Following Atticus

Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship

By: Tom Ryan

Narrated by: Tom Ryan

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

A middle-aged, overweight, and acrophobic newspaper editor Tom Ryan and a little dog, Atticus M. Finch, are an unlikely pair of mountaineers, but after a close friend dies of cancer, the two pay tribute to her by attempting to climb all forty-eight of New Hampshire's four-thousand-foot peaks twice in one winter. Tom and Atticus set out on an adventure of a lifetime that takes them across hundreds of miles and deep into an enchanting but dangerous winter wonderland. Little did they know that their most difficult test would lie ahead, after they returned home....

Following Atticus is ultimately a story of transformation: how a five-pound puppy pierced the heart of a tough-as-nails newspaperman, opening his eyes to the world's beauty and its possibilities. An unforgettable saga of adventure, friendship, and the unlikeliest of family, it's an inspiring tale of finding love and discovering your true self.

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

©2011 Tom Ryan (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Wonderful story of unconditional love

I have owned 2 schnauzers that landed in my life by happenstance. I have felt every emotion mentioned in this story. My first dog was 180° different from my second. I learned from my experiences that when your dog trusts you, a bond like no other forms and gives you a far deeper appreciation of the intelligence and empathy of these amazing creatures. So much so that to consider the human species superior to any other inhabitant of this earth is pure arrogance and ignorance.

A story for the heart

This was a wonderful story! I really enjoyed the adventure! I felt like I was following along with Max and then Atticus every step of the way❤️

I love this story.

we are in a world of dog owner where mostly the dog is an annoying inconvenience tolerated for the other family members. We often have dogs with the dog giving the love, not the owner.
In this story the owner and the dog become best friends. I am seriously considering getting a Miniature Schnauzer again. Thanks Tom for so eloquently sharing your story.

beautiful

if you like to hike and you have a dog you need to read this

Finally! A Dog Book with a Difference

Following Atticus turned out to be a surprisingly great listen on a number of levels. The narrator's voice was sincere and refreshing -- not always the case for writers who read their own books. There are surprises and a mix of unexpected emotions, with the heartwarmingly good ones winning out overall. I love dog books, but I usually feel set up by those books because writers of such books have a penchant for being cute and funny and then hitting you with something sad that ends up defining the book. This is not the case is this delightfully thought-provoking book with a message that we all can find find our calling in life. Can't wait for the next book -- and it's a long wait, quite October, I believe.

Wonderful Book

What did you love best about Following Atticus?

I loved the story itself--a heartwarming story about a man and man's best friend. Highly recommended. The author's voice was perfect for the recording, too.

What did you like best about this story?

The ups and downs and especially the triumphs over hardship.

What does Tom Ryan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It felt like I was in the room with him talking about Atticus. In fact, it felt like I was out on the trails with them. It was something I would never get with a written book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! It made me laugh and cry. And it gave me an incredible sense of warmth and hope.

Any additional comments?

Everyone should read this book. Period.

One of my all time favorites

I love the story and the author reading his book is awesome and funny and makes you feel good.

Heartwarming story about an amazing little dog!

I loved this book! I cant wait to read Will's Red Coat. Tom is a great story teller!

Loved this!

Tom… Thank you for sharing your story! I enjoyed everything about this story. Your family life, your work in Newburyport, and the most beautiful sharing of love and friendship and life discovery. I felt I could see the beauty you both felt. Your lil Buddha did give you a gift and was sent to you .. No Doubt.

one of thebest books i have read and listened to.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes whole heartedly. Tom Ryan has a great speaking voice, and has written a most heartwarming story with a happy ending.

What other book might you compare Following Atticus to and why?

This is a love story. Simple and true.

Which character – as performed by Tom Ryan – was your favorite?

Tom and Atticus are the stars from beginning to end.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and cry, and want to read it and listen to it over and over.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful book and anyone that listens to it, will want to listen again and again.