Tom Ryan (2)

You have to be happy for the way that the author Tom Ryan totally transforms himself from sedentary, overweight townie to fearless peakbagger, and he mostly succeeds because of this little friggin' dog. Myself I just finished cleaning up a nasty mess in the living room so I am not particularly receptive at the moment to stories about the redemptive power of dogs. Also I was hoping that this book would focus more on the White Mountains themselves. Instead it is mostly an earnest recounting of show more a series of canine-mediated epiphanies involving the saintly Atticus M Finch. Yes, Tom is an ingenuous, talented writer and yes, Atticus is pretty special, but it is just that by and large Tom and Atticus are a right cliquish pair and liable to look down their noses at those of us who might be thinking that Atticus is, well, a dog. And just a cautionary note: if you should ever meet Tom and Atticus out there on the trail, be sure to say the exact right thing to Atticus or you will so find yourself getting owned in Tom's next book. All in all though, the book was fun enough and Tom and Atticus have me pumped to hike Bondcliff, Bond, and beyond. And those pictures of Atticus, buddha-like on the summits, those are priceless. show less

Following Atticus is not a typical read for me...I generally don't like books about animals as I hate to think of them hurting or suffering. But, my mother chose this book for me as a Christmas gift when she was on a trip to New Hampshire and I felt as though reading it helped honor her.

I was rewarded with a wonderful, heart warming story of how a little dog helped a man transform his life. Tom Ryan was a one-man newspaper publisher in a small town. He was overweight and lonely when he took show more in his first dog. While Max did not live long, he opened the door for Atticus M. Finch, a mini-schnauzer who seemed to carry an old soul with him. Together, they hiked the high peaks in the White Mountains, becoming famous in the process, even as they provided support to each other through some tough times.

I laughed and cried and Ryan's tender story makes me wonder what I've been missing by not reading books about animals. show less

For anyone who is a dog lover, you will fall in love with Will. Although, Will may be the star of this book, I fell in love with Atticus, Tom, and Aragorn as well. I absolutely loved that Mr. Ryan decided to take a chance on Will. I could understand his hesitation in the beginning after meeting Will and wanting to give him back. A lot of people would have done so. Yet, I think the reason that Will fought so hard and lived was because he had finally experienced what true love was with Mr. show more Ryan and Atticus. If you asked Atticus he would not admit it out loud that he did love Will as well.

It was easy to see how people became so inspired by Will. He was such an admirer of flowers. I knew going into this book that I was going to find myself crying but I did not realize just how overcome with emotions I would get when Will's time had come. The moments with Will surround by a house full of flowers, Aragorn saying good bye to Will, the one last mountain top hike, and the last rose flowing down the river. A must read for all dog lovers. Yet, be prepared to have the tissues ready. show less

If you think this is just a dog book, please reconsider. Author Tom Ryan has created beautiful prose in telling his story of life with little Atticus. He quotes well known, historical authors, he pens poetry and he tells a fabulous story. Ryan's ability to use sarcasm had me laughing as well as being down right spooked from tales of nights on the mountains.

Not far into the book I stopped and checked out the CD as well. I adored this read, can not imagine skimming as someone earlier show more mentioned. This book would make a great keeper for my very select "need to own" library. My husband & I took small jaunts on our honeymoon in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What is not to love when you add this "Little Giant" four legged friend? The bond and the healing power to Tom Ryan and many others is something I wouldn't have wanted to miss. show less