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Where the Waves Turn Back: A Forty-Day Pilgrimage Along the California Coast
How far would you travel to find healing?
After years on the road performing at sold-out venues, Tyson Motsenbocker returned home to the impending death of his 57-year-old hero and mother. He begged God to heal her, but she died anyway. When they buried her body, Tyson also buried the childhood version of his faith.
Shortly before her death, however, Tyson became intrigued by the complicated legacy of Father Junipero Serra, the 18th-century Franciscan monk and canonized saint who dedicated his life to the idea that tragedy and suffering are portals to renewal. Father Serra built Missions up and down the California coast, spreading Christianity, as well as enabling and aiding in the oppression and colonization of the native Californians. Tyson discovered Serra’s “El Camino Real,” a 600-mile pilgrimage route up the California coast that had been largely forgotten for more than 200 years.
Two days after they buried his mother, Tyson set out on a pilgrimage of sorts, intending to walk from San Diego to San Francisco along the El Camino, following in the footsteps of the saint. Tyson’s journey takes him down smog-choked highways, across fog-laden beaches, past multi-million-dollar coastal estates, and along the towering cliffs of Big Sur. And as he walks, Tyson also wrestles with his faith, questioning the pat answers and easy prayers he once readily accepted, trying to understand how hope and tragedy can all be wrapped up in the same God. The people he meets along the way challenge his understanding of the meaning of security, of what it means to live a meaningful life, and of the legacies we all leave behind.
Where the Waves Turn Back is both part journal and part spiritual memoir, and ultimately, a thrilling and deeply satisfying read that asks questions that will resonate with readers seeking meaning in an utterly disorienting age.
After years on the road performing at sold-out venues, Tyson Motsenbocker returned home to the impending death of his 57-year-old hero and mother. He begged God to heal her, but she died anyway. When they buried her body, Tyson also buried the childhood version of his faith.
Shortly before her death, however, Tyson became intrigued by the complicated legacy of Father Junipero Serra, the 18th-century Franciscan monk and canonized saint who dedicated his life to the idea that tragedy and suffering are portals to renewal. Father Serra built Missions up and down the California coast, spreading Christianity, as well as enabling and aiding in the oppression and colonization of the native Californians. Tyson discovered Serra’s “El Camino Real,” a 600-mile pilgrimage route up the California coast that had been largely forgotten for more than 200 years.
Two days after they buried his mother, Tyson set out on a pilgrimage of sorts, intending to walk from San Diego to San Francisco along the El Camino, following in the footsteps of the saint. Tyson’s journey takes him down smog-choked highways, across fog-laden beaches, past multi-million-dollar coastal estates, and along the towering cliffs of Big Sur. And as he walks, Tyson also wrestles with his faith, questioning the pat answers and easy prayers he once readily accepted, trying to understand how hope and tragedy can all be wrapped up in the same God. The people he meets along the way challenge his understanding of the meaning of security, of what it means to live a meaningful life, and of the legacies we all leave behind.
Where the Waves Turn Back is both part journal and part spiritual memoir, and ultimately, a thrilling and deeply satisfying read that asks questions that will resonate with readers seeking meaning in an utterly disorienting age.
- GenresMemoir
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
10 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 5, 2024
cool stories. Respect to Tyson for sharing his story. Feels like he's just talking to you and sharing his adventure.
November 1, 2024
one of my favourite books (maybe ever)
his storytelling is that of a musician, and is at times so reminiscent of his music.
in a season of deconstruction and struggle, i so admired his openness about his anger with a god who has never been present.
i cried n cried n cried (will be listening to his music for the next week tysm)
his storytelling is that of a musician, and is at times so reminiscent of his music.
in a season of deconstruction and struggle, i so admired his openness about his anger with a god who has never been present.
i cried n cried n cried (will be listening to his music for the next week tysm)
December 16, 2023
Easily in my top 10 books of all time. Even if you have not listened to his music (which you should do), you should read this. His writing style, I admit, is better suited for lyrics, but I did not find that a major issue. His thoughts on his emotions are honest and true and he calls things as he sees them. He uses humor to lighten things, and he depicts all of the interesting people he meets. 10/10, this book can be read in one or two dedicated readings.
"And where did I go right, To find you like this?"
--Tyson Motsenbocker, "Carlo Rossi, Love in the Face of Great Danger"
"And where did I go right, To find you like this?"
--Tyson Motsenbocker, "Carlo Rossi, Love in the Face of Great Danger"
July 23, 2023
This was my favorite book I’ve read all year - the sarcasm sprinkled into life’s hard questions threaded together with outlandish tales ranging from jails to whales, really captures a lot of what I think could be described as the crucial essence of life.
April 20, 2023
I found Motsenbocker's book to be an interesting account of his journey. It is part travelogue, part verbatim conversations he had with those he met, and some reflective introspection from time to time. He includes observations on humanity, such as those who had left college and were living on beaches. His story is a reminder to pay attention to people and things as we go along our way.
While the book was published by what I would describe as a Christian publisher, I would not recommend it for Christians. Motsenbocker includes many conversations he had with people he met along the way and that means lots of foul language and alcohol consumption.
With respect to Motsenbocker's spiritual journey, he is unsure there is life after this one (213/2961). He initially only feels comfortable with a God who doesn't exist and if He does exist, has certainly failed him. (331/2961) Near the end of his journey Motsenbocker finally comes to accept that his mother is gone. Also, he has come to terms with a God who can be both kind and absent. (2803/2961) But maybe He wasn't absent, Motsenbocker thinks. He was just being patient.
Motsenbocker's writing style is quite choppy and factual. I felt the book could have used some editing. (An example: “...addressed to my sister and I...” (213/2961)) I think this book would appeal to millennials, younger readers who are satisfied with a physical and spiritual journey that culminates in an inconclusive view of God. Older readers like me might rather have a final spiritual message that included saving faith.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
While the book was published by what I would describe as a Christian publisher, I would not recommend it for Christians. Motsenbocker includes many conversations he had with people he met along the way and that means lots of foul language and alcohol consumption.
With respect to Motsenbocker's spiritual journey, he is unsure there is life after this one (213/2961). He initially only feels comfortable with a God who doesn't exist and if He does exist, has certainly failed him. (331/2961) Near the end of his journey Motsenbocker finally comes to accept that his mother is gone. Also, he has come to terms with a God who can be both kind and absent. (2803/2961) But maybe He wasn't absent, Motsenbocker thinks. He was just being patient.
Motsenbocker's writing style is quite choppy and factual. I felt the book could have used some editing. (An example: “...addressed to my sister and I...” (213/2961)) I think this book would appeal to millennials, younger readers who are satisfied with a physical and spiritual journey that culminates in an inconclusive view of God. Older readers like me might rather have a final spiritual message that included saving faith.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 4, 2025
An Unexpectedly Thoughtful Journey
I came to read this book because I enjoy tales of travel feats, and this one is not your typical recounting of a journey on a well established route or trail but instead of finding a way forward and through an almost lost route, one overtaken by progress. Along the way, Tyson offers deep insights into grief and beauty. This past year my mother in law died, and the pain and sadness was so bar at times. Reading this story helped me process my own grief and the reemergence of wonder and joy. I could hardly put it down.
I came to read this book because I enjoy tales of travel feats, and this one is not your typical recounting of a journey on a well established route or trail but instead of finding a way forward and through an almost lost route, one overtaken by progress. Along the way, Tyson offers deep insights into grief and beauty. This past year my mother in law died, and the pain and sadness was so bar at times. Reading this story helped me process my own grief and the reemergence of wonder and joy. I could hardly put it down.
October 30, 2023
I hope you find healing too.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews