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156 reviews for:
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Tom Ryan
3.95 AVERAGE
156 reviews for:
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Tom Ryan
3.95 AVERAGE
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.
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"
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.
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.
Endearing, well told, but repetitive at times
This story is told with warmth and came about as a result of facing fears head on. I love the insights shared that were discovered across miles of beautiful, cold, and (at times) treacherous trails. The story was heart-warming and often captivating. I gave the book four stars instead of five because there was a period in the book (somewhere in the middle) where I grew tired of reading about another cold hike with Atticus. The stories felt similar and repetitive and I lost interest in the book for awhile. I, however, came back to finish it and was glad that I did. The storyline did continue to evolve, my interest was renewed, and I was drawn back into this endearing story and glad that I didn't give up on it. I felt that it was worth the read.
This story is told with warmth and came about as a result of facing fears head on. I love the insights shared that were discovered across miles of beautiful, cold, and (at times) treacherous trails. The story was heart-warming and often captivating. I gave the book four stars instead of five because there was a period in the book (somewhere in the middle) where I grew tired of reading about another cold hike with Atticus. The stories felt similar and repetitive and I lost interest in the book for awhile. I, however, came back to finish it and was glad that I did. The storyline did continue to evolve, my interest was renewed, and I was drawn back into this endearing story and glad that I didn't give up on it. I felt that it was worth the read.
This memoir makes me want to hike especially since Tom and Atticus focused on my beloved White Mountains. I may not hike the 4,000 foot peaks, but I will learn more about the Whites, myself, and my dog on future trips.
I'm not as attached to my pets as Mr. Ryan I guess, because there were definitely times when I was like, "It's a dog. So it can't go into a restaurant any more because of health code violations." But overall, it was sweet to read about the little dog's determination to climb mountains and get better, and to see the impact pets can have on their owners lives.
I will admit that I listened to the audio, and there were times when I thought that Ryan was repeating himself, so perhaps there could have been some changes in the editing to change that, or maybe I was just zoning in and out.
I will admit that I listened to the audio, and there were times when I thought that Ryan was repeating himself, so perhaps there could have been some changes in the editing to change that, or maybe I was just zoning in and out.
I started this book a couple of days ago, and I could not have picked it up at a better time. I had to put down my dear sweet beagle today, on the cusp of summer coming and preparing to spend the summer hiking and taking to the woods. While I am still understandably heart broken, reading abut Tom and his adventures with Atticus M. Finch did help to make me feel a bit better. Dogs are beautiful, resilient creatures who throw their all into loving us. It is our duty love, respect, and take care of them in return.
I'm thankful for the years I had with all of my fur babies, and while I'll miss my sweet beagle I think the time in the woods this summer with my German Shepherd will help in the healing process. Bonnie Beagle loved nothing in this world better than chasing rabbits through the woods, open fields, and anywhere else she could manage to squeeze into. We'll miss her, but we'll be closer to her again out there in the places she loved most.
I'm thankful for the years I had with all of my fur babies, and while I'll miss my sweet beagle I think the time in the woods this summer with my German Shepherd will help in the healing process. Bonnie Beagle loved nothing in this world better than chasing rabbits through the woods, open fields, and anywhere else she could manage to squeeze into. We'll miss her, but we'll be closer to her again out there in the places she loved most.
Very moving and inspirational, and I'm glad to have read it (definitely worth your time!), but be warned that the author tends to ramble and jump aimlessly from tale to tale. It can be very distracting.