Judith B. reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Just finished reading this book on my Kindle, and must have a hard copy for my library and to loan to my friends. This book made me cry hopelessly at times, but not because it was sad, it made me look into myself to see what dreams were being suppressing. What my dreams had been and why I never followed through. In my younger days, I use to hike in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. I too, loved the solitude of the trail when others were not around. I totally related to this story and would highly recommend it to all. This book is worth at least 10 stars!
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 710 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Tom Ryan describes himself as middle-aged, overweight and an acrophobic newspaperman. He and his canine companion, miniature schnauzer, Atticus M. Finch, are an unlikely pair of mountaineers. Tom was drawn to the New Hampshire peaks by some childhood memories. When a close friend dies of cancer he decides to climb all 48 four thousand foot peaks twice in one winter as a tribute to her and to raise money for charity. It is an adventure of a lifetime and will test both the man and the dog's endurance. They trek miles on the dangerous trails covered in snow and ice. The weather becomes an enemy as snow and cold can keep them off the trails as they try to complete this difficult challenge.
Dollycas's Thoughts
What an inspiring story!!! An incredible journey, just a man and his dog. Perseverance, determination, strength of mind and body. This 5 pound little puppy worked its way into Tom Ryan's heart and they will both work their way into yours.
I found several interesting things in the book. The first was the breeder's advice to Tom to carry the pup wherever he went for the first month to bond with the pup. I had never heard that before but Tom and Atticus's relationship proves how well it works.
The second was the education of The White Mountains. Living in Wisconsin I didn't know much about them at all except that they were there :) After reading the book I checked out some sources online and there is a lot of information about hiking and the The Appalachian Mountain Club. After reading this book I wish I was able to hike the mountains myself.
Tom Ryan changed his life and his story could change yours. Whether it be climbing actual mountains or the mountains we all face in every day life. Attitcus was like "The Little Engine That Could", he didn't know he was so small and he led Tom up those mountains like an animal 100 times his size.
This is not a story you will soon forget. You will want to share the wonder of it with your friends and family. It receives my highest recommendation!
Dollycas's Thoughts
What an inspiring story!!! An incredible journey, just a man and his dog. Perseverance, determination, strength of mind and body. This 5 pound little puppy worked its way into Tom Ryan's heart and they will both work their way into yours.
I found several interesting things in the book. The first was the breeder's advice to Tom to carry the pup wherever he went for the first month to bond with the pup. I had never heard that before but Tom and Atticus's relationship proves how well it works.
The second was the education of The White Mountains. Living in Wisconsin I didn't know much about them at all except that they were there :) After reading the book I checked out some sources online and there is a lot of information about hiking and the The Appalachian Mountain Club. After reading this book I wish I was able to hike the mountains myself.
Tom Ryan changed his life and his story could change yours. Whether it be climbing actual mountains or the mountains we all face in every day life. Attitcus was like "The Little Engine That Could", he didn't know he was so small and he led Tom up those mountains like an animal 100 times his size.
This is not a story you will soon forget. You will want to share the wonder of it with your friends and family. It receives my highest recommendation!
Kinyorda S. reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 65 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent book. At times the author is a little wordy but considering his profession that is understandable. It is so refreshing to read a true to store that hasn't been exaggerated to Disney proportions. A must read for dog lovers and nature lovers alike.
Nicole H. (mom2birds) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was Decembers book club book. And I found the book to be very refreshing and entertaining. I liked the book for three reasons.
First I was amazed when I went to buy the book at Barnes and Noble there was a Pet section for books like this. When I think of a Pet section I think of books on how to train your dog or cat. I don't think of self healing adventure books as something that is in a pet section. It was nice to get away from the usual fiction and mystery sections of the store.
Second I found myself having tears streaming down as I read some of the chapters. Tom was very open about his life and relationships with Atticus and his father.
Third it was a quality read. The book is not very long but I found myself taking a long time reading the book, because I wanted to picture every chapter in my head. Not just read as fast as I could to get to the next clue.
First I was amazed when I went to buy the book at Barnes and Noble there was a Pet section for books like this. When I think of a Pet section I think of books on how to train your dog or cat. I don't think of self healing adventure books as something that is in a pet section. It was nice to get away from the usual fiction and mystery sections of the store.
Second I found myself having tears streaming down as I read some of the chapters. Tom was very open about his life and relationships with Atticus and his father.
Third it was a quality read. The book is not very long but I found myself taking a long time reading the book, because I wanted to picture every chapter in my head. Not just read as fast as I could to get to the next clue.
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 353 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
excellent book on mans best friend. a jouney through the white mountain 400 footers in winter, in detail,and life changing. I will never think of the mountains here where I live in the same way I did. A man's journey with his dog changes his life.
Judith B. reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 46 more book reviews
Following Atticus is an extraordinary true story. I bought this book for my Kindle, and immediately bought the hard cover book, so that I could view the pictures. Atticus and Tom Ryan have an amazing friendship, love for hiking and the beauty of the White Mountains. I highly recommend this book.
Olivia H. reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on
Engaging and a great story. Well written and fun to read!
Linda K. (lhasalover) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 203 more book reviews
Anyone who reads my reviews knows I am a sucker for a dog book. Add in hiking one of my other loves and I am there. Excellent book on both accounts.enjoyable read.
Heather D. (icantswim) -
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. A very personal account of a man and a little dog. The subtitle says it all with the phrase an extraordinary friendship. I almost didn't write a review because I feel I just cannot do this book justice, but to forgo a review would be a shame. Please, just do yourself a favor, and read this book.
Debbie B. (orchid7) -
I chose this book due to all the five star reviews, and because I enjoy a good animal story every now and then.
I know I will be in the minority here, but this book just really wasn't a five star read for me at all. I wanted to like the book. Unfortunately, I just could not finish it. While initially I found the story to be somewhat charming, I quickly became disinterested in it due to its very repetitive nature. About halfway through I began to feel like it was a chore to try and finish it. After the third time of checking it out from the library, I finally just gave up.
I know I will be in the minority here, but this book just really wasn't a five star read for me at all. I wanted to like the book. Unfortunately, I just could not finish it. While initially I found the story to be somewhat charming, I quickly became disinterested in it due to its very repetitive nature. About halfway through I began to feel like it was a chore to try and finish it. After the third time of checking it out from the library, I finally just gave up.
Debbie D. (debbiemd) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on
A man, his dog and some mountains. Tom Ryan is an overweight newspaper reporter/editor in a small Massachusetts town when he adopts a dog and loses a friend to cancer shortly afterwards. Around the same time he goes on a hike in the mountains with his long lost brothers and soon decides to hike all of the White Mountains twice in one winter seasons with his dog, Atticus. Neither fit the stereotype of serious hikers. The book is very reflective of his life, his relationships with friends and family, particularly his dad, and of course his relationship with his dog and how they help each other. A little slow in parts. Was given to me highly recommended as a "best book I've read all year" so my expectations were a little high but was overall a decent read.
Linda K. (lhasalover) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 203 more book reviews
Loved the book. If you love hiking and dogs, this is the book for you.
Elmdea A. (treelady) reviewed Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship on + 5 more book reviews
Following Atticus is heartwarming and empowering. I rarely write book reviews, but this book calls for the exception.
Tom Ryan shares his own changes and challenges and how Atticus helped him as he helped Atticus. He removes the separation between "human" and "animal/pet". We're all on this beautiful world together, and together we explore and grow.
I recommend this book highly!
Tom Ryan shares his own changes and challenges and how Atticus helped him as he helped Atticus. He removes the separation between "human" and "animal/pet". We're all on this beautiful world together, and together we explore and grow.
I recommend this book highly!
