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stevie_2e's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know if you need to be a dog lover, but it may help to understand what sharing a bond with a four-footed companion is like to fully appreciate the journey Tom Ryan made in his life; some very important steps with Atticus as his guide. It's simple really, a story of people not lost, but stuck. Fear kept them in a familiar, comfortable limbo. For Tom, and at least one other, it took a happy little dog to break the trail to a richer life.
Tom Ryan is a decent writer who narrates a story worth knowing.
Tom Ryan is a decent writer who narrates a story worth knowing.
ltmurr's review
3.0
I started off really liking the story, though I couldn't understand why the author narrated the audiobook. His accent sounded forced to the point of distraction, and didn't add value. It was like someone went and highlighted the cliche Boston accent words (how many times can someone pahk a cah?), and told him to put emphasis on it.
Halfway through, it started to feel redundant. By the time I had one disc left I was sighing exasperatedly every time he repeated himself. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had read it, so I could have skimmed over the repetitious parts.
Halfway through, it started to feel redundant. By the time I had one disc left I was sighing exasperatedly every time he repeated himself. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had read it, so I could have skimmed over the repetitious parts.
cmasson17's review against another edition
3.0
A very entertaining and philosophical read about and a man who found himself by hiking with his dog, his spiritual guide. While you read it, you were transported to the White Mountains. When you finished, you wanted to go for a hike.
brentandvickie1978's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Probably because I love dogs and I love hiking. It was also well written and the author read the audio version. Tom Ryan made a lot of progress in character from the beginning to the end. It is amazing how a little dog can change lives for the better.
elvishmerecat's review against another edition
5.0
This book was fantastic. A really beautiful love story. It's not all about Atticus. It's about life and the people who touch you and the people whose lives you touch and the catalyst for all that was a very special little dog. LOVE this book. LOVE it.
clairegam's review against another edition
5.0
As a girl with a dog, (lemon and white working cocker spaniel, called Flo) who loves to walk the mountains of the Lake District, I knew I couldn't be disappointed by this book! What I didn't realise was that it would be such a beautifully written and moving account of the relationship between Tom and Atticus. It would take me on a journey of dreams, laughter, uncontrollable tears and the very special bond one can have with a dog.
In summary this book inspired me to get back out into the hills as soon and as often as I can, for, in the words of John Muir
In summary this book inspired me to get back out into the hills as soon and as often as I can, for, in the words of John Muir
"going to the mountains is going home"
the_ovenbird's review against another edition
Need to take a break from this book. Too much feels!
chelsea_not_chels's review against another edition
2.0
Pros: Made me want to hike more, though not in winter. Cute dog.
Cons: Tom Ryan is NOT a good dog owner and I was APPALLED at his behavior at various parts of this book. When you have a dog, you are responsible for them. You can't let them just do whatever they want, just like you can't just let a small child do whatever she wants, because THEY WOULD DIE. However Tom takes the "Oh he's his own person!" approach, which is, quite frankly, terrible. Tom is personally affronted when he can't take Atticus into places like restaurants because obviously the health code is persecuting him specifically. He is completely insufferable, thinks he's the hottest thing to ever hit Newburyport, and is definitely not a reliable narrator.
I hated Tom with every fiber of my being. At least my entire book club had a good time hating him together.
Cons: Tom Ryan is NOT a good dog owner and I was APPALLED at his behavior at various parts of this book. When you have a dog, you are responsible for them. You can't let them just do whatever they want, just like you can't just let a small child do whatever she wants, because THEY WOULD DIE. However Tom takes the "Oh he's his own person!" approach, which is, quite frankly, terrible.
Spoiler
At one point, we learn that Atticus has cataracts and is pretty much blind. Tom throws some shade on dog owners who can't afford cataract surgery for their dogs, all while other people pay for his dog's surgery. And then takes his BLIND DOG mountain climbing BEFORE his surgery. He literally describes Atticus running headfirst into trees and rocks because he can't see anything, but oh, it's fine, because Atticus is *special* and he *needs to be there.* At another point, Atticus is horribly mauled by another dog, something that could have easily been avoided if he had been on a leash, something Tom outright refused to do.I hated Tom with every fiber of my being. At least my entire book club had a good time hating him together.
shawneereads's review against another edition
5.0
Very cute. As a NH native, I really appreciated the depiction of my own backyard. I appreciate the author's love for the mountains. It gave me a new view of the mountains I call home.