Book & Film Reviews

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.

A review of You Are Here, a novel by David Nicholls. This is a lighthearted romantic comedy about two people each nursing the wounds of separation and divorce, who “meet cute” on the UK’s Coast to Coast Walk. While not a story about the road to Santiago de Compostela, it carries many themes that Camino pilgrims will find familiar and entertaining.

A review of Alder Allensworth’s The Camigas Scarf: Maiden, the second novel in a planned three-part series inspired by an actual scarf that has created a special connection among women across many Caminos. In this hero’s journey tale, an archetypal cast of characters help Valerie advance on her maiden voyage.

A review of Once Upon a Camino, a novel by Matthew S. Wilson. In this story of love, adventure, and time travel from 2010 to 1954, the Camino teaches protagonist Tom, an investment banker used to having everything at his disposal, that instead of relying on money and technology, he must now rely on others for a meal and a place to sleep, and even for his own safety and security.

Reviews of two introspective guidebooks, one designed to accompany pilgrims on their journey and the other structured to guide pilgrims in integrating their experiences into daily life after a journey.