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kwray1972's review against another edition
4.0
Almost a 5 star for me, but I did find myself skimming in some places because there were a lot of extra words to tell the story. Atticus is an exceptional dog that changes the life of his owner. A small dog that hikes as many mountains as he did and overcomes so many different obstacles is an inspiration. Loved the story and it has also inspired me to spend more time hiking.
meliaraastair's review against another edition
5.0
This book is incredible. Just to put this in perspective, I am not a dog person (partially I’m allergic, partially, I’ve had a few bad run-ins with dogs while running) and books about dogs never are my thing. But while this book is sort of about the dog and the inspiration taken from a 20 pound miniature schnauzer who seems to be designed for mountain climbing, it’s so much more than that. It’s about companionship, it’s about so deeply experiencing a place that you find that “genus loci” there, it’s about having this experience that you know is changing you and you’re not sure what’s on the other side but you keep experiencing it anyway because you know you can’t turn back. I was incredibly inspired by Tom Ryan’s beautiful writing and his use of quotes from great writers of nature: Walt Whitman, John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, etc. Just one example:
(Tom uses this quote to talk about the mountains, while the quote is about poetry) “Permanence in poetry as in love is perceived instantly. It has not to await the test of time. The proof of a poem is not that we have never forgotten it, but that we knew at sight we could never forget it.” -Robert Frost
This quote hits the nail on the head about how I feel at Glacier. I remember reaching the destination in my first 10 mile hike and just being transfixed by the most gorgeous sight I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. I knew instantly I would never forget it and that moment somehow changed me. It’s hard to even put to words what that experience is, but in these awe-inspiring natural vistas, I feel this sense of overwhelming peace, and I know that the Creator of all things took not only the time to create this magnificent view but somehow, amazingly, also me.
Overall, I’d give this book a 10 of 10 for enjoyment and a 4.5 of 5 for readability. Only the 4.5 cause I kept having to stop to look through vacation pictures to find the moment that I’ve had that fits some of the beautiful quotes in this book. If you love dogs, read it. If you love mountains, read it. If you love stories of companionship or change or growth, read it. Now excuse me, I’m off to plan next summer’s trip to the White Mountains!
For more of this post, check out: bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com/2018/08/23/following-atticus-by-tom-ryan/
(Tom uses this quote to talk about the mountains, while the quote is about poetry) “Permanence in poetry as in love is perceived instantly. It has not to await the test of time. The proof of a poem is not that we have never forgotten it, but that we knew at sight we could never forget it.” -Robert Frost
This quote hits the nail on the head about how I feel at Glacier. I remember reaching the destination in my first 10 mile hike and just being transfixed by the most gorgeous sight I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. I knew instantly I would never forget it and that moment somehow changed me. It’s hard to even put to words what that experience is, but in these awe-inspiring natural vistas, I feel this sense of overwhelming peace, and I know that the Creator of all things took not only the time to create this magnificent view but somehow, amazingly, also me.
Overall, I’d give this book a 10 of 10 for enjoyment and a 4.5 of 5 for readability. Only the 4.5 cause I kept having to stop to look through vacation pictures to find the moment that I’ve had that fits some of the beautiful quotes in this book. If you love dogs, read it. If you love mountains, read it. If you love stories of companionship or change or growth, read it. Now excuse me, I’m off to plan next summer’s trip to the White Mountains!
For more of this post, check out: bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com/2018/08/23/following-atticus-by-tom-ryan/
bravelass85's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a delightful read when I was making my way through two 500+ page books about climate change and the end of the world. It follows the story of a man and his dog Atticus as he discovers an “Act 2” for his life climbing New Hampshire mountains. At times plotty (through mountain after mountain), there are these beautiful moments of rich meaning throughout when he shares his thinking from on top of those mountaintops.
sarahfett's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the story of this spunky pup and his person and their love of nature. I listened to the audiobook and loved hearing Tom Ryan's wonderful New England accent describe the mountains of New Hampshire.
jackie_shimkus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
dmahanty's review against another edition
4.0
A great memoir of a middle aged over weight man who finds a companion in a miniature schnauzer. Together they climb the mountains of New Hampshire. Inspiring.
sarab115's review against another edition
5.0
This book will inspire you to climb a mountain. An atypical dog book ~ the dog doesn't die!
dgodek's review against another edition
4.0
A book about the relationship between man and dog AND a dog named Atticus? You know there was no way I was walking out of the store without this one. A warm-and-fuzzy read about the impact of dogs on Tom Ryan's life.
luluthebard's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25