Welcome to La Concha. Here are our Camino book and film reviews.
A review of Shelli Peck’s engaging and introspective memoir Yellow Arrows, a physical and emotional journey story that ultimately reminds us of the higher purpose that pilgrimage can serve to help point the way in our lives.
A review of a “brilliantly illustrated and beautifully written” small book in which Paul Fee shares his love of geology with his fellow pilgrims, offering them a preview of what they might see geologically as they make their way along the Camino Francés from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.
Book review of The Codex of Christian Surname, Shoshana D. Kerewsky’s debut novel set in an alternate late Middle Ages Spain. The story begins with a 13-year-old girl, orphaned and living with aunts, uncles, and cousins in a small town near a pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. The shimmering tale follows the protagonist along the Camino and far beyond, spiraling toward a sacred feminine core.
A review of The Joyful Gypsy Gal, in which author Mary Baldree weaves together her Camino experiences in Spain with the larger pilgrimage of her life to tell a journey story of joy and courage.
An experienced Camino pilgrim finds the idea of a pilgrim walk in Scotland appealing until he considers the region’s rainy climate, dampening any desire he has to walk there. Then, he reads Matthew Anderson’s account of pilgrimage walks in Scotland and Nova Scotia, enticing him to reconsider a walk in Scotland, rain or shine.
Book review of A Way to Forgiveness, Erin R. Dooley’s memoir about her journey as she heals from a painful divorce and comes to understand mercy from the inside out.
A review of the documentary short film All Backwards, which considers an unlikely journey walked literally backward.
A review of Alder Allensworth’s “The Camigas Scarf: Crone” the last in a three-part fictional series inspired by an actual scarf that has created a special bond among women across many Caminos. This book follows 80-year-old Dot on the Camino Portugués.
A review of The Camino Compendium, Dave Whitson’s deep-dive into forgotten histories, unlikely miracles, and cultural oddities to explore along the Camino Francés. Whitson also bursts a few bubbles on some of long-lived myths along this long-traveled pilgrim route.
A review of two guides by Sybille Yates. Pilgrim Tips & Packing List offers the prospective Camino pilgrim practical tips on what to know beforehand, what to take, and what to leave at home. Taking the Camino Home is a thin volume packed with advice and gentle admonition on how to continue to live the simple life of a pilgrim back home.