TV actor Ron Marasco (Major Crimes) releases first novel “The Dog Who was There”
“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.”
—Library Journal STARRED Review
(Jan. 2017) In his new book, “The Dog Who Was There” TV actor Ron Marasco (Major Crimes) weaves a thoroughly researched historical setting and startlingly human characters into a universal story. For animal lovers everywhere, this is a must-read.
The story is—at its heart–a tale of unconditional and unconventional love. The novel, which releases Jan 31 (Thomas Nelson), is the hopeful story of a dog named Barley who experiences mistreatment and kindness and doesn’t give up on the love he believes humanity holds. Barley’s long journey of hope culminates in witnessing, through his innocent eyes, the brutal crucifixion of the greatest teacher of love the world has known.
“I wanted to bring readers a pure story of unconditional love at its core,” said Marasco. “Dogs like Barley are the embodiment of unconditional love. They are devoted, loyal, forgiving and spread joy. If we could treat each other the way our dogs treat us–and the way we treat our dogs–this world would be a much better place.”
Marasco, a former professor at Jesuit, liberal arts college Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, has several award-winning books to his name. 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.
About the Book
No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.
About the Author
Ron Marasco has a B.A. from Fordham University at Lincoln Center and an M.A. and Ph.D. from UCLA. Along with his work as a writer and Professor Ron has also acted extensively on TV—from “Lost,” to “West Wing” and “Entourage,” and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie “Illusion,” for which he also co-wrote the screenplay. He originated the role of Mr. Caspar in “Freaks and Geeks,” and most recently has been playing the oft-recurring role of Judge Grove on “Major Crimes.” He lives in Stamford, Connecticut.