Devoted: The Story of a Father's Love for His Son

I too was inspired by their Ironman viral video, but I still sat around other than playing golf or riding a bike. Then a high school classmate said I should do a triathlon with him. I was 60 years old. And he had been a fitness freak for years, but I agreed with a little over a month or two to prepare. And I completed my first race meeting all three of my goals — don’t die, finish, and do it under 2 hours. No matter what, everyone should read this book because it can inspire you in any numbers of ways, no matter what your situation is.

Was aware of the Hoyt story and was moved to order the book following the recent passing of the dad. This father/son tale is definitely a moving one. In some ways the book gives a fairly superficial account of their journey; Dick does not dwell too deeply on any of the hardships that any family with a severely disabled child faces on a daily basis, or the strain it can put on the rest of the family (sadly his marriage ends in divorce.) Nor does he spend too much time on the training it must have taken to clock such impressive finish times (which would have been impressive solo, let along pushing or towing another person.) The book mainly focuses on the the big and small victories they won for themselves and the disabled community via their racing journey. If you're a fan of stories of transformative experiences, athletic accomplishment, and overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, you will enjoy this book!

What a heartfelt story about a family devoted to one another; in particular, a mother and father dedicated and committed to their disabled son. It had been suggested that Rick (the disabled son, and oldest of the Hoyt children) be institutionalized and Dick and his wife live their lives absent their son. Institutionalizing their son was out of the question, but fighting for their son to have as normal a life as possible was what the Hoyts dedicated themselves to, even entering marathon races as a father/son team (Team Hoyt). It is a rich story that makes you think and feel. Highly recommended.

A great book, an even greater story of love and heroism. If you want to shed a tear, and be inspired--read this. It is a story about a relationship between a father and son that not only proves that modern medicine knows little about what is actually going on in the mind of those horribly afflicted and physically handicapped at birth. By that I mean; physicians and counselors told this man his son would never be anything but a limited human, probably nothing more than one degree above a vegetable. Instead of accepting that, this man and his wife chose to ignore that prognosis, and raise their son like any other child. The result is portrayed in this story, along with the full spectrum of positives and negatives. It is a story about unwavering love, and how that can defy all odds to open the life of a young child placed on this earth to teach us something. Most never open their eyes to see what lessons we are to learn from the handicapped. Most never listen to the message of the heart. This father did, and it is an amazing story that is very well told. One last thing--watch the HBO documentary on this father and son.

As I read this wonderful book in one evening; as a dad to 2 toddler sons, Dylan and Tyler, what we would do for our children has no bounds. Dick, I've never cried such happy tears and have been as proud to be a dad as I have after reading this book. Rick's letter to his dad at the end of this book has been bookmarked so I can practice Rick's thoughts on how to be a great dad like Dick Hoyt.

Wow, I was one of the folks who was inspired by Team Hoyt to throw on a cheap pair of running shoes and head out the door and just run. I have a copy of  It's Only a Mountain: Dick and Rick Hoyt, Men of Iron , but opted to read this book first.Dick Hoyt writes with an interesting style and tells the story of what drove him to race with his son. Through his words, you get into his mind and into his heart and you see what drove him to be devoted to his son. We read about the shock of Dick and Judy discovering that something was wrong with Rick, to their struggles to get Rick enrolled in school.At times, the book feels a little disjointed as Dick's narrative jumps back and forth in time -- I personally would have preferred a more linear narrative -- but I can't really take stars off for that because the book's message rings true, and that's the most important thing.Well worth a read. And you never know, it might just inspire you to put on a pair of running shoes and run a marathon.

...if you read between the lines you start to realize that this is more about him than his son, and then this hobby takes over his life to the point of alienating his supposedly beloved wife, and then divorcing. I'm not saying he's not a great guy and a great dad. He's likely done more for his son than most would in this situation. The book doesn't go into their obvious struggles, but rather skims over the top and makes raising a disabled child sound more 'Leave it to Beaver' than it likely was. Our church used this story as an example of giving of yourself selflessly, and maybe at first that is what it was, but then it turned into something more self serving. This is just how it read to me and is my perspective.

A wonderful story of the commitment of two parents to unlock the world of their physically challenged, yet keenly bright young son. And the later connection between father and son that embodies everything we long for in stories of courage, sacrifice and tenacity.

A fathers love demonstrated in sweat and blood, these two absolutely let nothing get in their way of achievement. Totally dedicated to each other and shows you unconditional love in its purest form. The son can`t run, swim, cycle - so his dad does the leg and lung work for him..............amazing story.

a wonderful book about team hoyt,i often watch their video for inspiration and had my 12 year old daughter read the book after me.true athletes

An overwhelmingly inspirational journey making the impossible totally possible. A beautiful father and son adventure.I so enjoyed this amazing story.

I have really enjoyed this book. I have smiled, I have cried. Recommended for everyone! Thank you sick thank you Rick

Such a touching & inspiring story. I laughed out loud & cried on many occasions.