A miniature schnauzer named Atticus M. Finch has climbed all48 of the four-thousand-foot mountains in New Hampshire several times.  Following Atticus most of the way has beenTom Ryan, a middle aged formerly overweight newspaper owner from Newburyport, Massachusetts.

  I was delighted toopen this book after seeing the cute cover of a winsome dog, Atticus, and begin reading a storythat warmed my soul.  Having recentlybeen on a fall foliage tour of New England anddiscovering the White Mountains of New Hampshire I was amazed to also havestayed in the quaint town that adopted Atticus. We stumbled onto it one rainy evening looking for a place to stay.  Our next day’s destination was Boston, but we were too tired to drive thatfar and fight city traffic.  The ClarkCurrier Bed and Breakfast will always be a highlight of our trip, as will Newburyport’s beautifulsea captain’s homes.  Tom shares storiesof the special people of this place but also the low-down nasty politics of asmall town.  He spends his days rubbingshoulders with everyone possible to find gossip for his underground newspaper,the Undertoad.

 When Tom finds alittle puppy to purchase and accompany him on his business excursions, Atticusopens doors all over town.  Who can resista well mannered little dog?  As Tom andAtticus begin spending time in the mountains, first with friends and family andthen more regularly on their own, he begins to find peace and contentmentmissing from his rough upbringing.  Thosewho enjoy the solitude of the outdoors and hiking will appreciate the way Tomwrites of his love for nature.  Those wholove animals will be amazed at the devotion and fortitude of this 20-pound spirited dog. Those who love books will be constantly touched by the lovelyreferences to great writers through quotes and poetry sprinkled throughout thestory.  Following Atticus: Forty-EightHigh Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship is truly abeautiful book you will want to share.