Some books find their way into your life at just the right moment, and for me, Following Atticus by Tom Ryan is one of those special reads. I first discovered this heartwarming memoir years ago in Newburyport—the very town where Tom and Atticus’s journey begins. While waiting for sandwiches at a deli during my daughter’s lacrosse tournament, I wandered into a nearby bookstore and saw a poster featuring a small dog against a backdrop of towering mountains. Intrigued, I picked up the book, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
Between my first reading of Following Atticus and revisiting it this year with the Minot-Sleeper Library Nonfiction Book Club, I moved to New Hampshire. Living here, I’ve come to understand the allure of the White Mountains, although the pull to hike them the way Tom Ryan and Atticus did isn’t something I’ve felt myself. Instead, I find joy in walking and hiking with my three dogs on our land overlooking Newfound Lake, with a view of the Presidential Range visible from the base of our driveway.
Revisiting Following Atticus was like reconnecting with an old friend. Its themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of nature resonated even more deeply the second time around. Read on for my full review of this inspiring memoir about courage, companionship, and the extraordinary bond between man and dog.
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship by Tom Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Following Atticus by Tom Ryan is an inspiring and heartwarming memoir that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. The story follows the author’s journey as he adopts a small dog named Atticus and begins to take him on long hikes in the mountains of New Hampshire.
Through beautiful and vivid descriptions, Ryan paints a picture of the natural beauty of the White Mountains and the challenges that come with hiking them. But more than just a book about hiking, Following Atticus is a touching tribute to the bond between a man and his dog. Ryan’s writing is engaging and filled with emotion, making it easy to connect with him and his beloved Atticus. The book is also filled with interesting historical and cultural facts about the White Mountains and the people who have lived there.
I loved Following Atticus. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves the outdoors, dogs, or simply a well-written and heartwarming memoir. It is a book that will leave readers feeling inspired and grateful for the relationships they have in their own lives.
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Following Atticus is a story for anyone who loves dogs, nature, or tales of personal growth and resilience. It’s a book that will resonate with readers who find solace in the outdoors or are inspired by the bond between humans and animals. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a dog lover, or simply someone who appreciates a heartfelt memoir, Tom Ryan’s journey with Atticus offers something truly special.
Have you read Following Atticus or any other books that celebrate the connection between people, their pets, and nature? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations—share them in the comments below! If you haven’t read it yet, check it out at your local library or borrow it digitally through the Libby app. Let’s start a conversation about the incredible ways our four-legged friends shape our lives.
Artwork was rendered by Xine Segalas
