Customer Reviews

Two Feet, Four Paws: The Girl Who Walked Her Dog 4,500 Miles

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Granted, I am a dog lover, a walker, and a person who enjoys being outside as often as possible. This book brings one all of those things while sitting comfortably at home. It is written in a brisk style that took a little getting used to, yet once I let go of wanting more details about the people she meets on her journey, I really got into the rhythm of the trip.

Spud is a serious person, who wants to have a good time, and also has a good sense of humor. She takes one over some terribly grueling terrain in her determination to walk the entire coast of Britain in an effort to raise money and conciousness about the plight of the homeless in Britain. Whether she is in Scotland in the dead of winter, or climbing the hills in Wales through the beginning of spring, it is a riveting tale. It's a daunting task, and she doesn't make it sound like a walk in the park. She doesn't forget to mention the beauty of certain areas as compared to the destruction Mankind seems to leave behind. It is this contrast that she observes which only makes for a better understanding of the regions she passes through.

Anyone who wants to feel what it's like to pit oneself against the elements of nature, against ones own physical body in rebellion, or just wants a good adventure story about a really good cause, will find what they are looking for in this book.

Brilliantly written and sharply focused account of 25 year old Spud's and Tess's ten month "walk" along the coasts of England, Scotland, and Wales. The drudgery, pain, beauty, and ugliness of the journey are portrayed so realistically that you feel every step. Spud is the writer and Tess is her dog. Spud walked 4,500 miles while Tess ran about 15,000 or more.

This is not a book you can breeze through and you may find that you don't particularly like Spud, but you have to admire her determination and her love for her dog. She doesn't show much of a sense of humor, but it might be difficult to have one after the first 500 miles.

Make sure you buy the 2001 edition of this book for the update at the back. Spud faced serious health problems several years after her walk.

I gave this book five stars because it truly deserves them. However, Alan Booth's book, THE ROADS TO SATA, deserves six stars on the same scale.