Unpacking the Camino. 

In Summer 2019 I experienced a bit of a spiritual healing as I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Since then, I’ve been noticing little things here and there that show me that renewal and growth continue with me on this life journey. I’ve decided to capture some of these happenings here and post them from time to time.

I was following a Camino de Santiago Facebook group the other day when a discussion turned to favorite books about the Camino. Of course, being the author of one, my ears shot straight up. No, there was no mention of mine, not surprisingly. I understand. There are thousands of books about the Camino experience.

When The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho was mentioned, I nodded in agreement. I had read it before walking the Camino. Then someone mentioned he didn’t like this book, followed by another and another. How could that be? I thought. I sat in silence. Slowly it dawned on me that I didn’t really like it that much. I loved the beginning, and a good part of it. But by the time I got to the end I was reading because I felt I needed to finish it. I was no longer interested, drawn in. No longer mesmerized and eager to find out what happened next.

It was a sobering moment when I acknowledged to myself that I did not like the book all that much. It was also sobering, and enlightening, to realize that it doesn’t mean Coelho is not a great writer. Neither does it mean that I don’t know how to judge a good book. It simply means that his message did not connect with me at that place and time. Maybe it would if I read it again at another time.

I felt suddenly strong and free. As someone who has often nodded along in agreement with the majority voice, without giving much thought to what I truly think, this was a new feel. I liked it. It also lifted a burden regarding my own book. I can acknowledge that not everyone will like my book. It will not resonate with every reader. That is why the description on the back cover is so specific. It is a clue that this story is about spiritual healing, more so than about a physical hike. So it’s okay that some people will not care for it. That does not diminish me as a writer.

I love Paulo Coelho. As with many of his fans, I first met him through The Alchemist, arguably one of his best books. I’ve listened to him in interviews and marvel at his wisdom and at his life experience. And I’ll read more of his books. But it’s okay if I wasn’t enthralled with this one. And maybe I’ll read it again and see if I have a different reaction now that I’ve walked the Camino.

In closing, this seems like a good time for a shameless plug for my book, Keep Walking, Your Heart Will Catch Up. Check it out, read the description, and if you think it may interest you and you read it, let me know. And if you don’t, that’s okay too. I understand. I really do.