Aug 23, 2012

Book Review: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan


Title: Following Atticus: Forty-eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Author: Tom Ryan
William Morrow Paperbacks; Aug. 7. 2012
Genre: memoir, travel
I was once asked if Atticus was the perfect dog. "He's perfect for me," I said. (from the Acknowledgements).
About: A little dog named Atticus M. Finch helps Tom Ryan on an extended journey of self discovery and healing by accompanying him on long and isolated nature treks up and down the mountains of New Hampshire.

Comments: The writing is excellent and pulls the reader into the heart of the writer and into the center of his journeys with Atticus, who often leads the way on the treks. In the middle of the book, I thought that Tom and Atticus would stop climbing, retire, and take it easy, having already climbed so many 4,000-foot mountains in all kinds of weather. But they continued on, during one winter making the rounds of mountains twice and raising money for an animal medical center. I read on and realized that Atticus pined for the mountains as much as Tom did and that their outings are a big part of what keeps them both contented.

Recommendations: This book is a excellent one for all dog lovers, trekkers, and others who like good writing and the outdoors. Those who normally avoid dog books because they fear an unhappy ending when the dog dies need have no fear. Atticus and Tom are both still active and mountain trekking.

The author: In 2007 former newspaper publisher and editor Tom Ryan moved to New Hampshire with miniature schnauzer Atticus M. Finch. Tom and Atticus have climbed more than 450 four-thousand-foot peaks over the last five years. After raising thousands of dollars for Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, the pair was inducted into the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hall of Fame. Tom currently writes The Adventures of Tom & Atticus column in the Northcountry News and Mountainside Guide, and the blog The Adventures of Tom & Atticus. Tom and Atticus live in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Visit Blog | Facebook | Twitter

For more reviews of Following Atticus, see the Book Tour Schedule.
Thanks to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for a review copy of this book.

9 comments:

  1. This definitely sounds like a book that I would like. I'm definitely an animal lover!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really enjoyed this book. Tom and Atticus really have a special bond that was great to read about.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad this one has a happy ending!

    Thanks for being on the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The book trailer is so sweet! I love these types of stories. Life affirming and just make you feel good.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This book sounds positively wonderful! I enjoyed your review, Harvee.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The fact that this one does indeed have a happy ending makes me want to seek it out and give it a try. You hit the nail right on the head when it comes to why I avoid dog books. Anything that has animal death or cruelty, I just can't handle.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh this sounds like a wonderful book! I have heard nothing but good things about it. I like that quote about his being the perfect dog.
    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is one that I would love to read...animals get me!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Look at that sweet doggie face! I stay away from the dog memoirs for the exact reason you mention, but this one looks uplifting.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

Three Novels: Japanese Mystery; Family Drama; Ecuadorian

  Books in the mail The Night of Baba Yaga  by Akira Otani (translated from the Japanese). July 2, 2024, Soho Crime This is an unusual novel...