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

by Dick Hoyt, Don Yaeger (Primary Contributor)

Born a spastic quadriplegic, Rick Hoyt was written off by numerous doctors, but his parents, Dick and Judy Hoyt, were determined to give their son all the opportunities of a “normal” kid. In 1977, fifteen-year-old Rick asked his dad to enter a charity race. The twist? Rick wanted to run it too. Dick had never run a race before, and the thought of pushing his son’s wheelchair while running was daunting. But, once again, Dick and Rick were determined to overcome any obstacle. More than one thousand races later, the devoted father son duo is affectionately known worldwide as Team Hoyt and continue to move people with their trademark motto: “Yes, you can.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports, Biography, Biography Memoir, Fitness

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2010

Reviews

[Beth Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredible story, ok book. The Hoyts are amazing and are making a positive difference in the world which is great. I know I should have been more inspired by the book than I was. I really was impressed by their father/son devotion to each other and their desire to race together, but had a harder time with their desire to commit so much of their time to running (always impressed by their racing results and dedication to persevere). That much focus on racing makes sense now as racing and public speaking have become their careers and they truly are making a difference everywhere they go. I just had a hard time understanding how in the early years they were able to balance that much focus on running and still make work, school and other family members a priority. Admittedly, it did take a negative toll on the wife (mother) and specifically the husband/wife relationship. I was sad about that. On the other hand, I am completely inspired by my sister-in-law who will be racing as part of the Hoyt Team this year in the Boston Marathon. Way to go Heather!!! For that reason, it was interesting to find out more about the Hoyts and their cause. I am sure glad there are people like the Hoyts who are actively making our world a better place! [FYI: I didn't mark this review as having spoilers, because what I wrote about can be read on the back cover and the first three pages.]

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who has seen the Hoyt's run will enjoy hearing their story from the beginning. I only gave it 3 stars, because I felt the writing was not great, and there was a little too much self-praise for how great they are. They are an inspiration, that goes without saying, but hearing someone go on and on about all the publicity they've received and all the people who are inspired by their story starts to feel a little icky after awhile. I enjoyed more learning about how Dick & Judy fell in love, started their family, faced the hurdles that came with having a disabled child in the 70's when times were very different, how their family unit functioned and how they made the best out of every situtation. They got away from this in real life and in the book and that was a let down.

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story; really inspiring!! Every time I hear about what these men have accomplished, I am so moved. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because it seemed to go back and forth in time a lot, which made it a little confusing to understand at times. But other than that, it was wonderful! Prior to reading this book, I just knew about their marathon and triathlon racing career, but this book also talked a lot about the work the family (mostly the mom and Rick, the son) did to increase educational opportunities for students with disabilities, and as a teacher, I really enjoyed that aspect.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have seen the billboards of the Hoyts and thought they were very inspiring. For some reason the autobiography didn't hook me as well.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd heard about this father/son team over the years and enjoyed reading their story.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the immortal words of the late, great John Hughes character John Bender: "Devoted" really pumps my nads!
It's tough to find a good story, and in the modern sports era It's even tougher to find a good sports story. Between Kobe Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger, Tiger Woods, and Barry Bonds etc. It's refreshing to read a story where the words champion & scandal aren't interchangeable. "Devoted" is a great story, so much so in fact, that the not so great story telling is easy to overlook. To its credit the book covers a 40 year period of time in a less than 200 pages, and manages to stay interesting, factual, and inspiring throughout.

Dick explains himself as a middle aged father that hadn't ridden a bike in over 30 years, didn't know how to swim, and hadn't run more than a mile in a row in his entire life. He is transformed into a marathon & ironman competing world class athlete all for his son Rick.
Rick was born a quadriplegic, diagnosed with cerebal palsy. He was considered by doctors to be a vegetable that would never do or be anything. Through perseverance, hard work and the heart of an athlete Rick graduated high school and college, lives an independent lifestyle, and even joined the mormon church.

"Devoted" is one of only a handful of books outside of the self help genre that will inspire you, and even more, it will actually inspire you to DO something. The father and son story of Rick & Dick Hoyt belongs on the short list of the greatest sports accomplishments of the century. If you have a soul this book is right in your wheelhouse. Even if you have "a little bit of what we call a weight problem" or haven't left the couch or office in over a decade upon reading you will be running up and down your block throwing punches like Rocky Balboa in no time. "Yes you can."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO...

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT!!

This book is really good the history the details of all the problems that they been through but I'm not saying that is good for they way is narrated (even though is not bad) is good because this history have inspired so many people around the world and not just that it moves you into action.

Itook the decition to settle to my job because I have a good job for my age (not the best one but good) but this history inspired me and now I know that I will not settle to what I have I will follow my dream of writting my own book, and I took the decition because I realized that you can accomplish any goal that you setup for yourself if you are brave enough to fight for it.

I marked it as spoiler because I wanna say that the letter that Rick wrote at the end of the books is amazing, I was going to rate the book as four but that letter brought me to tears and made me change my mind.

This devotion from this father to his son is amazing and I think evey dad should be like this not get a girl pregnant and forget about her, we all as man have to be bold and courageous to take the responsability and give all to our sons

[David Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible story. I didn't like the writing. The beginning in particular is badly written and no-one is interested in how much his first house cost. It would be important to re-write the beginning because if people got the book free they might give up after page 3. He kept saying the same thing in about 3 ways, of which about two were flawed grammatically. About the 100th time that the two words "our baby" was written I was on the verge of putting the book down forever, which would have been a pity because the writing did get much better. I agree also that the "self-praise" was excessive. That would have been ok if it came from Rick, but the actual father's words often came through as hollow which took away from the devotion aspect. Certainly I'm glad I read it. I also felt that the father was showing off about his work record and promotions in the military. Almost certainly this devotion led to the neglect of his wife and I do notice a certain self-centredness there which indicates that if all his sons had been normal he would have neglected her anyway.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've seen billboards with inspirational messages about these guys but didn't really know anything until this book. I haven't really thought much about what it was like to have special needs or raise a special needs child in the 60s and before. Attitudes and opportunities have certainly changed. This was a great story. Makes me want to run... or jog... or walk more. The only part that makes me sad about their story is that his marriage fell apart because of the time he spent training and racing and working.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Boston, I have known about the Hoyts for many years. Since I have a special needs son, I have no words for what they mean to me now.

Their simple mantra of 'Yes you can' is simple and perfect. I cried through many parts of this book. Their beautiful devotion to each other is amazing. Their trials to get Rick into school and accepted into the athletic community were hard and blazed a trail for so many to come after them.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be touched everytime I see the Team Hoyt video on Youtube (set to "I can only imagine.") I saw this book advertised in my local newspaper and was anxious to read it. I really enjoyed learning the story behind the video. I was very inspired by what I read and found that it gave me more of a desire to do hard things. What a devoted father! Loved it!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring. Though if you wanted to skip reading it, there's youtube videos that summarize their story and are just as inspiring. Really a beautiful story of love, devotion, perseverance, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit.

http://marcusandjenny.blogspot.com/20...

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this isn't the most well-written autobiography I've ever read, I did find the story very inspiring. I could definitely feel the bond between Dick and his son while reading this. And reading their story, as has happened to many other people, really makes me feel like I can do more! Can I get 10,000 steps in a day? Yes you can! Now I need to go find their videos on YouTube.

[Bookworm Adventure Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Team Hoyt for well over a decade. This read filled in some details of an incredibly inspiring story. "Through love, they have transformed a life of deprivation into a life of possibility". Who can ask for more than that? They are pioneers of special education and should be commended on their hard work, commitment and spirit.

[Heather Ekola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is five stars, the book is okay. Lots of repetition from his previous book, but it still gets 5 stars b/c every time I read about this duo I get blown away. There are no adjectives to describe them.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I recommend to all that have kids, face trials or would like to improve their view on life in general. Team Hoyt are heros to me and all that know them.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the single most inspiring book I have ever had the privilege of spending a few hours reading. I'd recommend it for every runner, every parent, every person who has ever thought maybe they complained a little too much -- and especially for those who have not.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. I have not sat down and read a whole book in a long time but I could not put this one down. This father's devotion to his son is extraordinary and you could feel it through all the words on the pages.

[Melissa Tevlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!!! Would recommend for anyone in need of a good, inspirational pick-me-up. Easy read which covers the genesis of this dynamic duo's quest to find an activity that both father and son could enjoy together.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this amazing story. After years of watching the Hoyt's I am so glad I read about them. Just a special book that I would recommend. I think they are even more terrific after reading this. Highly recommended.

[Ann Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book...didn't realize their start went back so long ago. They are truly an inspiration in many ways. Was sad to learn that his marriage didn't survive the marathons.

[Buddy Zarbock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story about sacrifice and hope for Rick. My favorite quote is by Rick "So what kind of vegetable am I?"

[Christopher Kijowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hoyt's story is truly inspirational, one we should all strive to achieve.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading the articles about them.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this father and son story before this book caught my eye. It is awesome the lengths some parents go to to support their children.

[Heather Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with some true inspiring moments. Best dad ever!!

[Drew Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

YOU CAN -
Please read this book- I cried...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHxHa...




http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com/...

[Debbie Rhines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an amazing story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I devoured it in 2 days. Such an amazing story!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to great lengths to get this book. It was worth all the effort. Amazing story. It made me feel like a self centered bum. I hope to do better.