Book & Film Reviews

A review of Camino de Santiago: The Pilgrims Speak, a documentary short film by Rich Henkels. Every pilgrim has a story to tell of their reasons for making a pilgrimage, and Henkels helps several pilgrims tell theirs, which range from spiritual and religious to recreation and personal growth.

A distinctive Camino guide by Scottish husband-and-wife duo David and Debbie Mercer. Reviewer Jerald Stroebele, who has walked several lesser-traveled Camino routes himself, considers this book especially noteworthy for the 144 pages the authors dedicate to sharing practical information and personal insights on the 17 different Caminos routes they have walked.

A review of The Way of the Wind, a memoir by John W. Pearson, a man walking the Camino Francés after suffering profound personal and physical loss. A geologist by profession, Pearson lends a scientist’s observant eye to his detailed descriptions of the human, natural, religious, cultural, and historical encounters of his journey, while managing to deliver them with humility and a touch of humor. Reviewer Jerald Stroebele regards Pearson’s story as “easy to read and hard to stop reading.”

A review of A Rising Sun on the Scallop Shell, a memoir by Mike Guest, a Canadian-born, Japanese-enculturated man. This account of his interactions with his fellow pilgrims on the Camino Francés offers his unique perspective on intersecting cultural identities, modern Japan, and the experience of pilgrimage itself.

A review of The Traveler’s Path by Douglas J. Brouwer, which explores a question common among pilgrims: “Why are you doing this?” Brouwer extends that question beyond pilgrimage, and applies it to the whole scope of human movement.

A review of Jackie Saxon’s Tales from the Trail, a humor-infused collection of 53 short essays that offer both pilgrim wisdom and disenchantments, along with a glimpse into the unique challenges the author faced as an African American woman walking the Camino.

A review of Lilly de Holanda’s Stones on the Camino. This memoir includes daily accounts on Camino, each complemented with post-Camino reflections that demonstrate the author’s insights and growth as she revisits and considers her experiences.

A review of Colleen O’Toole’s Camino memoir Restoring Joy. Reviewer Joe Curro calls this deeply spiritual and at times humorous account “magical, hopeful, uplifting.”

A review of Lisa Swallow’s Bringing the Camino Home, a resource guide for integrating Camino lessons back home and approaching daily life as a pilgrim.

A review of Gary Tutty’s A Funny Thing Happened Walking Lost on the Camino de Santiago, a deeply reflective, yet humor-laced account of Tutty’s 2023 journey on the Camino Francés.