Book Review: Following Atticus

I have to admit, the first thing that drew me to Following Atticus was the cover. I've always been a softie when it comes to Miniature Schnauzers...my 16th birthday present was a Miniature Schnauzer puppy whom we named Schroeder, after the little piano-playing Peanuts cartoon character. He was a very smart, sensitive, and playful little friend even into his later years. I've also always enjoyed stories about mountaineering and outdoor adventure. Combine all that and you've only begun to scratch the surface of this tender, heartwarming and sometimes humorous award-winner. The author says it best when he states that Following Atticus is "about life, and growth, and redemption. It's about getting lost and finding your way back home again. It's about the journey inward, not the one to the top of the mountain. It's about friendship and discovery. And above all it's about love."

I have to respect author Tom Ryan's vulnerability and sensitivity in telling his story. From reliving his tumultuous childhood to giving his readers an unobstructed view into his journey of personal growth, Ryan shares how this little 20-pound dog continues to change his life. This unlikely pair's remarkable feat of scaling New Hampshire's White Mountains—more than once and in Winter no less—quickly becomes a backdrop to the real story, which is the extraordinary but natural bond that grows between Ryan and Atticus in the process. If you've ever experienced a bond like that with your dog, the author's words will resonate with you in a special way. If you've not had the great fortune of that experience, you'll find yourself wishing you had.

A real plus of Following Atticus is that when you finish the final chapter, you don't have to leave the story behind. Read regular updates from Tom Ryan on his blog www.tomandatticus.blogspot.com or you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.