book review – camino times two

The Cheltenham Literature Festival (and a Bonus Book Review of Travels With a Stick)

The email came as a surprise. “I am getting in touch to invite you to this year’s Cheltenham for a panel event about modern pilgrimages.” “This year’s Cheltenham”…as in the Cheltenham Literature Festival, in Cheltenham, England. The oldest festival of its kind in the world, Cheltenham is a big deal. It draws tens of thousands of peopleContinue reading “The Cheltenham Literature Festival (and a Bonus Book Review of Travels With a Stick)”

Why Do We Walk? Summer Reading Book Reviews

“Why are you walking?” It’s the second most popular question of the Camino, after only “where are you from?” Everyone had their own reason to put their life on hold, pare their belongings down to what fits in a pack, and set out on foot. I met people grieving the death of a spouse and Continue reading “Why Do We Walk? Summer Reading Book Reviews”

Beyond Even the Stars: A Visit With Kevin A. Codd

My summer is in its full “manic mode,” with work and pre-release book stuff and social engagements filling up every corner of the weeks, and travel every weekend, and my poor Camino del Norte story sitting neglected here on the blog. I’ll get back to it, I really will. But before that, I need toContinue reading “Beyond Even the Stars: A Visit With Kevin A. Codd”

Pilgrim Strong: An Interview with Author Steve Watkins

There are dozens of books written about people’s personal experience on the Camino. Today, a new one will be added to the list, and I’m particularly excited about it. This is Pilgrim Strong, by my friend (and tattoo buddy) Steve Watkins. Steve walked the Camino Frances (St Jean Pied-de-Port to Santiago) in the fall ofContinue reading “Pilgrim Strong: An Interview with Author Steve Watkins”

Camino Frances Memoirs

This is a harder list to narrow down and do justice. Not surprisingly, because the Camino Frances attracts so many pilgrims, there are quite a few (like, dozens) more books available.

The Via Podiensis (Le Puy Camino) Memoirs

It’s winter, it’s raining, and the world is a complicated, messy place. Sometimes the only solution is to turn it all off and curl up with a good book. And when it comes to books about the Camino, your choices are plentiful. Amazon lists 60 memoirs with the key words Camino de Santiago, and thatContinue reading “The Via Podiensis (Le Puy Camino) Memoirs”