are parts of this book that difinitely hit home (counting the Virgin Mary statues in the house)and the non Catholic may not find quite as entertaining, because they will probably think they are fabricated- they aren't!!! I love the part where John and Jenny stay in their parent's bedroom as newlyweds- with the crucifix, the Virgin Mary's and the rosary all staring at them. I was a hippy, always in trouble, and was the first rebel in my family to quit Catholic school after sixth grade and attend public school. But will wonders never cease- after 30+ years of not stepping inside a church except for an occasional wedding or funeral I started attending Catholic Masses on a regular basis about 3 years ago. I thank God that I had a good foundation, and when I was ready to go back to church I knew where to go. I look back and am so appreciative that my family gave me the start that they did. This is a heartwarming book that I will definitely recommend- especially to my Catholic family and friends

Also, for anyone from an Irish Catholic background. "The Longest Trip Home" is a gorgeous memoir of what it means to be an Irish Catholic male--and all the rebellion, craziness, and eventual return home attendant upon that. John Grogan is painstakingly honest in his quest for manhood and the pains that go along with searching for true independence, which inevitably leads back to where one can from. A great book.

We tend to be able to laugh at anything. We don't cry unless something touches our hearts. John Grogan, in "The Longest Trip Home," brought his family into my heart. Prefaced with notification of the elder Grogans' failing health and going back to the family's beginning, "The Longest Trip Home" shares, with a lot of humor and even more honesty, growing up in Detroit in the 60s and 70s, within a strictly Catholic family - a home in which the Blessed Virgin was the prime decoration, and one whose vacations were to holy sites. This book is so funny, so endearing, even to someone who's not a "Catholic School Survivor." John Grogan's parents not only embraced their religious faith, but allowed their faith to extend to their children. Theirs was a warm, loving household. I'd read, and laugh... and remember the preface and then tear up, knowing that one of these affectionate and devoted people wasn't going to survive the book. ("The Longest Trip Home" isn't just a delightful story; it's beautifully written. When English majors don't know how to use apostrophes, it's a breath of fresh air to be able to read a book without cringing. Really.) A note to Mr. Grogan: Thank you for sharing your family. Would you write another book, please? Soon?